Police Reform Package Proposed in Colorado
DENVER - State lawmakers unveiled a package of ten bills aimed at reforming police work in Colorado, dealing with everything from recording video of officers to investigating officer-involved shootings.
Supporters are billing the package as a way to “rebuild trust” in the wake of unrest over cases of perceived police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri and within Colorado.
Police chiefs and sheriffs are watching closely, hoping to guard against any changes they see as going too far.
“The heart of most of the issues facing law enforcement and communities of color, or communities who feel disenfranchised, comes down to relationship and trust. Despite all the well intentioned efforts, you cannot legislate either,” Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said in a written statement. “More rules and more training painted with a broad, ‘one size fits all’ brush will not solve the problems that exist in some of our communities and will be onerous for communities that do not require it.”