Jacksonville NAACP demands 11 changes in JSO policy

Jacksonville, FL — The NAACP of Jacksonville last evening released a letter to Sheriff Mike Williams, saying it is past time for change within law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

“This past weekend can only be a catalyst to greater atrocities if the cries of the people continue to go unheard”, wrote Isaiah Rumlin, President Jacksonville Branch NAACP.

The organization is calling for a move from anger to action by demanding that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office make the following changes:

• Implementation of a Citizens Review Board with subpoena power
• Release of body camera footage within 48 hours of a police shooting
• Review of the departments use of force continuum
• Immediate firing and full prosecution of officers in direct violation of the color of law
• Ongoing diversity and sensitivity training for all officers with visible certification for public view (patch or marker on uniform or patrol cars)
• Full cooperation from the State Attorney's Office to prosecute cops who violate law
• Complete transparency throughout the investigative internal affairs process
• Elimination and ban of 'no knock warrants', 'knee holds' and 'choke holds'
• Full funding of community-based policing initiatives
• Support for bail reform
• Immediate investigation of known corrupt officers who have a history of police brutality

“Although, we do not condone the actions of agitators and looters, we do understand the anger and frustration they display with a system that does not work for them and ultimately treats them like second class citizens”, Rumlin said.

The NAACP says there is no room for racism and discrimination in law enforcement.