JUSTICE Act Continues to Gain Nationwide Support

WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and his Senate colleagues introduced the JUSTICE Act, legislation providing long-term solutions focused on police reform.

Following his introduction of the JUSTICE Act last Wednesday, U.S. Senator Tim Scott also released a video in which he explains the contents of the bill. 

The full video is provided below.

Click the image to view the full video 

Here’s what is being said across the country about the JUSTICE Act:
“As someone who is not a huge fan of the Republican Party or its tactics, it might pain some to hear this as much as it pains me to say it, but the truth is, the GOP bill is more likely to stop cops from killing black people.”
–Michael Harriot, Senior Writer at The Root

“We believe [the] bill addresses critical issues regarding use of force data, enhanced training, and law enforcement officer disciplinary records in a way that will lead to real improvements. We are committed to working with you and your colleagues on provisions to ensure grant programs are used to incentivize and enable meaningful reforms. We commend [Senator Scott’s] leadership on these important issues and look forward to working with [him] and all members of the House and Senate to ensure effective legislation is passed.”
— Mark Keel, President, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) and Chief, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

“We believe the JUSTICE Act is an important piece of legislation that will lead to better policing, a fairer criminal justice system, greater trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve, and greater transparency regarding uses of force by and against law enforcement officers. Ensuring effective legislation that advances, integrity, fairness, and accountability for all citizens, and the officers who are sworn to protect them, is paramount. We look forward to working together to ensure there is justice for all.”
–Ryan Alphin, Executive Director, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association

“The JUSTICE Act is an important piece of legislation that will lead to better policing, a fairer criminal justice system, greater trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve, and greater transparency regarding uses of force by and against law enforcement officers. MCSA looks forward to continuing to work with all members of Congress to ensure effective legislation is enacted that advances fairness, integrity, and accountability for all citizens of this great nation and for the law enforcement officers who are sworn to protect them.”
— Major County Sheriffs of America

 “We believe the JUSTICE Act will enhance professionalism in policing, increase accountability, help build trust in our communities, and result in greater protection and service for all.…By expanding the use of body-worn cameras, increasing data sharing, requiring record retention, providing additional de-escalation and cultural diversity training, and enhancing penalties for criminal acts committed by law enforcement officers, the JUSTICE Act will ensure all law enforcement agencies across the country operate at levels that meet or exceed the expectations of the communities we are sworn to protect.”
–Sheriff Anthony Dennis, President of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association

The legislation has gained support from the Major County Sheriffs of America, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, National Sheriffs Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.

The full text of the JUSTICE Act is here, and a section by section analysis is here. A summary is below.

###