Whitmer announces support for police reform in Michigan

LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Wednesday that she is supporting a series of policy plans for police reform in Michigan.

Whitmer called on Michigan law enforcement agencies to enhance their training and policies to “create a police culture where all Michganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law.”

The governor also shared her support for measures requiring law enforcement officers to complete training on implicit bias and de-escalation techniques.

“The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor were a result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans,” Whitmer said in a press release. “Here in Michigan, we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day. That’s why I'm calling on Michigan police departments to strengthen their training and policies to save lives and keep people safe. I am also ready to partner with the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to pass police reform bills into law.”