Re-affirming Excessive Force and Misconduct by Law Enforcement Officers and Police Departments

WHEREAS, the NAACP is strongly committed to a Criminal Justice System (CJS) that is fair, equitable and dispenses justice without regard to race, sex, residency or socio-economic status; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP is strongly opposed to crime and predatory criminals; and

WHEREAS, the personal safety of citizens from physical and verbal abuse from law enforcement officials is just as important as the containment of crime and criminals; and

WHEREAS, in many communities the actions and behavior of the staff of the Police Departments, Sheriff Offices and law enforcement agencies at all levels are increasingly abusive and are violations of the civil rights and physical well-being of citizens; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP study outlined in Beyond the Rodney King Story causes grave concern regarding police misconduct, excessive force and questionable behavior.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this 87th National NAACP convention condemn police misconduct and the use of excessive force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NAACP Branches charge their appropriate Committee to monitor police misconduct and the use of excessive force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NAACP Branches use their Legal Redress Committees to become an advocate for innocent citizens who report instances of police misconduct and the use of excessive force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NAACP Branches actively publicize these shameful incidents via widespread media and press conferences; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the NAACP National Office pursue litigation when necessary to eradicate all forms of police misconduct and excessive force.