Rep. Sherrill Statement on the Justice in Policing Act of 2020

Parsippany, NJ — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today joined the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 as an original co-sponsor and released the following statement:

“Americans across the country, including tens of thousands in towns large and small across North Jersey, have come together to voice their support for systemic change. New Jersey has faced its own history of citizens demanding change and federal engagement in programs to address the needs of our community. We have also seen the success of law enforcement in our state when members work to listen to our communities and build a brighter future alongside our residents. This legislation takes those New Jersey values and lessons that work well at home and helps to apply them across the country: the values of communication, growth, and an openness to change.

“Congress must act. We need to restore the faith and trust between law enforcement and communities across the country. The package released today takes sensible, concrete action to improve training and reporting requirements, increase transparency and accountability, and to end the disparate treatment of Black and Brown Americans. It limits access to the weapons of war that belong on the battlefield, not in our neighborhoods.

“I do not support the idea of defunding police departments. I believe that it does nothing to solve the root problems we must address and it makes our communities less safe. That is why I stand with Senator Booker, Members of our House Delegation, and the Congressional Black Caucus on this sensible package of reforms and I urge Senate Leadership to stand with us.

“At the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, I worked as an Outreach and Re-entry Coordinator and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. I have seen the best of our law enforcement community and the commitment that they have made to the public’s safety. But I’ve also seen too many examples of where our system falls desperately short. One of the reasons I was drawn to public service was the need for criminal justice reform at the federal level. This legislation is another step in the fight for justice in this country and I’m proud to support that effort.”