Urgent support needed for the "George Floyd Litmus Test" amendment

"Your support for the George Floyd Limitless Test amendment would demonstrate a commitment to the principles of justice and transparency that are foundational to a fair and equitable society."

Harrison Tuttle, President of the BLM RI PAC, sent the following to Attorney General Peter Neronha:

“Dear Attorney General Neronha,

“Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee (BLM RI PAC) urges your support for the proposed amendment known as “The George Floyd Litmus Test.” In this amendment, if a police officer is found to have used deadly force in violation of departmental policies and regulations, a police chief should have the authority to terminate their employment. In 2020, your office updated the use of force protocol, expanding the scope of the review process for excessive use of force by police. This amendment, proposed by the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus, includes using your independent review process as a pathway for an officer's police chief to decide on their employment in the event they have used deadly force as part of their duties.”

[See the bills here: 2024-H 7263A and 2024-S 2096A]

“This amendment is a crucial step toward ensuring police accountability and transparency in Rhode Island, and its implications resonate deeply with the values of justice and equality that our state stands for. The Black Lives Matter movement of 2020, which sparked global calls for an end to systemic racism and police brutality, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within our law enforcement systems. The tragic murder of George Floyd by former police officer Derek Chauvin highlighted the critical gaps in accountability mechanisms that allow such egregious violations to occur.

“Imagine if George Floyd had been murdered here in Rhode Island under similar circumstances. Would we have had the legal frameworks necessary to terminate an officer like Chauvin and bring justice to the victim and his family? The George Floyd litmus test amendment aims to ensure that we would because it establishes robust standards for police conduct and accountability. Supporting this amendment would send a powerful message to the rest of the country: Rhode Island is committed to justice, equity, and the protection of all its citizens. It would affirm that our state does not tolerate misconduct and that we are proactively working to prevent future tragedies.

“As the Attorney General of Rhode Island, your stance on this amendment will significantly influence public perception and trust. The citizens of Rhode Island, particularly our communities of color, deserve to know where you stand on such a critical issue. Your support for the George Floyd Limitless Test amendment would demonstrate a commitment to the principles of justice and transparency that are foundational to a fair and equitable society.

“We urge you to publicly endorse this amendment and work with the Senate to ensure its passage. Your leadership can help pave the way for a more accountable and transparent policing system in Rhode Island, fostering greater trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Thank you for your attention to this vital matter. We look forward to your support and to working together towards a more just Rhode Island.”