Establish a statewide use of force policy in Maryland
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We need to end police violence and abuse that disproportionately impacts Black and Latinx Marylanders. Our legislators must protect our communities by passing the use of force bill (HB 139 and SB 262).
This legislation would change officers’ behavior so that they respond to situations in a way that protects human life and holds officers accountable when they use excessive force.
Maryland is one of the only states that does not have a use of force law. A statewide use of force policy would create a standard for all police officers. This law would make it clear that officers should only use lethal force as a last resort and must actually try to de-escalate situations before using any force. This law would help save many lives.
Black, Latinx, Indigenous people, and people exhibiting mental health episodes or substance abuse conditions should have their lives valued and protected, including having officers do everything in their power to save a person’s life.
Passing a use of force bill is one of five demands of the Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability, a large, diverse statewide coalition of more than 90 organizations working to reimagine policing in Maryland.
Send a message to your legislators today to demand that they take action to pass a use of force bill in Maryland.
Please take action now.
Message Recipients:
Maryland State Delegates and Senators
