The ACLU-DC supports the bill’s intent to make MPD’s disciplinary process more meaningful and to expand the role of the Office of Police complaints. But, the language lacks clarity and authority, so this testimony focuses on the accountability and disciplinary systems the bill addresses.
D.C. residents deserve full representation in our national government. Also, in granting Statehood through an act of Congress, S. 51 is a valid and defensible exercise of congressional power. It is beyond time to give D.C. the true autonomy and self-governance that comes with statehood.
The ACLU-DC urges the Council to enact reforms that give OPC greater oversight of police practices in line with the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission, and allocate District dollars in the FY22 budget to ensure OPC can deliver on this expanded mandate.
The testimony addresses the ACLU-DC's concerns and recommendations for the District’s FY22 budgets for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE).
This testimony highlights the ACLU-DC's support for the recommendations made by the D.C. Police Reform Commission to dismantle the school policing infrastructure and reduce interactions between youth and law enforcement.
This testimony includes some recommendations of the report that the ACLU-DC views as critical to restricting harmful police practices and holding police accountable to the law and to the communities they serve.