The United States already has the highest rate of incarceration in the world,[1] with Black people substantially overrepresented amongst those incarcerated. [2] We urge you not to take up any legislation that perpetuates these harmful realities and doubles down on the broken and discriminatory criminalization-first approach to public safety. For far too long, we have relied on criminalization, incarceration, and policing as the ways to create public safety in our communities. [6] Initiatives with proven track records,[7] such as violence interruption and prevention programs, neighborhood mediation programs, and safe passage to school programs, should be supported. We respectfully ask that you use this Police Week to center justice and humanity over criminalization.

Source: Washington Post May 17, 2022 21:33 UTC