Require Law Enforcement Personnel to Undergo Substance Abuse Testing After Discharging of a Fire Arm

WHEREAS, across America, African Americans more than any other race, are more likely to be shot and killed by law enforcement officers; and

WHEREAS, according to the Guardian, in 2015, 1,134 deaths were at the hands of police officers; and

WHEREAS, African Americans between the ages of 15 and 34 make up approximately 2% of the total US population, but made up more than 15% of all deaths logged in 2015, and

WHEREAS, not all law enforcement agencies require their officers to undergo chemical, drug and/or alcohol blood testing after shooting incidents.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP work to enact legislation that will make it a federal requirement to test law enforcement personnel when they discharge their firearm; and in the event of an officer shooting, whether or not the victim dies, that within two (2) hours of the officer discharging his/her fireman, testing shall be completed for any chemical and/or controlled substance, including alcohol in their system.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP develops guidelines to assist units in working with local law enforcement agencies and officials to implement similar policy on local level.