The Massachusetts State Senate has passed a police reform measure that will limit the use of choke holds and tear gas and license all enforcement officers and train them in the history of racism.The vote means that the measure will go to the State House which has now promised a debate by the end of the week.
Some Democrats voted against the measure which made it out of the chamber right before 4-30 this morning.State Senator Anne Gobi of Spencer, John Velis of Westfield and Michael Moore of Millbury.
Some of the had issues with the watering down of the bill as it related to police protections against lawsuits.Others had issues with the process arguing that some Democrats wanting to act urgently was a stretch.
Among the bill’s more important measures is for a new independent commission, the Police Officer Standards and Accreditation Committee which would certify police officers in the state.
The Massachusetts Coalition of Police, which represents more than 4 thousand police officers across the state voiced its support for the commission but questioned the break neck speed that the bill was progressing.Minority officers say they have been excluded from the process.
Among the proposals defeated was a measure that Velis, the first term Senate Democrat which would have created a special commission to make recommendations of the question of qualified immunity.That measure failed.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak/WHYN News)