Maryland SC NAACP Press Statement in Response To Ferguson Grand Jury Decision
Last night, we watched in deep disappointment, as the Ferguson Grand Jury did not indict Officer Darren Wilson for the tragic death of Michael Brown Jr. As a tireless defender of the civil rights of all Marylanders, the Maryland State Conference of the NAACP stands with our local branches, community members, and young people who are committed to continuing the fight against racial profiling, police brutality and the militarization of local authorities here in the state of Maryland. This moment marks the beginning of a new stage of advocacy and presents an opportunity for Maryland’s lawmakers to step up and show that they respect the lives of our youth and our law enforcement. That is why the Maryland State Conference of the NAACP will work tirelessly with partners and local units to pursue legislation to protect citizens and law enforcement from acts of violence as well as demilitarize the police force, and establish independent oversight of police involved deaths to create a more transparent review process which include: Requiring all Maryland Police cars have dash cameras, and all Maryland police officers wear body cameras Requiring independent review of every police involved shooting in the state Requiring diversity training for all officers in the state Requiring the establishment of local citizens review boards for police oversight, and Establishing concrete steps to lower the current amount of military weapons and equipment flowing to police forces in the state, and limit the purchase of said weapons and equipment in the future. Maryland State Conference NAACP President, Gerald Stansbury- “As defenders of the civil rights of all Marylanders, we have a requirement to protect the most basic civil right in our country–the right to live; and the Maryland State Conference of the NAACP, our local units, and our allies will not stand down until we create greater accountability and security for our citizens and law enforcement alike. And the best way for us to do that is to institutionalize reform.” Contact Person- Gerald Stansbury Maryland State Conference NAACP President 410-533-7302 stansger@yahoo.com
Sent November 25, 2014
