Policing Reform Action

• Posted on September 24, 2020
• by Sarah Marino
• in Community, Latest News, Ministries/Task Force News, Outreach
• Comments Off on Policing Reform Action

First Congregational in Winchester, This invitation comes from the Mass Council of Churches as a practical way to encourage steps to be taken in our own region for policing reform. Please consider the following as a potential practical way to step out in faith in the public square….

As of Thursday September 24, it has been 100 days since Governor Baker introduced a bill to establish a statewide standard for law enforcement in Massachusetts. The Policing Reform Bill is still in Conference committee, even as more Black people across the nation have been shot by police, and even as more evidence mounts at home that police departments desperately need reform to gain community trust. The Boston Globe reported back on August 26 on the legislative delay. YOUR CALLS can help move this process along.

If you’ve read a book on racism, offered up a prayer after yet another death at the hands of police, put up a banner in front of your church or committed to do better, this is the policy change on which we need your help.

Massachusetts is one of only FOUR states in the nation without a statewide police officer standards and training system (POST), so an officer can be fired for misconduct in one town and rehired in another. The Policing Reform Bill is sitting in the Conference Committee, and needs our community support for strong, anti-racist provisions before a vote to the full House and Senate. Here’s what you can do:

1. Read and share this handy explainer.
2. Write, call, and email ALL Conference Committee members quickly with the sample script below.
3. Invite someone else to join you in praying & pushing for policy change.

Conference Committee Members:
Claire.Cronin@mahouse.gov (617) 722-2396
Carlos.Gonzalez@mahouse.gov (617) 722-2080
Timothy.Whelan@mahouse.gov (617) 722-2488
William.Brownsberger@masenate.gov (617) 722-1280
Sonia.Chang-Diaz@masenate.gov (617) 722-1673
Bruce.Tarr@masenate.gov (617) 722-1600

Sample Email or Call:

Hello, my name is _____. I’m a person of faith, a member at _____ church, calling with the Mass. Council of Churches and I am your constituent. I live at <your address>. I urge you to pass strong, comprehensive policing reform that includes:

1. Peace Officer Standards & Training
2. Civil Service access reform
3. Limits on police use of force and face surveillance
4. Creating a Commission on Structural Racism
5. Qualified immunity reform

Thank you for listening. As a Christian committed to the flourishing of all God’s people, I look forward to your positive vote in support of racial justice and police reform.

Tags: police