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Changes to policing policy in the states and 100 largest cities, 2020

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Responses and reactions to the death of George Floyd

Events following the death of George Floyd
Derek Chauvin trial, 2021
Changes to policing policy in the states and 100 largest cities, 2020
Local police-related ballot measures
Largest cities in the United States by population
List of current mayors of the top 100 cities in the United States
Federal policy on crime and justice, 2017-2020
Federal politics
State politics

In the weeks after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, nationwide events were held calling for changes to policing. Officials responded by issuing executive orders and passing legislation to eliminate certain policing tactics, such as chokeholds, and implement new community policing strategies.[1][2]


This page tracked changes federal, state, and local governments implemented in the wake of Floyd's death and subsequent demonstrations. It also tracked local police-related ballot measures proposed following Floyd's death. The page was last updated on December 31, 2020.

Think something is missing? Please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

Background

On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officers arrested George Floyd, a Black man, after receiving a call that he had made a purchase with a counterfeit $20 bill.[3] Floyd died after one officer, Derek Chauvin, arrived at the scene and pressed his knee onto Floyd's neck as Floyd laid face-down on the street in handcuffs.[4] Both the Hennepin County Medical Examiner and an independent autopsy conducted by Floyd's family ruled Floyd's death as a homicide stemming from the incident.[5] The medical examiner's report, prepared by Dr. Michael Baden and Dr. Allecia Wilson, said that it was "not a legal determination of culpability or intent, and should not be used to usurp the judicial process."[5]


Federal response

Federal policy on crime and justice, 2017-2020

President Trump's executive order on policing

June 16, 2020

On June 16, 2020, President Donald Trump (R) issued an executive order, titled Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities, addressing changes to policing on June 16, 2020.[1]

The order directed the U.S. Department of Justice to create an independent credentialing body that would develop a set of criteria for state and local law enforcement agencies to meet in order to be awarded federal grants. The order stated that the criteria should address excessive use of force, include de-escalation training, and ban the use of chokeholds, except when the use of deadly force is lawful.[1]

Law enforcement departments would also be required to use a national registry to track police officers who abuse their power and engage in multiple instances of excessive use of force.[1]

The order also directed federal funding to provide officers with co-responders or social workers to help them address those dealing with homelessness, mental illness, and addiction problems.[1]

During a Rose Garden ceremony where Trump signed the order, he said that he was "committed to working with Congress on additional measures." He added, "Congress has started already, and they’ll be having bills coming out of the Senate and possibly out of the House. And hopefully they’ll all get together and they’ll come up with a solution that goes even beyond what we’re signing today."[6]

Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) said that he supported banning chokeholds, and he added that the legislation being drafted by the Senate would "be consistent with that."[7]

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the order, saying, "While the president has finally acknowledged the need for police reform, one modest, inadequate executive order will not make up for his decades of inflammatory rhetoric and his recent policies designed to roll back the progress that we’ve made in previous years. Now is the moment for real, lasting, comprehensive change."[7]

State responses

Special legislative sessions

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

In the months after Floyd's death and the subsequent demonstrations, 12 states held special sessions of their state legislatures. Nine of those state legislatures addressed policing policy. More information on each state can be found below.

  • Connecticut: Connecticut held a special session from July 21 through July 27. On July 31, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont (D) signed HB 6004, a policing policy bill that made changes to police training policies, required police officers to use body and dashboard cameras, and banned chokeholds, among other things. For a full explanation of the law, click here.
  • Idaho: Idaho held a special session from August 24 to August 26. The legislature did not address policing policy.
  • Kansas: Kansas held a special session on June 3 and 4. The legislature did not address policing policy.
  • Louisiana: Louisiana held a special session from June 1 to June 30. On June 24, 2020, the Louisiana State Legislature unanimously passed HR 13 in both chambers. The resolution created a commission to study policing policies and practices across the state.[8][9]
  • Minnesota: Minnesota held a special session from July 13 to July 21. On July 23, 2020, Governor Tim Walz (D) signed HF 1, a policing policy bill that prohibited chokeholds in most situations, banned "warrior training", created a law enforcement advisory council, and made changes to use of force policies, among other things. For a full explanation of the law, click here.
  • The Minnesota State Legislature held a special session from June 12 to June 19. It did not address policing policy.
  • The Minnesota State Legislature held a special session on August 12, 2020. The session adjourned on the same day. It did not address policing policy.
  • Missouri: On July 15, 2020, Governor Mike Parson (R) announced a special session would be held to "focus on addressing violent crime in Missouri." The session began on July 27, 2020, and adjourned on August 26.[10]
  • Nevada: Nevada held a special session from July 31 to August 6. On August 7, 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak (D) signed two policing policy bills–AB 3 and SB 2–into law. The bills authorized a person to record law enforcement activity in certain circumstances; made changes to policies relating to when an officer was allowed to use physical force; required an officer to intervene if another officer used unlawful physical force; and made changes to how investigations are conducted of police officers suspected of wrongdoing, among other things. For a full explanation of each law, click here.
  • New Mexico: New Mexico held a special session from June 18 to June 22. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) signed S 8, which was passed during the special session, into law. The law required all state and local law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and required the archival of the footage for at least 120 days. Additionally, the law mandated sanctions for law enforcement officers convicted for unlawful use of force or for failing to intervene if a colleague engaged in excessive force.[11]
  • Oregon: Oregon held a special session from June 24 to June 26. Governor Kate Brown (D) signed six policing policy bills that were passed by the legislature into law during the session. For a full explanation of each law, click here.
  • Tennessee: The Tennessee State Legislature held a special session from August 10 to August 12. It did not address policing policy.
  • Utah: Utah held a special session from June 18 to June 20. Governor Gary Herbert (R-Utah) signed HB 5007, which was passed during the special session, into law. It banned law enforcement officers from using chokeholds in most situations.[12]
  • The Utah State Legislature convened a special session on August 20 that adjourned the same day. It did not address policing policy.

Arkansas

June 9, 2020

On June 9, 2020, Governor Asa Hutchinson (R-Ala.) issued an executive order that created the Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas. "The task force is being created to study and analyze the best practices and procedures for recruiting, training, and maintaining law enforcement officers in Arkansas. The task force will make recommendations to the Governor on enhancing trust between law enforcement and communities, and improvements or changes needed to enhance the profession of law enforcement to ensure compliance with standards," according to a press release from the governor's office.[14]

California

September 30, 2020

On September 30, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed four bills addressing policing policy into law. They appear below.

  • AB 846: The law required law enforcement officers to be evaluated by a psychologist for potential bias against someone because of their race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. It required the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to "study, review, and update regulations and screening materials to identify explicit and implicit bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation related to emotional and mental condition evaluations." Additionally, it required that job descriptions for law enforcement officers be updated to "deemphasize the paramilitary aspects of the job and place more emphasis on community interaction and collaborative problem solving, as specified." It passed the Senate by a vote of 30-0 on August 27, 2020. It passed the House by a vote of 67-0 on August 31, 2020.[15]
  • AB 1185: This law authorized "a county, either by action of the board of supervisors or through a vote of county residents," to create a board to oversee the actions of the sheriff’s office. It passed the Senate by a vote of 27-11 on August 28, 2020. It passed the House by a vote of 47-21 on August 31, 2020.[16]
  • AB 1196: This law prohibited law enforcement officers from using a carotid restraint or a chokehold to restrain a person. It passed the Senate by a vote of 33-1 on August 30, 2020. It passed the House by a vote of 67-0 on August 31, 2020.[17]
  • AB 1506: This law required "a state prosecutor to investigate incidents of an officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian." It passed the Senate by a vote of 33-1 on August 30, 2020. It passed the House by a vote of 60-0 on August 31, 2020.[18]

September 25, 2020

On September 25, 2020, Newsom signed AB 3099 into law. It required the California Department of Justice to assist local law enforcement agencies on tribal issues, "including providing guidance for law enforcement education and training on policing and criminal investigations on Indian lands, providing guidance on improving crime reporting, crime statistics, criminal procedures, and investigative tools, and facilitating and supporting improved communication between local law enforcement agencies and tribal governments." It also authorized a study "to determine how to increase state criminal justice protective and investigative resources for reporting and identifying missing Native Americans in California, particularly women and girls." It passed the Senate by a vote of 39-0 on August 28, 2020. It passed the House by a vote of 75-0 on August 30, 2020.[19]

June 5, 2020

On June 5, 2020, Newsom said that he told the state's commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to stop training officers to use chokeholds. Newsom also said that he would sign legislation to ban chokeholds after passage in the state legislature.[20]

Colorado

June 24, 2020

On June 24, 2020, Governor Jared Polis (D-Colo.) signed a bill concerning funding for law enforcement into law. HB 20-1375 repealed the "authority for the division of criminal justice to expend an unused appropriation for the law enforcement grant program in the next fiscal year without further appropriation."[21]

The final bill passed the Colorado House of Representatives by a vote of 41-23 on June 3, 2020. Thirty-eight Democrats and three Republicans voted for the bill. Twenty Republicans and three Democrats voted against the bill. It passed by a vote of 21-12 in the Colorado State Senate on June 6, 2020. Eighteen Democrats and three Republicans voted for the bill. Twelve Republicans voted against the bill. At the time of passage, Colorado was a Democratic state government trifecta.[21]

June 19, 2020

On June 19, 2020, Polis signed a policing bill into law. Under Senate Bill 20-217, the following was enacted:[22][23]

  • Decertification for unlawful use of force: The law required the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board to revoke the certification of an officer if he or she is convicted or pleads guilty to using inappropriate or unlawful use of physical force.
  • Ban on crowd control agents: The law prohibited law enforcement agencies from using impact projectiles and chemical agents or irritants, including pepper spray and tear gas, before announcing that they would do so and giving time to for the people to leave during protests and demonstrations.
  • Ban on qualified immunity: The law allowed a person whose constitutional rights were violated by an officer to bring a civil action to court. It banned qualified immunity from being used as a defense.
  • Chokeholds: The law banned officers from using chokeholds.
  • Officer intervention: The law required officers to intervene if another officer uses unlawful physical force.
  • Procedure for stopping citizens: The law required an officer to a legal basis for stopping an individual.
  • Body cameras: Beginning July 1, 2023, officers were required to wear body cameras and release recording of all incidents to the public within 21 days after the incident.
  • Use of force report: Beginning July 1, 2023, the division of criminal justice was required to issue an annual report containing information about officer interactions with the public and create a searchable database with this information.
  • Police conduct database: Beginning, January 1, 2022, the P.O.S.T. Board was required to create and maintain a database containing information about all officers' "[u]ntruthfulness; [r]epeated failure to follow P.O.S.T. board training requirements; [d]ecertification; and [t]ermination for cause."

The final bill passed the Colorado House of Representatives by a vote of 52-13 on June 12, 2020. Forty-one Democrats and 11 Republicans voted for the bill. Thirteen Republicans voted against the bill. It passed by a vote of 32-2 in the Colorado State Senate on June 13, 2020. Nineteen Democrats and 13 Republicans voted for the bill. Two Republicans voted against the bill. At the time of passage, Colorado was a Democratic state government trifecta.[22]

Connecticut

July 31, 2020

On July 31, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) signed a policing policy bill into law. Under HB 6004, the following was enacted, according to the governor’s office:[24]

  • Changes in the membership of the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST), which provides certifications and trainings to police officers in Connecticut. POST will be reconstituted to include persons impacted by the judicial system and towns of various sizes.
  • POST will issue an annual report on police department efforts to recruit minority officers, and it will develop new crowd control policies, require implicit bias training, and ensure that police disciplinary records are subject to Freedom of Information Act requests.
  • Uniformed police officers must have their names and badge numbers readily visible on all outer garments.
  • Cities and towns can create civilian review boards, which will have subpoena power through their local legislative bodies (i.e. Board of Selectmen).
  • Body and dashboard cameras will be mandatory for any officer interacting with the public.
  • Chokeholds, strangleholds and other tactics restraining oxygen and blood flow are banned, and officers will have whistleblower protections to report excessive use of force.
  • A new Independent Office of the Inspector General will conduct use of force investigations.[25]

On July 24, 2020, the bill passed the Connecticut House of Representatives by a vote of 86-58. On July 29, 2020, the bill passed the Connecticut State Senate by a vote of 21-15. At the time of passage, Connecticut was a Democratic state government trifecta.[26][27]

June 15, 2020

On June 15, 2020, Lamont signed an executive order to change law enforcement strategies. The order banned "the Connecticut State Police from using chokeholds, strangleholds, arm-bar control holds, lateral vascular neck restraints, carotid restraints, chest compressions, or any other tactics that restrict oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck," according to a press release from the governor's office.[28]

The order required updates to the Connecticut State Police Administrative and Operations Manual, including requiring officers to use various de-escalation strategies before using force. The order also required the state police to update community policing strategies, prohibited the state police from using military and military-style equipment from the federal government, and required all state police officers to wear and use a body camera.[28]

Delaware

August 13, 2020

On August 13, 2020, Governor John Carney (D-Del.) signed a bill banning law enforcement officers from using chokeholds in most situations. HB 350 created the crime of aggravated strangulation as a Class D felony. Under the law, "a chokehold is only justifiable when the person reasonably believes deadly force is warranted in order to protect the life of a civilian or law-enforcement officer."[29]

The final bill unanimously passed the Delaware House of Representatives on June 26, 2020. It passed by a vote of 16-5 in the Delaware State Senate on the same day.[30]

June 25, 2020

On June 25, 2020, Carney issued an executive order on policing policy. The order contained the following:[31]

  • Banned the use of chokeholds;
  • Required use of force policies and protocols for law enforcement officers to be posted on the agency’s website;
  • Banned the publication of photos of individuals under the age of 17, unless the individual was suspected of committing a violent crime;
  • Required the Delaware State Police (DSP) to increase its community outreach and build relationships with residents and community-based organizations;
  • Required the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware (DSHS) to continue participating in the National Use of Force Data Collection effort; and
  • Required law enforcement officers to participate in yearly training on implicit bias, de-escalation strategies, and crisis intervention services.

Georgia

August 5, 2020

On August 5, 2020, Governor Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) signed SB 509 into law. The law approved putting a referendum on the ballot in November 2020 to let voters decide if the Glynn County Police Department should be abolished. If passed, the police department’s functions and assets would be transferred to the sheriff of Glynn County.[32]

The final bill passed the Georgia House of Representatives by a vote of 152-2 on June 23, 2020. Ninety-one Republicans and sixty-one Democrats voted for the bill. Two Republicans voted against the bill. It passed by a vote of 46-1 in the Georgia Senate on June 18, 2020. One Republican voted against the bill.[33]

Hawaii

September 15, 2020

On September 15, 2020, HB 285 HD1, SD2, CD1 became law without Governor David Ige’s (D) signature. The law required police departments to allow the public to access the names of and information about suspended or discharged law enforcement officers. The law also authorized "the law enforcement standards board to revoke certifications" and required "the board to review and recommend statewide policies and procedures relating to law enforcement, including the use of force."[34]

The final bill passed the Hawaii State Senate by a vote of 20-4 on July 6, 2020. It passed by a vote of 37-14 in the Hawaii House of Representatives on the same day. Ige did not address why he did not sign the bill into law. Hawaii was a Democratic state government trifecta when this bill became law.[34][35]

Iowa

June 12, 2020

On June 12, 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds (R-Iowa) signed House File 2647 into law. The law banned police officers from using chokeholds, prevented the hiring of officers previously fired because of misconduct, and allowed the attorney general to prosecute an officer if he or she kills someone. Additionally, the law required annual anti-bias training for law enforcement officers.[36]

The Iowa General Assembly unanimously passed the bill. At the time of passage, Iowa was a Republican state government trifecta.

Kansas

June 24, 2020

On June 24, 2020, Governor Laura Kelly (D-Kan.) signed an executive order establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. "The Commission will study racial equity and justice in Kansas, and hold listening sessions with Kansans across the state with experience and expertise in the topic. The Commission will make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and local governments on concrete and immediate steps that can be taken to increase racial equity and justice in Kansas," according to a press release from the governor's office.[37]

Louisiana

June 24, 2020

On June 24, 2020, the Louisiana State Legislature unanimously passed HR 13 in both chambers. The resolution created a commission to study policing policies and practices across the state.[8][9]

Michigan

June 12, 2020

On June 12, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an executive order that added members to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Board. The board "develops the licensing and training standards for law enforcement officers" in Michigan.[38]

The order stated,

1. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (the Commission) created by section 3 of the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act (the MCOLES Act), 1965 PA 203, as amended, MCL 28.603, is expanded to include the following additional members:

a. The director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, or his or her designated representative from within that department.
b. Three residents of this state appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.

2. A member appointed under section 1(b) of this order must not be a law enforcement officer, a Michigan tribal law enforcement officer, or be employed by or otherwise affiliated with a law enforcement agency or a law enforcement training academy.

3. Of the Commission members initially appointed under section 1(b) of this order, one must be appointed for an initial term expiring on December 31, 2021, one must be appointed for an initial term expiring on December 31, 2022, and one must be appointed for an initial term expiring on December 31, 2023. After the initial term, the members will be appointed for terms of four years. A vacancy occurring other than by expiration of a term will be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.[25]

Minnesota

July 23, 2020

On July 23, 2020, Governor Tim Walz (D-Minn.) signed a policing policy bill into law. Under HF 1, the following was enacted:[39][40][41]

  • Prohibited chokeholds in most situations;
  • Banned "warrior training";
  • Made changes to the arbitration process;
  • Required officers to intervene if another officer uses unlawful physical force;
  • Required officers to have mental health and crisis intervention training;
  • Made changes to the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board;
  • Created a law enforcement advisory council;
  • Made changes to use of force policies and the reporting of incidents when force was used; and
  • Allocated $3.37 million "to establish an independent Use of Force Investigations Unit in the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct officer-involved death investigations, investigate conflict of interest cases involving peace officers and investigate criminal sexual conduct cases involving peace officers."

The final bill passed the Minnesota House of Representatives by a vote of 102-29. Seventy-five Democrats and twenty-seven Republicans voted for the bill. Twenty eight Republicans and one Democrat voted against the bill. It passed by a vote of 60-7 in the Minnesota State Senate.[40][42]

Nevada

August 7, 2020

On August 7, 2020, Governor Steve Sisolak (D-Nev.) signed two policing policy bills into law. The laws appear below.[43]

  • AB 3: The law allowed "a person to record law enforcement activity in certain circumstances"; made changes to policies relating to when an officer was allowed to use physical force; required an officer to intervene if another officer used unlawful physical force; required "law enforcement agencies to adopt a written policy regarding the drug and alcohol testing of a peace officer"; and required "law enforcement agencies to provide a report to the Legislature containing certain information relating to traffic stops and other stops by law enforcement officers and the software used to process certain information during such traffic stops and other stops."[44]

The final bill passed the Nevada Assembly by a vote of 38-4 on August 1, 2020. It passed by a vote of 19-2 in the Nevada State Senate on August 3, 2020. At the time of passage, Nevada was a Democratic state government trifecta.[44]

  • SB 2: The law eliminated "the prohibition on the use of a peace officer's compelled statement in a civil case"; changed when a law enforcement agency could "initiate an investigation into the alleged misconduct of a peace officer"; changed "provisions relating to the reassignment of a peace officer who is under investigation"; authorized "a peace officer or representative to inspect certain evidence and submit a response after the conclusion of an investigation"; and changed "provisions requiring the dismissal of civil and administrative proceedings against a peace officer under certain circumstances."[45]

The final bill passed the Nevada State Senate by a vote of 13-8 on August 3, 2020. It passed by a vote of 25-17 in the Nevada Assembly on August 4, 2020. At the time of passage, Nevada was a Democratic state government trifecta.[45]

New Hampshire

July 16, 2020

On July 16, 2020, Governor Chris Sununu (R-N.H.) signed HB 1645 into law. The law prohibited chokeholds, prohibited private prisons, required law enforcement officers to report misconduct, modified bail reform, and provided "funding to municipalities for psychological stability screening for candidates seeking certification as law enforcement officers."[46]

The bill passed unanimously in both the New Hampshire House of Representatives and the New Hampshire State Senate.[47]

June 16, 2020

On June 16, 2020, Sununu signed an executive order establishing the New Hampshire Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community, and Transparency. The commission was expected to examine the following:[48]

1. Training curriculum, procedures and policies developed by State Police, local police departments, and the Police Standards and Training Council, and potential options for improving the same to better address certain areas which may include, but are not limited to, (i) de-escalation, (ii) use of deadly and non-deadly force force, and (iii) diversity training;

2.State and local procedures related to the reporting and investigation of police misconduct, and potential reforms which may include, but are not limited to, development of a uniform statewide system for the reporting, investigation, and punishment of police misconduct;

3.The current state of relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and potential steps that can be taken to enhance these relationships; and

4.Any other subject matter which the Commission deems relevant to the overall mission of enhancing transparency, accountability, and community relations in law enforcement.[25]

The commission was asked to submit a report with its findings 45 days after its formation.

New Jersey

November 24, 2020

On November 24, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) signed A 4312 into law. The law regulated the use of body cameras worn by law enforcement officers.[49]

July 1, 2020

On July 1, 2020, Murphy signed A 744 into law. The law required "law enforcement agencies to provide internal affairs and personnel files of law enforcement officers to other agencies under certain circumstances."[50]

The bill passed unanimously in both the New Jersey General Assembly and the New Jersey Senate. At the time of passage, New Jersey was a Democratic state government trifecta.[50]

New Mexico

July 8, 2020

On July 8, 2020, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) signed S 8 into law. The law required all state and local law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and required the archival of the footage for at least 120 days. Additionally, the law mandated sanctions for law enforcement officers convicted for unlawful use of force or for failing to intervene if a colleague engaged in excessive force.[11]

On June 19, 2020, the bill passed by a vote of 31-11 in the New Mexico Senate. Twenty-six Democrats and five Republicans voted for the bill. Eleven Republicans voted against the bill. The bill passed by a vote of 44-26 in the New Mexico House of Representatives on June 22, 2020. Forty-four Democrats voted for the bill. Twenty-four Republicans and two Democrats voted against the bill. At the time of passage, New Mexico was a Democratic state government trifecta.

New York

June 16, 2020

On June 16, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) signed two bills into law related to policing policy.

At the time both of these bills were signed into law, New York was a Democratic state government trifecta.

June 15, 2020

On June 15, 2020, Cuomo signed three bills into law related to policing policy. The laws are listed below.

At the time each of these bills were signed into law, New York was a Democratic state government trifecta.

June 14, 2020

On June 14, 2020, Cuomo signed S 3253 into law. The law established that a "person not under arrest or in the custody of a law enforcement official has the right to record police activity and to maintain custody and control of that recording and of any property or instruments used by that person to record police activities." The bill passed by a vote of 128-16 in the New York State Legislature on June 8, 2020. The 16 votes against the bill were cast by Republicans. On the same day, the bill passed by a vote of 59-3 in the New York State Senate. The three votes against the bill were cast by Republicans. At the time this bill was signed into law, New York was a Democratic state government trifecta.[61][62]

June 12, 2020

On June 12, 2020, Cuomo signed four bills into law related to policing policy. The laws are listed below.

  • S 2574: The law established the Office of Special Investigation within the Department of Law to investigate and potentially prosecute alleged instances involving the death of a person following an encounter with a police officer or peace officer. The bill passed by a vote of 97-47 in the New York State Legislature on June 10, 2020. Forty Republicans and seven Democrats voted against the bill. On the same day, the bill passed by a vote of 45-17 in the New York State Senate. The 17 votes against the bill were cast by Republicans.[65][66]
  • A 6144: The law established "the crime of aggravated strangulation for police officers or peace officers where such officer commits the crime of criminal obstruction or breathing or blood circulation, or uses a chokehold or similar restraint, and causes serious physical injury or death." The bill passed by a vote of 139-5 in the New York State Legislature on June 8, 2020. The five votes against the bill were cast by Republicans. On the same day, the bill passed unanimously in the New York State Senate.[67][68]

At the time each of these bills were signed into law, New York was a Democratic state government trifecta.

June 12, 2020

On June 12, 2020, Cuomo signed an executive order requiring local police departments to examine and change their policing strategies. The "New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative" required local police agencies in the state to submit plans to the governor about changing their policing strategies in order to receive state funding. The plans were required to be adopted by April 1, 2021.[71]

According to a press release from the governor’s officer, local police departments were required to demonstrate that they did the following under the order:[71]

  • Engaged stakeholders in a public and open process on policing strategies and tools;
  • Presented a plan, by chief executive and head of the local police force, to the public for comment;
  • After consideration of any comments, presented such plan to the local legislative body (council or legislature as appropriate) which has approved such plan (by either local law or resolution); and
  • If such local government does not certify the plan, the police force may not be eligible to receive future state funding.[25]

North Carolina

June 8, 2020

On June 8, 2020, North Carolina Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks directed state law enforcement agencies to review their policies regarding "use of force, de-escalation techniques, arrest procedures, cultural sensitivity training and the investigative process."[72][73]

Oregon

July 8, 2020

On July 8, 2020, Governor Kate Brown (D) announced the formation of the Public Safety Training and Standards Task Force to "review of law enforcement training, certification, and decertification practices." According to a press release from the governor's office, the task force was expected to examine the following topics:[74]

  • Review current Oregon statutes and administrative rules on police training and certification.
  • Identify gaps in current statute, administrative rules, and policies governing officer training and certification.
  • Recommend how to apply best practices, research and data to officer training and certification.
  • Provide recommendations on how to best incorporate concepts of racial equity into officer training and certification requirements.
  • Provide recommendations on use of force training, including best practices of how to incorporate concepts of officer use of the least amount of necessary force to accomplish a lawful objective and de-escalation during a use of force event.
  • Provide recommendations on the composition of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training and how to include additional public participation and inclusion of communities of color.
  • Provide recommendations on statutory requirements for officer decertification.[25]

The task force was expected to deliver a report with recommendations for policy changes by November 1, 2020.[74]

July 7, 2020

On July 7, 2020, Brown signed SB 1604, a bill that addressed how cases involving misconduct by a police officer are handled, into law. Under the law, if an officer was found to have acted inappropriately and appeals the punishment given by the police department, the arbitrator's revised punishment must be consistent with the department's decision. It also required law enforcement agencies create a clear discipline guide describing consequences for misconduct.[75]

The bill passed unanimously in both the Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon State Senate on June 26, 2020. Oregon was a Democratic state government trifecta when this bill was signed into law.[75]

June 30, 2020

On June 30, 2020, Brown signed five bills addressing policing policy into law. The laws appear below.

  • HB 4205: The law required the "Department of Public Safety Standards and Training to adopt rules requiring [a] police officer to intervene to stop another police officer from engaging in act that is unethical or that violates law, rules or policy." It also required officers who witnessed unethical behavior by another officer to report the incident. It prohibited officers who reported other officers from being retaliated against. The bill passed by a vote of 52-2 in the Oregon House of Representatives on June 26, 2020. Republican Reps. Mike Nearman and E. Werner Reschke voted against the bill. On the same day, the bill passed unanimously in the Oregon State Senate.[78]

At the time each of these bills were signed into law, Oregon was a Democratic state government trifecta.

Pennsylvania

November 25, 2020

On November 25, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf (D) signed SB 1193 into law. It provided standards for sheriff and deputy training, and it increased funding for training purposes.[81]

July 14, 2020

On July 14, 2020, Wolf signed two policing policy bills into law. They appear below.

  • HB 1841: The law required law enforcement agencies to create, use, and consult a database containing information about law enforcement officers before hiring them. The database was required to include information about an officer’s past disciplinary actions and performance evaluations, among other things. The bill passed unanimously in both the Pennsylvania State Senate and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.[82]
  • HB 1910: The law required law enforcement agencies to provide officers with mental health evaluations focused on post traumatic stress disorder if requested by an officer, by a police chief, or within 30 days of an incident where an officer used lethal force. The law also required law enforcement officers to have additional training on how to treat individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and autism; de-escalation techniques; and when deadly force is allowed. The bill passed unanimously in both the Pennsylvania State Senate and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.[83]

South Carolina

July 10, 2020

On July 10, 2020, South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty ordered a temporary ban on no-knock search warrants. The order stated that the ban would remain in place until the South Carolina Judicial Branch issued criteria about when to grant a no-knock warrant. "A 'no-knock' warrant is one that, regardless of whether it contains the precise phrase 'no-knock,' allows government officials to enter a dwelling or other building without complying with the traditional requirement of the federal Fourth Amendment that officials 'knock and announce' their presence prior to entering," according to the order.[84]

Tennessee

July 2, 2020

On July 2, 2020, Governor Bill Lee (R-Tenn.) announced a partnership with various state law enforcement agencies "to enhance policies, improve information sharing and increase officer training." The agencies were required to review use of force and duty to intervene policies, improve information sharing, and update and enhance training policies.[85]

Utah

June 25, 2020

On June 25, 2020, Governor Gary Herbert (R-Utah) signed HB 5007 into law. It banned law enforcement officers from using chokeholds in most situations. The final bill passed the Utah House of Representatives by a vote of 69-5 on June 18, 2020. It passed unanimously in the Utah State Senate on the same day. At the time of passage, Utah was a Republican state government trifecta.[12]

Vermont

July 13, 2020

On July 13, 2020, Governor Phil Scott (R-Vt.) signed S 219 into law. The law required the creation of a statewide use of force policy, prohibited chokeholds from being used, and required all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras.[86]

The bill passed unanimously in both the Vermont House of Representatives and the Vermont State Senate.[86]

Virginia

November 18, 2020

On November 18, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam (D) signed HB 5049 into law. It prohibited law enforcement officers from using military equipment, unless a waiver was obtained prior to use.[87]

November 9, 2020

On November 9, 2020, Northam signed HB 5109 into law. It required the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop a uniform training curriculum for law enforcement officers.[88]

October 28, 2020

On October 28, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam (D) signed seven bills addressing policing policy into law. They appear below.

  • SB 5014: The law required “all law-enforcement officers involved in a crisis intervention team program to complete a comprehensive advanced training course.” It required the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services “to develop modules of principles-based training to be included as part of compulsory minimum training standards subsequent to employment as a law-enforcement officer and as part of basic training and the recertification of law-enforcement officers.” It also required training standards to include “sensitivity and awareness of systemic and individual racism and the potential for bias-based profiling.”[89]
  • HB 5029: The law required a law enforcement officer who witnesses another officer using excessive force to intervene and report the incident. Failure to intervene or report the incident could result in disciplinary action.[90]
  • SB 5030: The law added “law-enforcement officers to those persons who are guilty of a Class 6 felony if they are in a position of authority over and carnally know without force, threat, or intimidation a person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer or an inmate, parolee, probationer, juvenile detainee, or pretrial defendant or posttrial offender, including those in the custody of a private, local, or state law-enforcement agency.” It also required officers to announce their presence and purpose before executing a search warrant and to execute the warrant during the daytime. The law also made additional changes to training standards.[91]
  • SB 5035: The law allowed cities to establish law-enforcement civilian review boards.[92]
  • HB 5051: The law required “any sheriff, chief of police, or agency administrator to notify the Criminal Justice Services Board in writing within 48 hours of becoming aware that any certified law-enforcement or jail officer currently employed by his agency has been terminated for engaging in misconduct, as set forth in the bill.”[93]
  • HB 5069: The law prohibited law enforcement officers from using neck restraints, in most circumstances.[94]
  • HB 5099: The law prohibited the use of no-knock search warrants.[95]

October 21, 2020

On October 21, 2020, Northam signed SB 5024 into law. It authorized the attorney general to investigate or file a civil suit regarding allegations that a law enforcement officer or agency is “engaging in a pattern or practice that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the laws of the United States and the Commonwealth.”[96]

Local responses in 100 largest cities

Atlanta, Georgia

June 25, 2020

On June 25, 2020, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) issued three administrative order in response to recommendations made by the city's Use of Force Advisory Council. The three orders appear below.[97]

The first Administrative Order directs the Chief of Police to identify policies and procedural changes to further improve body worn camera compliance from the current level of 94%. The Order also directs the Atlanta Police Department (APD) to outline improvements to existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve transparency and responsiveness to public requests for officer footage.

The second Administrative Order directs the Chief Information Officer to develop a platform that allows the public to submit recordings of use of force violations. The recordings will be incorporated into future use of force investigations, ensuring that public recordings are included with APD footage in decisions. Further, it directs the development of SOPs to outline the use of videos during investigations, retention policies on citizen submissions and providing access to the Atlanta Citizen Review Board for independent investigation.

The third Administrative Order directs the Chief of Staff and City Attorney to work with the ACRB to identify measures to further strengthen the organization. These measures include legislative, budgetary, and/or operational needs to begin a proactive review by ACRB of all deadly use of force cases. Mayor Bottoms also issued a letter to the Atlanta Citizen Review Board highlighting the importance of their independent perspective and critical role in maintaining accountability. ACRB received a $427,000 budget increase for FY2021 to support new staff, community outreach and resolution review.[25]

June 16, 2020

On June 16, 2020, Bottoms issued two administrative orders on policing policy. The first order addressed changes to use of force policies. The second order required a review of policing in Atlanta.[98]

The first order implemented the following changes:[98]

1. Intervening in unreasonable use of deadly force: requiring officers to intervene when seeing another officer using force that is beyond what is reasonable under the circumstances, and reporting deadly use of force to the on-duty supervisor;

2. Shooting at moving vehicles: provide lawful restrictions on when an officer may use deadly force at a suspect who is in a moving motor vehicle;

3. Addressing officers’ response to resistance: apply de-escalation techniques to gain voluntary compliance and use only the amount of objectively reasonable force necessary to successfully protect themselves or others during an arrest or to bring an incident under control when dealing with members of the community, suspects, and detainees; and

4. Reporting deadly use of force: require the reporting of all uses of deadly force by a police officer to the Citizens Review Board.[25]

The second order directed city officials to provide Bottoms with recommendations for changing policing policies in Atlanta. "Expert providers will examine subjects such as what situations are appropriate for police to respond to, how police officers are trained, and how to reduce unnecessary interactions with the police," according to a press release from the mayor's office.[98]

June 4, 2020

On June 4, 2020, Bottoms issued an administrative order creating an advisory council to examine the Atlanta Police Department's use of force policies and procedures. "The Advisory Council will develop strategies to prevent misconduct by law enforcement officials while engaging the communities they are sworn to protect. The Council will make recommendations to Mayor Bottoms within 14 days of the issuance of the Administrative Order, followed by a more comprehensive report no later than 45 days from the date of the Order," according to a press release from the mayor's office.[99]

Austin, Texas

August 13, 2020

On August 13, 2020, the Austin City Council unanimously approved a budget that included cutting $21.5 million from the Austin Police Department’s budget. The council approved the funding cuts by "canceling three upcoming cadet classes; slashing overtime costs by nearly $3 million and pulling more than $3 million from commodities and contractuals, $1 million from records management and more than $220,000 combined from license plate readers and vacancies to the department’s mounted patrol," according to the USA Today. The council also voted to move about $128.8 million from the police budget "to remove primarily civilian functions from the police department" and to other public safety programs.[100]

June 17, 2020

On June 17, 2020, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk announced the creation of Advisory Working Groups to begin "reimagining what public safety means in Austin." According to a press release from Cronk, "The plan calls for creating a cross-functional team – co-led by the Dep. City Manager, the Asst. City Manager for Safety, and the Asst. City Manager for Health & Environment and Culture & Lifelong Learning – to lead the City’s reform efforts. Working with City staff, leadership will convene Advisory Working Groups to reimagine what public safety means for Austin and develop recommendations for making that vision a reality."[101]

June 11, 2020

On June 11, 2020, the Austin City Council voted to implement changes to policing policy in the city. The council voted to limit when a law enforcement officer was allowed to use deadly force. The resolution stated that "someone fleeing officers must pose an imminent threat before officers can shoot," according to the Texas Tribune. A second resolution prohibited "the use of weapons like rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, tear gas and pepper spray during protests."[102]

The council also passed a resolution to reduce the police department’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The resolution did not reduce the budget, but it set up reducing the budget for consideration during negotiations in July 2020.[102]

Baltimore, Maryland

June 12, 2020

On June 12, 2020, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt announced changes to Baltimore County’s Police Department (BCoPD) policies. The changes appear below.[103]

  • Update Use of Force policy. The Department has previously made a number of improvements to its use of force trainings that are in alignment with police best practices. The trainings include de-escalation training, Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics (ICAT), and implicit bias training. Additionally, Chief Hyatt has incorporated into the Department’s Use of Force policy the concept of Sanctity of Life, the Duty to Intervene and Report excessive or unnecessary use of force, and the importance of
  • Constitutional Policing. The County will now sign the Obama Foundation Pledge to review and update its use of force policy with community input.
  • Implement Fair and Impartial Police Training Curriculum for all BCoPD members. The Department will bring in a nationally-recognized police training program on Fair and Impartial Policing to be provided to all BCoPD commanders, officers and employees in the coming year.
  • Increased transparency of complaint, use of force and traffic stop data. In accordance with Olszewski’s commitment to a more transparent, accountable government, the County will build public dashboards displaying data on the number and disposition of complaints against police officers, instances of uses of force and traffic stop data broken down by race.
  • Support state legislation to amend the MPIA to increase transparency related to discipline cases. County leaders will support legislation in Annapolis to amend the Maryland Public Information Act to increase transparency related to the disposition of police disciplinary actions.
  • Conduct independent analysis and review of BCoPD hiring and recruitment practices. The County will hire an independent third-party organization to conduct a comprehensive review of our hiring and recruitment practices, including a review of data for discriminatory impacts or practices in our testing and background investigations.
  • Expand scope and duration of Equitable Policing Workgroup. Olszewski has issued an Executive Order to expand the scope of the Workgroup on Equitable Policing, originally formed to examine traffic stop data. Going forward, the Workgroup will be a permanent advisory group and will focus more broadly on disparities in policing.[25]

Birmingham, Alabama

July 14, 2020

On July 14, 2020, Mayor Randall L. Woodfin announced changes to the Birmingham Police Department's policies that resulted from a study of the department’s "8 Can’t Wait" national policing best policies and practices. Woodfin said that the department was in compliance with the "8 Can’t Wait" standards, but he said the department would implement a ban on chokeholds and "add direct language to the department’s use of force policy to establish 'duty to intervene' as a rule and regulation for BPD officers." Woodfin also announced the creation of the Birmingham Public Safety Task Force to examine whether additional changes should be made to policing in the city. [104]

Chicago, Illinois

June 15, 2020

On June 15, 2020, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the formation of a task force to review the Chicago Police Department’s use of force policies. Lightfoot appointed Chicago residents, students, lawyers, advocates, and elected officials to the task force.[105]

Columbus, Ohio

June 12, 2020

On June 12, 2020, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther issued an executive order "to require all fatal use of force cases or cases of death in police custody in Columbus to the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)," according to a press release from the mayor's office.[106]

Dallas, Texas

June 5, 2020

On June 5, 2020, Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax outlined 11 changes to the Dallas Police Department’s (DPD) policies and procedures. The first six changes were implemented when the plan was released or were scheduled to be implemented by the end of August 2020, according to a memo released by Broadnax. They appear below.[107]

  • A Duty to Intervene Policy was implemented June 4, 2020. DPD Chief Reneé Hall issued the new general order Thursday night. It compels DPD members "to either stop or attempt to stop, another employee when force is being inappropriately applied or is no longer required."
  • By June 12, 2020, Chief Hall will also implement a Warning Before Shooting Policy, meaning officers must warn a suspect or detainee before firing a weapon at the person.
  • The Roll Call Training Bulletin June 3, 2020 restated the department’s ban on chokeholds, a policy that has been in place since 2004.
  • The police department and manager’s staff will review all use-of-force policies and offer changes or revisions needed by August 28, 2020.
  • Monthly reporting of officer contact data on all traffic stops and citations will begin by June 30, 2020.
  • DPD will create and implement a body and dash cam policy to release critical incident videos by June 30, 2020.[25]

The five additional changes included expanding the Right to Care Program, implementing a system to identify officers who might require more training, implementing a program to enhance police-community relationships, conducting a "comprehensive cultural assessment" of the police department, and reviewing policing policies and procedures and implementing changes to those policies. These steps were scheduled to be implemented throughout 2020 and 2021.[107]

Denver, Colorado

June 7, 2020

On June 7, 2020, the Denver Police Department (DPD) banned chokeholds, required officers to report any instances of pointing a gun at a person, and mandated officers to activate body cameras when executing tactical operations.[108]

Detroit, Michigan

August 27, 2020

On August 27, 2020, the City of Detroit Board of Police Commissioners approved changes to policing in the city. According to a press release from the board, "[T]he new policy directives ban carotid or chokeholds; require a deescalation continuum and a minimal reliance on force; establish measures for reporting when an officer threatens to use force, and require officers to intervene or intercede and report when others use excessive force. Another set of changes require expanding reports of use of force, discipline, and other types of data available for the public on open data portals."[109]

El Paso, Texas

June 23, 2020

On June 23, 2020, the El Paso City Council passed a resolution to make changes to policing policy. Under the resolution, the city manager was required "to report on use of deadly force and deadly force incidents, the percent of officers with a history of sustained use of force incidents and the number of complaints," according to KFOX 14. The city manager was also required "to provide reports on racial profiling to encourage elimination of racial disparities in arrests and other law enforcement actions."[110]

Fresno, California

June 19, 2020

On June 19, 2020, Mayor Lee Brand announced the formation of the Fresno Commission for Police Reform. The commission was expected to make recommendations for changing policing policy in the city.[111]

Houston, Texas

June 24, 2020

On June 24, 2020, Mayor Sylvester Turner (D) appointed 45 members to the Task Force on Policing Reform. According to a press release from the mayor’s office, the members would address the following:[112]

  • Review HPD policies and practices relating to the use of force.
  • Review the operation of the IPOB, its effectiveness and recommend what changes, if any, should be made.
  • Body cameras: assess when video footage should or should not be released to the general public; ie: criteria
  • Best practices (model) for crisis diversion (e.g. substance abuse, mental/behavioral issues, homelessness) - evaluate HPD Crisis Intervention Team
  • Assess how well HPD is doing with community policing and what more should be done to build the bond between police and community.
  • How to decrease the "overt" presence of law enforcement without adversely affecting safety.[25]

The task force had 90 days to submit its recommendations.

June 10, 2020

On June 10, 2020, Turner signed an executive order that modified use of force policies, required police officers to use de-escalation techniques, and banned chokeholds no-knock warrants. In response to the executive order, the Houston Police Officer's Union wrote in a tweet that "The Houston Police Department has banned/not permitted chokeholds for the last 40 years and quite possibly has never permitted them."[113][114]

June 10, 2020

On June 10, 2020, the Houston City Council unanimously approved a $20 million increase for the Houston Police Department for the 2021 fiscal year.[115]

Kansas City, Missouri

June 4, 2020

On June 4, 2020, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced measures that he said would enhance oversight of the Kansas City Police Department. The measures appear below.[116]

  • The Kansas City Police Department to reverse its policy of not sending probable cause statements to the relevant County Prosecutor’s office in officer involved shootings.
  • All officer involved shootings and all major use of force complaints to be sent to an outside enforcement agency, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for independent review.
  • The Kansas City Police Department to provide weekly updates to the City Council to inform the public about the Department’s ongoing community engagement efforts.
  • The Kansas City Police Department to review its use of tear gas and other projectiles and determine ways to further restrict their use, and to report within two weeks to the BOPC. The BOPC will provide a policy update proposal related to tear gas and other projectiles at its next scheduled meeting.
  • The Kansas City Police Department to make clear that whistleblowers seeing misconduct within KCPD have a codified process through which they can report complaints about other officers to the Office of Community Complaints and the Board of Police Commissioners.[25]

Los Angeles, California

July 1, 2020

On July 1, 2020, the Los Angeles City Council voted to cut the Los Angeles Police Department’s budget by $150 million. The council voted 12-2 in favor of the revised budget, with Councilmen Joe Buscaino and John Lee opposing the measure.[117]

June 30, 2020

On June 30, 2020, the Los Angeles City Council approved a motion "that would require unarmed, non-law enforcement agencies to respond to non-violent situations as an alternative to dispatching a police officer." It also called for "a crisis response system made up of service providers, including medical professionals, mental health workers, homelessness experts and other professional social workers, with specialized training to replace police in non-violent, non-emergency crises," according to Councilmember Curren Price’s website.[118]

June 9, 2020

On June 9, 2020, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey ordered her investigators to stop using chokeholds.[119]

Louisville, Kentucky

June 25, 2020

On June 25, 2020, the Louisville Metro Council approved a 2020-2021, budget that included a civilian review board for the Louisville Metro Police Department. The budget included the following funding for changes to policing policy in the city, according to WHAS11:[120]

  • $763,500 in funding for a civilian oversight system.
  • $1.2 million in state LMPD funds for exploration and implementation in deflection along with co-responder approaches which place behavioral health specialists with police to offer case management connections to treatment, housing, and services
  • $1.6 million in federal funds redirected to recruitment efforts for a police force which more closely looks like and lives in the community; and training, including use of force, de-escalation, and implicit bias.[25]

June 11, 2020

On June 11, 2020, the Louisville Metro Council voted unanimously to pass ban Breonna’s Law, which banned no-knock warrants. The measure was named for Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police when a no-knock warrant was issued and her home was raided. The ordinance also required police officers to wear and use body cameras while executing search warrants. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer (D) signed the measure into effect on June 12, 2020.[121][122]

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 5, 2020

On June 5, 2020, Mayor Tom Barrett announced the creation of the Commission on Police Accountability and Reform.[123]

The commission was expected to address the following:[123]

1. Review The Milwaukee Police Department’s "use of force" policies and make recommendations for needed reforms.

2. Determine if the Milwaukee Police Department is institutionalizing President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing Guidelines.

3. Assess the Milwaukee Police Department progress in implementing strategies in the Blueprint for Peace, calling for increased de-escalation and implicit bias training.

4. Review and assess progress in implementing recommendations from the Community Collaborative Committee, and respond to additional recommendations submitted by the community.[25]

The commission was expected to complete its work within 90 days.[123]

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 10, 2020

On December 10, 2020, the Minneapolis City Council voted to cut 4.5 percent from the Minneapolis Police Department’s 2021 budget. The council also voted to keep the 2020 authorized size of the force at 888 officers.[124][125]

August 4, 2020

On August 4, 2020, the Minneapolis Charter Commission voted to take more time to consider the Minneapolis City Council’s decision to place an amendment on the ballot to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department.

"While several commissioners said changing the Police Department was necessary, they said the amendment before them was flawed. Several said it faced legal barriers, was created without input from key community members who oppose it, and that it gave too much power to the City Council," according to WSLS 10 News.[126]

June 26, 2020

On June 26, 2020, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed a proposal to allow voters to decide if the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) should be dismantled and replaced with an alternative public safety model. If approved for the ballot by the Minneapolis Charter Commission, the amendment to the city’s charter would allow voters to decide if the MPD should be replaced with the "Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention."[127]

June 12, 2020

On June 12, 2020, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a resolution establishing a Future of Community Safety Work Group. The group, which included "staff from the Office of Violence Prevention, the Department of Civil Rights, the City Coordinator’s Office, in coordination with the 911 Working Group, the Division of Race and Equity, Neighborhood and Community Relations and other relevant departments," was expected to "create a transformative new model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis," according to a press release from the council. The council asked for preliminary recommendations to be delivered to them by July 24, 2020.[128]

New York, New York

June 17, 2020

On June 17, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced changes to the New York City Police Department's (NYPD) disciplinary system.[129] The following changes were implemented:[130]

For incidents involving substantial bodily injury, the Police Commissioner will make an initial determination on whether to place the officer on modified duty or suspension within 48 hours of the incident. NYPD will conclude the investigation into such incidents within two weeks, unless there are evidentiary delays caused by circumstances beyond the control of the NYPD or where there is significant risk of interference with a criminal investigation. Currently, the Internal Affairs Bureau must file charges within 18 months for administrative violations and there is no time limit to file disciplinary charges for criminal conduct.[25]


The NYPD will publish all trial decisions or settlements reached going forward, effective immediately. NYPD will also post information for the approximately 1100 pending cases for which charges have been served. This information will include names, charges, hearing dates and resolutions when available. This information will be posted by mid-July. The NYPD will also make comprehensive disciplinary records fully transparent online. The records of the pending cases will be prioritized for release.[25]

June 16, 2020

On June 16, 2020, De Blasio announced that the New York City Police Department (NYPD) was required to release all video and audio footage taken by police body cameras within 30 days in the following circumstance:[131]

  • When "an officer discharges a firearm that hits or could hit someone;"
  • When "an officer discharges a taser in a way that results in death or substantial bodily harm;" or
  • When "an officer’s use of force results in death or great bodily harm."

June 15, 2020

On June 15, 2020, the New York Police Department announced that it would "disband its anti-crime unit, which consists of hundreds of plainclothes officers that target violent crime," according to Axios.[132]

June 7, 2020

On June 7, 2020, De Blasio announced changes to the budget for the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and in the department's policing policies. De Blasio said that funding for the NYPD would be given to youth and social services in the city. He said the amount would be announced after the city council finalized the budget. De Blasio announced that the NYPD would no longer be in charge of enforcing laws pertaining to street vendors. Additionally, the mayor announced that the city would hire community ambassadors to work with NYPD officers. "This new initiative will provide a venue to address complaints and concerns, and ensure NYPD leadership hears New Yorkers," according to a press release from the mayor's office.[133]

Norfolk, Virginia

June 10, 2020

On June 10, 2020, the Norfolk City Council directed the city manager to implement changes regarding the way law enforcement officers conducted their jobs, according to 13 News Now. The changes appear below.[134]

  • Ban high speed police chases in all cases other than those involving felonies which have resulted in serious injury or death.
  • Petition the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to end its mandate that requires the Commonwealth’s police departments to train its officers in employing carotid choke holds.
  • Publish current Norfolk Police Department policy and procedures manual, all general orders, special orders, update annual reports on a regular basis, and to make these items available to the public on the City of Norfolk website and Open Data platform.[25]

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

July 1, 2020

On July 1, 2020, Mayor David Holt announced the formation of the Law Enforcement Policy Task Force. "The task force will revisit and revise the Police Department’s de-escalation policy. It will also revisit and revise the structure in place designed to provide credible and independent accountability back to the community, a responsibility currently belonging to the Police Department’s Citizens Advisory Board," according to a press release from the mayor’s office.[135]

Omaha, Nebraska

June 25, 2020

On June 25, 2020, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer announced the following changes to the Omaha Police Department’s Use of Force policy:[136]

  • Officers will be required to intervene when another officer is in violation of policy, and report it.
  • The 'Knee to Neck' pin will be forbidden. OPD has never trained recruits on this maneuver, it will now be clear in policy it is forbidden.
  • Prone position – Officers will get the person off their stomach, into a seated or standing position as soon as reasonably possible after being placed in handcuffs.
  • OPD has an existing ban on choke holds. OPD does allow the Carotid Restraint Control Hold (CRCH). The CRCH will only be allowed if an officer is being attacked or threatened with deadly force.[25]

Schmaderer also said that all officers would begin a new training program starting in July 2020.[136]

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

September 17, 2020

On September 17, 2020, the Philadelphia City Council voted unanimously to ban law enforcement officers from using chokeholds and kneeling on a person’s neck or back. The council also passed a bill requiring public hearings on contract proposals for law enforcement officers. The bill passed by a vote of 15-2, with Councilmen Bobby Henon and Brian J. O’Neill voting against the measure.[137]

September 17, 2020

On September 17, 2020, the Philadelphia City Council voted unanimously to ban law enforcement officers from using chokeholds and kneeling on a person’s neck or back. The council also passed a bill requiring public hearings on contract proposals for law enforcement officers. The bill passed by a vote of 15-2, with Councilmen Bobby Henon (D) and Brian J. O’Neill (R) voting against the bill.[138]

Phoenix, Arizona

June 8, 2020

On June 8, 2020, the Phoenix City Council passed legislation to fully fund the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT). The office is staffed by civilians who are responsible for the oversight of the Phoenix Police Department.[139]

Portland, Oregon

September 10, 2020

On September 10, 2020, Mayor Ted Wheeler issued a directive banning the Portland Police Bureau from using CS gas as a crowd control agent.[140]

June 9, 2020

On June 9, 2020, Wheeler announced his plan to address racism in Portland and change policing policies in the city. His plan appears below.[141]

1.Redirect over $7 million from Police Bureau and $5 million from other City funds to communities of color

2.Call on criminal justice system partners to match the City commitment and reinvest in communities of color

3. Call for a community-led review and re-envisioning of core patrol services, convened by the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing

4. Hire a third party to review recruitment and retention strategies to ensure that the City’s workforce reflects the communities it serves

5. Support outreach and non-law enforcement responses like the Portland Street Response pilot and the Navigation Team

6. Advocate for greater access to community-based behavioral health and harm-reduction services located in communities of color

7.Decline renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement with TriMet, dissolving the PPB Transit Division and putting transit officers back on patrol

8. Dissolve Gun Violence Reduction Team and fundamentally re-shape our approach to reduce gun violence in collaboration with the Office of Youth Violence Prevention, District Attorney-elect, and other partners

9. Remove police officers from schools, dissolving Youth Services Division and School Resource Officer program

10. Immediately return Equity & Inclusion office to the Chief’s Office, with a direct report to the Chief of Police, and position that work alongside the Community Services Division

11. Require explicit Council authorization for acquisition of military equipment, consistent with Executive Order 13688 issued by President Barack Obama in May 2015

12. Create local legislation enshrining the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing in Portland City Code, making it a permanent community oversight body

13. Create local legislation for reforms to the use of consent searches in traffic stops

14. Ban carotid constraints, including chokeholds, as methods of control, and direct Chief of Police to revise the use of force policy to reflect this change

15. Create local racial profiling ban with private right of action for intentional discrimination by law enforcement

16. Support Oregon Legislative People of Color Caucus call for a special session to take up urgently needed reform legislation

17. Support Oregon Legislative People of Color Caucus in pursuit of legislation requiring Oregon Attorney General to investigate officer-involved deaths or serious injuries of civilians

18. Support Oregon Legislative People of Color Caucus in pursuit of legislation ensuring integrity of local discipline actions by prohibiting arbitrators from overturning disciplinary decisions against officers if the law enforcement agency and arbitrator both agree that misconduct occurred

19. Support reform of Federal qualified immunity doctrine[25]

Raleigh, North Carolina

June 10, 2020

On June 10, 2020, Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin announced that the Raleigh Police Department had banned chokeholds and strangleholds, would "require officers to try to de-escalate situations," and would prohibit officers from shooting at moving vehicles, according to The News & Observer.[142]

Sacramento, California

July 2, 2020

On July 2, 2020, Sacramento City Council members voted to require an inspector general "to investigate officer-involved shootings and use-of-force incidents that result in serious bodily injury or death." The council also voted to allocate "$5 million to develop a new process for dealing with emergency calls dealing with mental health crises and homeless people," according to CapRadio.[143]

San Diego, California

June 1, 2020

On June 1, 2020, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit announced that police officers in the city were banned from using chokeholds.[144]

San Francisco, California

June 18, 2020

On June 18, 2020, Mayor London Breed (D) announced changes to the hiring process for police officers. "The Department of Human Resources will lead a process in collaboration with the Civil Service Commission, the Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Office to review current entry-level and promotional exams to ensure that the City’s testing process helps identify candidates who possess the requisite ethics, judgment, and temperament to serve as a San Francisco law enforcement officer," according to a press release from the mayor's office.[145]

June 11, 2020

On June 11, 2020, Breed implemented a ban on the use of tear gas, bayonets, tanks, and other military-grade weapons and equipment. She also announced a series of policing policy changes that would take place in the coming months.[146]

Breed announced that trained, unarmed professionals would respond to non-violent incidents instead of San Francisco police officers. She also announced that the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) would screen officers for indicators of bias and strengthen the SFPD’s Early Intervention System for use of force violations. Finally, Breed said that funding for the SFPD would be redirected to support the African American community.[146]

San Jose, California

June 24, 2020

On June 24, 2020, Mayor Sam Liccardo released his nine-point plan to change policing policy. The nine changes appear below.[147]

1. "Inject Transparency and Accountability Into Arbitration over Termination and Disciplinary Decisions"

2. "Independent Investigation of Police Misconduct"

3. "Expanding Authority of the Independent Police Auditor over 'Use of Force' Allegations"

4. "Building a Department from Our Diverse Community—and Expanding Opportunity for our Youth"

5. "Reimagine Policing by 'Disentangling' Police Roles"

6. "Ban Use of Rubber Bullets, and Conduct Full Review of the Use of Force Policy"

7. "Make Police Subject to Direction of Elected Leadership"

8. "Leveraging Data & Evidence for Better Recruiting, Training, and Early Intervention"

9. "Accounting for Every Dollar: Audit of Police Expenditures"

Seattle, Washington

November 23, 2020

On November 23, 2020, the Seattle City Council approved the city’s 2021 budget that cut funding for the Seattle Police Department (SPD) by about 18 percent.[148]

July 24, 2020

On July 24, 2020, U.S. District Judge James Robart issued a two-week restraining order preventing the law banning police officers from using crowd control devices from going into effect. The U.S. Department of Justice "argued that banning the use of crowd control weapons could actually lead to more police use of force, leaving them only with more deadly weapons," according to The Seattle Times.[149]

Robart said the Justice Department and the City of Seattle needed to discuss the consequences of the law before letting it take effect. He said, "I urge you all to use it as an occasion to try to find out where it is we are and where it is we’re going. I can’t tell you today if blast balls are a good idea or a bad idea, but I know that sometime a long time ago I approved them."[149]

June 15, 2020

On June 15, 2020, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed legislation banning police officers from using chokeholds, tear gas, pepper spray, and other crowd control devices. The legislation also required officers to display badge numbers.[2]

June 10, 2020

On June 10, 2020, Mayor Jenny Durkan (D) issued an executive order that required Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers to activate body cameras during protests and demonstrations.[150]

Tampa, Florida

June 19, 2020

On June 19, 2020, Mayor Jane Castor (D) announced changes to the Tampa Police Department’s (TPD) policing policies. She said that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would investigate all police-involved shootings rather than having them investigated by the TPD. She also announced that the TPD policy handbook would be updated to include procedures banning chokeholds and requiring officers "to intervene if they witness excessive force being used by other officers," according to the Tampa Bay Times. Castor noted that these procedures were standard for TPD officers, but she said that they were not written down.[151]

Additionally, Castor announced the formation of a task force to review the TPD’s policies and make recommendation for changes.[151]

Washington, D.C.

June 10, 2020

On June 10, 2020, the Washington D.C. City Council unanimously passed an emergency bill that banned chokeholds and neck restraints, required the release of body camera footage, banned tear gas and other crowd control agents, banned the hiring of officers with previous misconduct on the job, created a 20-member police reform commission, and banned police department from purchasing military equipment from the federal government, among other things. The bill was set to expire 90 days after being signed by the mayor.[152]

Wichita, Kansas

June 25, 2020

On June 25, 2020, Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay announced changes to his department’s policies. Ramsay said that the department updated training language on the use of chokeholds and other restraint techniques, when an officer was required to intervene, and when an officer was required to provide medical attention to a person in custody.[153][154]

Ramsay said that, while the department did not use chokeholds and other restraints unless an officer’s life was in danger, the department added the following language to it’s training documents: "Officers are prohibited from impeding normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat, neck or chest with the use of their knee or other object and while the individual is handcuffed."[153][154]

Ramsay updated the department’s policy on an officer’s duty to intervene to state that "Officers are required to take an active approach to intervene to stop an unethical behavior or misconduct when such conduct is being committed by another individual involved. Any officer present and observing another officer using force that he/she reasonably believes to be clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall intercede to prevent the use of unreasonable force, if and when the officer has a realistic opportunity to prevent the level of unreasonable force being applied."[153][154]

Ramsay also said that the department would add a policy stating that "emergency medical attention will be immediately rendered, as soon as it is safe to administer aid, following any police action which results in deadly force or non-deadly use of force."[153][154]

Local police-related ballot measures

See also: Local police-related ballot measures following the killing of and protests about George Floyd (November 2020)
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Ballotpedia identified 20 local police-related ballot measures on the ballot for November 3, 2020, that qualified following the death of George Floyd.
  • All 20 measures were approved, but at least two were overturned after the election.
  • Local ballot measures were on the ballot in 10 cities and four counties within seven states. Cities and counties that voted on these police-related issues in November included:

    ○ Los Angeles County, California
    ○ Oakland, California
    ○ San Diego, California
    ○ San Francisco, California
    ○ San Jose, California

    ○ Sonoma County, California
    ○ DuPage County, Illinois
    ○ Akron, Ohio
    ○ Columbus, Ohio
    ○ Portland, Oregon

    ○ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    ○ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    ○ Kyle, Texas
    ○ King County, Washington

  • Click here for more information about local police-related ballot measures proposed following the killing of and protests about George Floyd.

    Want to submit information about a local ballot measure? Email editor@ballotpedia.org.

    See also

    Footnotes

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    4. The New York Times, "8 Minutes and 46 Seconds: How George Floyd Was Killed in Police Custody," May 31, 2020
    5. 5.0 5.1 USA Today, "Medical examiner and family-commissioned autopsy agree: George Floyd's death was a homicide," June 1, 2020
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