Four members of the Michigan Black Legislative Caucus are proposing legislation to deny legal protections for police who inflict unjustifiable violence.
State Rep. Cynthia A. Johnson (D-Detroit) says the state may consider imposing an additional requirement on police.
“In addition to these particular bills, we may want to hold police officers responsible by having them bonded, and they would have to pay for their own personal liability insurance.”
Law enforcement officers are protected by a provision known as qualified immunity. That means they’re shielded from civil liability for serious injury or death if their actions fall within the scope of their official duties. The proposal from four members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus would strip that protection from police who exert unjustified violence.
Want to support reporting like this? Consider making a gift to Michigan Radio today.