LANSING, Mich. (May 12, 2022) — Today, Campaign Zero released their Michigan poll results on police accountability, transparency, and use of force changes. The polling shows overwhelming support for a bipartisan bill package on police improvement measures.
The bill package, Senate Bills 473-484, would improve policy accountability and transparency in Michigan, along with reforming police de-escalation training, recruitment, and retention of officers.
“It’s clear that Michiganders across the political spectrum are united and overwhelmingly supportive of commonsense police accountability, use of force policies, and transparency,” Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) said. “Our bill package was introduced on the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd and had several robust committee hearings. Patrick Lyoya’s tragic death at the hands of Grand Rapids police is yet another reminder of how urgent it is that we pass meaningful legislation that can save lives and improve safety in our communities. Michigan is overdue for action, and I hope we can get this legislation through committee and to the Senate for a vote as soon as possible.”
Campaign Zero’s poll shows broad support for revising police use of force, with the poll showing 78% of Michiganders support verbal warnings before using force so that individuals have a chance to comply. Additionally, 58% support a policy requiring police officers to intervene when witnessing other officers committing misconduct and 55% believe in banning no-knock warrants.
“Far too many continue to be victims of police violence in communities across the state. The findings from the polling make it abundantly clear that there is support for positive reform for communities who are overpoliced and underrepresented in the state legislature,” said Sen. Erika Geiss, sponsor of Senate Bill 479. “We must use the failings of the past to protect the rights and lives of our residents in the future. This new poll is a wake-up call to legislators in both chambers that we must get this work done before we leave Lansing at the end of this term.”
The 12-bill package was led by the Majority and Minority Chairs of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, Sens. Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville) and Stephanie Chang, who sponsored Senate Bills 473 and 481, respectively, along with broad support from senators in both caucuses.
“Today’s poll shows there is incredible support for police accountability and reform measures to protect Michiganders when they encounter an officer,” said Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), sponsor of Senate Bill 482. “I hope that today’s announcement is a reminder that police reform is popular and is not partisan. We must work together in a bipartisan manner to ensure safer, better policed communities in the future.”
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