Black Texas Chiefs of Staff Leading the Charge

“Texas must be made equitable for everyone. There should no longer be a delay in justice and reform. Texas must show it’s the leader it has long spoken about and simply be as good as its promise.” – Black Chiefs of Staff of the Texas Legislature

Ten Black Chiefs of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate sent a letter to all state legislators detailing twelve policy proposals they seek to be introduced in the 87^th legislative session:

“We ask of these things because we recognize our roles, responsibilities, and duties as Chiefs of Staff but we are Black first.”

I’m proud to have sign onto this letter demanding for police reforms and removal of the confederate monuments on Capitol grounds. #txlege #blackchiefs pic.twitter.com/B0jSqQPs2Q

— Odus Evbagharu (@iamodus_) July 16, 2020

 

• Ban no-knock warrants

• Ban the use of strangleholds (carotid restraints), hog-tying and prone positions

• Create a statewide police officer professionalism (misconduct) database

• Create civilian oversight review boards with subpoena powers

• Institute a duty to intervene

• Invest in rigorous and sustained police training

• Limit the use of force by law enforcement officials

• Reallocate funds appropriated to the Texas Department of Public Safety and to provide more support services

• Reinforce the right of civilians to record the police

• Require independent investigations of police-involved criminal cases

• Require the use of body cameras and dashboard cameras; penalty for deactivation

• Restrict police officer indemnification and pensions

In addition, they also requested immediate action to remove all confederate monuments and commemorations from the Texas State Capitol. 

These Texan leaders are leading the charge for police reform and making sure Texas feels like home for everyone.