Joint Statement from The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLCC)
and The Massachusetts Law Enforcement Policy Group (MLEPG)
Regarding June 15, 2020 Meeting
In a second, historically unprecedented discussion designed to discuss increased transparency in law enforcement and enhanced training protocols for law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth, members of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, chaired by Rep. Carlos González, met with representatives of the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Policy Group to continue to discuss the framework for proposed law enforcement reforms. Community members should take great comfort in seeing both elected officials and law enforcement union representatives making a concerted effort to chart legislation to increase levels of trust and confidence between police officers and communities of color.
In a frank, pointed and productive dialogue, both sides were able to compromise and agree upon the inclusion of the following building blocks in any future legislation:
- Require the immediate cessation of choke holds and instruction of such in any law enforcement training curriculum;
- Call for standardization of training of procedures and protocols for all police agencies in the state of Massachusetts;
- Call for equal representation, both non-law enforcement and law enforcement, on any independent body, boards or commissions created to enact, enforce and oversee law enforcement legislation;
- Call for Accreditation and certification of all law enforcement officials;
- Promote training and guidelines on Duty to Intervene;
- Establish guidelines to ban and all use of Excessive force; and
- Promote Diversity.
While both sides readily agree that the appetite for law enforcement reform is great, both also agree that legislation which is crafted after invaluable input from both police officers and community member will better serve the Commonwealth.
Said Lawrence Calderone, President of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association and Co-Chair of MLEPG: “I applaud Rep. González for his leadership and guidance on this highly important issue. Enhancing the level of trust between our officers and the community members we protect and serve is something we work on and strive for every single day. We thank Rep. González for allowing us to be part of this dialogue.” Rep. González agreed that the discussion was important, “I thank President Calderone, Vice President Nelson, and the MLEPG for engaging with the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus in a meaningful discussion. Their input is invaluable as we work to craft legislation to improve law enforcement services to communities of color.”
The MBLCC was created in 1973 to advocate for Massachusetts’s communities of color in the legislature. The MLEPG was created several years ago to serve as a coalition of the Commonwealth’s major police unions and organizations to speak on Law Enforcement legislation and policy.
Carlos Gonzalez
Chair, Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus
Lawrence Calderone Co-Chair, Massachusetts Law Enforcement Policy Group
John Nelson
Co-Chair, Massachusetts Law Enforcement Police Group
