US bill aims to enhance training for police

A bipartisan and bicameral bill that would require law enforcement to enhance training in de-escalation has been introduced by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. "We've seen too many tragedies in Ohio," Brown said during a news conference he hosted on Wednesday. Police and other law enforcement agencies and their communities have suffered through tragedies that broke the trust in their relationships, he said. "Police should be seen as relief and not more anxiety," Brown added. Sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, the Law Enforcement Scenario-based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act of 2022 is proposed to improve training between police departments across Ohio and the country. Reps. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, and Anthony Gonzalez, R-Ohio, are leading the efforts for passage in the House of Representatives. "Policing is a tough job that is constantly changing," said Patrick Yoes, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. "We need every edge we can get." According to a press release from Brown's office, "the legislation would require the Department of Justice, through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, to create an immersive, real-life, scenario-based training curriculum to address key issues raised by law enforcement officers and the communities they serve." NAACP Vice President of Policy and Legislative Affairs Patrice Willoughby said that safety is the overall priority. "There is a mismatch of the perception of the community and the perception of law enforcement," she said. "We believe safety is a paramount issue." That perception, according to numerous studies, is based on their last encounter. "We all want the same thing," Yoes said. "Safer and stronger communities."