Black Lives Matter, Today and Every Day: A Letter
I intend to send this letter to every national, state, and local policymaker whose email I can find— as well as handwritten letters, mailed to my direct elected officials. Please feel free to use this letter as a template!
To [insert name here]:
I am writing to you as a constituent of the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, Colorado. But more importantly, I write as one voice amid the multitudes who are marching in the streets to demand justice for the murder of George Floyd by former officer Derek Chauvin, on May 25, 2020.
In Colorado, citizens are protected from the use of excessive force on the part of “peace” officers by CRS Title § 18-1-707 and § 18-8-803. And yet, every day, I see more testimonials of police departments across the US severely wounding protesters and bystanders with “rubber bullets.” Of tear gassing. The DPD have even fired upon emergency medical providers— in war, this is a violation of the Geneva Convention. So tell me: why are the police at war with us?
We, the people, demand the immediate demilitarization of the police. As a policymaker, you have the responsibility to produce, support, and enact legislation which protects your constituents. We demand:
1. A complete ban on the use of knee holds and choke holds as an acceptable practice for police officers. CRS § 18-1-707 (2.5)(a) currently permits the use of choke holds under some circumstances. This policy is unacceptable and cannot stand.
2. That officers who execute citizens be prosecuted, without delay.
3. Mandatory reviews following the use of lethal or non-lethal force against public gatherings, including protests and “riots.” These reviews are already instituted for officer-involved shootings, and must be expanded to other uses of force against the public.
4. Banning the use of “rubber bullets” and other “less lethal rounds” by Colorado police, which cause trauma, hemorrhages, permanent blindness, disability, and loss of life.
5. Banning the use of tear gas against civilians under any circumstances. Tear gas is an indiscriminate weapon which causes respiratory failure, chemical burns, blindness, contusions, skull fractures, and loss of life. The use of tear gas has been banned in warfare since 1929; Its continued use by the police is an appalling violation of our civil liberties, and cannot stand.
6. That police be defunded and demilitarized. Instead: create, develop, and fund existing resources based in de-escalation, to be called upon in place of law enforcement. These resources shall reduce the need for police involvement in non-violent situations such as: mental health crises, domestic disturbances, and large public gatherings.
In the coming days, I beg you— act! Dismantle laws which enable police brutality. Replace them with legislation which actively values and uplifts Black lives. From Minneapolis to Denver, in my hometown and every town across the United States: listen to the voices of the Black Americans who demand justice, and shield their bodies from harm.
Black Lives Matter, Today and Every Day:
Laura Rose Reed Writer, librarian, and activist.