Ask the 151st General Assembly to Support Police Reform in 2021

SEND A LETTER NOW

Elected officials may hold the cards, but we are the ones who hold the power to change the system.

We must urge our elected officials to make police reform a priority in 2021. There is an urgent need for transparency, accountability, and oversight of police – and Delaware legislators have the power to make sure it happens.

Our lawmakers can create and pass legislation that would remove laws that shroud police misconduct in secrecy, require the use of body-worn cameras, hold officers accountable for unnecessary use of force, and cancel harmful policing practices like Operation Safe Streets, among others.

Make your voice heard and let your elected officials know that police reform matters to you. Send your legislators a letter asking them to make police reform a priority in 2021.

Message Recipients:
Your State Senator
Your State Representative

[The Form Label field is hidden on ACLU message action forms]

Your Message

Subject

Dear Legislator,

In the wake of horrific acts of police brutality this year, people around the country and here in Delaware have been marching, protesting, organizing, and advocating with a rally cry to bring an end to systemic racism in policing and for police accountability and transparency.

Law enforcement officers have an incredible power. They have the ability to violate civil liberties, over-police communities, and sometimes even take lives – often without any real consequences. This issue isn't new, but the past year has made it clear: we can no longer wait to act on police reform in Delaware.

Message Body

State legislators have a duty to address this need, and as a Delawarean who cares deeply about this issue, I am asking that you consider making the following policy recommendations to the 151st General Assembly:

1. Revise the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) to make police disciplinary records and use of force reports public record so that civilian review boards can function effectively.

2. Collect and make police data public, including publishing details and statistics about police misconduct, arrests, stops, and use of force, including disparities that these activities may produce. Police departments should also make policy manuals and personnel information public.

3. Revise the standards and practices for use of force so that officers can be held accountable when they engage in unconstitutional use of force.

4. Implement body-worn cameras, require them to be turned on during all police and community interactions, and make that footage subject to publication.

5. Establish independent review boards that have subpoena, discipline and policy review authority.

6. Discontinue Operation Safe Streets and the Governor’s Task Force, an aggressive policing program that has eroded trust within communities and led to black and brown communities being overpoliced.

7. Discontinue civil asset forfeiture, which allows police to seize property unless at their discretion, puts the burden of proof on the person who owns the assets, and funds a stream of revenue that police departments aren't obligated to publicly account for.

I’m counting on you to use your power as a member of the 151st General Assembly to help create and to support legislation that will move forward real, meaningful police reform. Our communities deserve accountability, transparency, and fair policing practices.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

Your Information

Already a supporter?

If we already have your information, just enter your email address and click to send this message now.

All data you enter here will be shared with the message recipient along with your message, per our privacy statement.

Salutation *

(required by some officials)

ABOUT HONORIFIC TITLES

Many public officials use "web mail forms" that this system will send your message to, so you don't have to visit their web sites to communicate with them. The systems that some of these officials use requires that the honorific field be used (Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc.).

Unfortunately, we do not have control of which honorific titles are presented as options. We must adhere to what the officials are using in order for your message to be delivered.

Alternate Salutation

Most elected officials’ constituent email systems accept a very limited set of salutations. Please select the one you would most prefer.

First name *

Last name *

E-mail address *

Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone *

Phone Type *

Show my name in a list of action takers.

Sign me up for ACLU emails so I can stay informed and take action to protect people's rights.

I agree to receive calls and texts (including automated recurring text messages) from the ACLU and its state affiliates at the number I provided above about ways to take action and support the ACLU organizations. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to quit. Privacy Statement

Leave this field blank

Ask the 151st General Assembly to Support Police Reform in 2021

SEND A LETTER NOW

Recent participants