Five years after the tragic death of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer keeping him restrained for over nine minutes, there seems to be a noticeable retreat from efforts aimed at police reform. This incident sparked worldwide protests against police violence, particularly towards Black individuals.
In May, the Justice Department made headlines by pulling back on a crucial agreement with the police departments in Minneapolis and Louisville, which was designed to enforce reforms aimed at minimizing violent incidents and other forms of misconduct. The department is currently reviewing whether to withdraw similar agreements with about a dozen other police agencies.
Additionally, the Justice Department has decided to close civil rights investigations into agencies like the Louisiana State Police, as well as departments in Mount Vernon, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and Trenton, New Jersey.
Fortunately, officials in Minneapolis have reaffirmed their commitment to a consent decree that was put in place under the previous administration. However, it does raise questions about the effectiveness of relying on police forces to self-regulate. The federal government has an obligation to shield the public from police misconduct.
This current shift by the Justice Department could lead to more tragic outcomes, particularly for Black individuals and other minority groups who are already disproportionately affected by police violence.
According to a national tally from 2015 to 2024 by a major investigative outlet, Black individuals were over twice as likely to be victims of fatal police shootings compared to their white counterparts. With 4,657 non-Hispanic whites killed and 2,484 Black individuals, the statistics highlight a grave disparity. Only 14% of the U.S. population identifies as Black, yet their mortality rate from police violence stands at 6.1 per million each year, far exceeding the 2.5 per million seen in the white population.
While there are undoubtedly instances where police must use force to prevent greater harm, the deaths of individuals like Floyd raise serious concerns about the appropriateness of those actions. Floyd, for instance, was unarmed and merely suspected of trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill.
As a Black person, I’ve felt the sting of unfair treatment from law enforcement. I recall a moment when I was wrongly stopped near my home, handcuffed, and had a weapon pointed at me for no reason. It’s hard to shake the feeling that, had I looked different, the situation would have played out quite differently.
While most police officers do intend to keep communities safe—often putting their own lives on the line—they shouldn’t be viewed as infallible. The notion that wrongdoing doesn’t exist within policing, or that systemic racism is merely a myth, seems rather misguided.
In light of the Trump administration’s refusal to uphold necessary reforms, it falls to state and local governments to take action. Here are some key steps they might consider:
Boost police funding for reform: After Floyd’s death, some proposed “defunding the police,” which may have been counterproductive. Increasing funding from federal, state, and local levels is essential for improving training, better compensating officers, and enhancing police presence to ensure accountability. Public opinion shows that a significant majority support increased funding for law enforcement to help prevent violence.
Address crime prevention, not just response: Officers should engage more with communities and build relationships. Increased visibility can deter crime and foster trust. This approach does entail costs but could be critically important for genuine reform.
Investigate misconduct independently: Rather than letting police investigate their own, states and localities should form independent boards for such inquiries, fostering objectivity.
Reward ethical behavior and discipline misconduct: Officers who report their colleagues’ wrongdoing should receive recognition and advancements, while those who act unprofessionally ought to face appropriate consequences. Implementing a national database to track dismissed officers would further prevent their reassignment to other departments.
Elevate pay and education standards: Offering competitive salaries attracts qualified candidates. New recruits should ideally have at least two years of college education—moving towards a four-year degree in the future. Studies hint that better-educated officers may be less likely to engage in excessive force.
Enhance screening processes: Rigorous psychological evaluations and in-depth interviews should be standard to ensure that recruits—and even veteran officers—are suited for the challenges of police work.
Expand training opportunities: Comprehensive training, including mental health awareness, can substantially improve officers’ responses to individuals in crisis, potentially reducing the likelihood of violent encounters.
Implementing these suggestions could lead to both increased justice and public safety. With the Trump administration stepping back from oversight, it’s critical that state and local governments take up the mantle of responsible reform in memory of George Floyd and others who have suffered due to police misaction.
