City officials in Brooklyn Center, Wisconsin have passed a sweeping police reform package. The package of police reforms will provide more independent oversight of the police force, prohibit arrests for low-level offenses and use unarmed civilians to handle minor traffic violations. Most notably, the city will create a new department to oversee public safety.
“[It] will establish a new north star for our community, one that will keep all of us safe,” Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott said.
“It says that we, as your elected leaders, are committing ourselves. And that you can hold us accountable for achieving those goals.”
The police reform package passed through Brookly Center City Council by a vote of 4-1. Alongside Elliott, Brooklyn Center City Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves and Dan Ryan voted for the resolution. Brooklyn Center City Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson was the sole vote against the package. While she did not outright disapprove of the bill, she did feel that the council had not taken enough time to review the bill.
Prior to voting on the bill, city officials heard testimony from the families of Kobe Dimock-Heisler and Daunte Wright. Both young men were killed at the hands of police within the last two years.
“Thirty-four days ago, our son, on April 11th, was murdered,” Katie Wright, Daunte Wright’s mother, said.
“I truly believe if this was implemented prior to April 11, our son would still be with us today.”
Former Brooklyn Center Police Department Officer Kim Potter has been charged with manslaughter for her role in Wright’s death. However, no charges have been filed with in the death of Dimock-Heisler.