The California assembly has passed a bill that restricts the use of police dog units in arrests and crowd control. The bill was introduced by members of Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, who argue that police have misused dog units in the past, particularly against Black and other minority communities.
The new legislation allows police to continue using dog units to detect explosives and search for drugs. However, they will no longer be able to use them in arrests or crowd control unless there is a specific threat to public safety.
Police misuse of dog units
The bill’s supporters argue that police have misused dog units in the past as a tool of oppression against Black Americans and other minorities. They believe that these tactics have their roots in America’s history of slavery and systemic racism.
Corey Jackson, one of the bill’s sponsors, said, “We have felt that the police use these [dog units] as a step of apartheid against the Blacks.” He added that the bill aims to put an end to these unjust practices.
The bill’s passing has been widely welcomed by activists and civil rights organizations. General Citizen, an advocacy group, said, “Human beings are human beings. The sooner we rectify this mistake, the better.”
Exceptions to the rule
While the new legislation restricts the use of dog units, it does provide some exceptions. Police will still be allowed to use dog units in situations where there is a specific threat to public safety.
For example, if a suspect is armed and dangerous, or if there is a risk of a bomb threat, police may use dog units to detect potential threats. However, they will no longer be able to use them as a general tool of crowd control.
The passing of this bill is a significant step towards reforming the way police operate in California. It sends a clear message that the state is committed to addressing systemic racism and police brutality.
While there are exceptions to the rule, the new legislation ensures that dog units are no longer used to oppress or intimidate minority communities. It represents a victory for civil rights activists and a step towards a more just and equal society.