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Trump to Sign Executive Order Offering Some Police Reforms

VOA News

   U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order Tuesday
   on some police reforms, the goal of which a senior administration
   official said is "to invest more and incentivize best practices."

   Briefing reporters Monday ahead of the signing, a senior administration
   official said the main piece will becreatingcertification bodies to
   train officers on de-escalation techniques and use of force standards.

   "We're leveraging our ability to execute discretionary grants and
   prioritizing those police departments that take the time to get that
   credentialing," the official said.

   Another part would push for creating so-called co-respondent services,
   a system in which officers would pair with social workers when
   responding to nonviolent calls, especially those involving mental
   health concerns and drug addiction issues.

   More sweeping overhauls to the nation's policing are under
   consideration in Congress.

   The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearingon the
   issueTuesdaywith testimony from law enforcement and civil
   rightsofficials.

   The chamber's Republican majority is crafting its package of proposals,
   which includes a banon chokeholds and increased used of police body
   cameras.

   Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the legislation "a
   serious proposal to reform law enforcement."

   Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Republican effort does
   not go far enough, and that "now is the time to seek bold and
   broad-scale change."

   The Democrat-led House of Representatives is expected to vote sometime
   this month onits ownpackage thatincludes a provision that would make it
   easier to file civil lawsuits against officers who violate someone's
   rights.

   The White House has signaled President Donald Trump would not
   endorseending what is known as the qualified immunity doctrine.

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