Arizona Jews for Justice, our friends, and other allies in the social action field call for the immediate review of policing policies on both the local and national level. All too often in modern practice, police officers neglect their duty to protect and instead use methods of intimidation and violence to keep order. We have seen the tragic consequence of this mindset, especially in communities of color. This brutal status quo cannot be sustained: too many people are dying and the lack of clear accountability is disturbing.
The Jewish people have long called for righteousness in the face of injustice. It seems, now more than ever, we should heed this timeless call.
Therefore, we the undersigned, call for meaningful government and police reforms to remedy recent actions of unnecessary force against unarmed and innocent people.
- Mandatory body cameras for all police officers
- Retraining police officers to use more non-violent tactics
- De-funding local police units who abuse citizens' civil rights
- Reconsidering Qualified Immunity statutes
- De-militarizing police units
- Civic interaction with local civil rights leaders to create necessary & meaningful dialogue
The bloodshed must cease and so should the reliance of force to keep communities in line. We are all safer when those with the power to protect us use their trusted status with the utmost respect for all citizens.
