Lowey Statement on Department of Justice Reviewing Civil Rights Agreements with Troubled Police Departments

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Rockland/Westchester), the Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on the Department of Justice review of agreements between the Civil Rights Division and troubled police departments:

"Ensuring law enforcement officers are safe as they work tirelessly each day to protect and serve our communities is one of my top priorities. However, I am deeply concerned that Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to review agreements between the Division of Civil Rights and troubled police departments nationwide will halt reforms that would make officers and citizens alike more safe; sow doubt between law enforcement and communities of color; and break our nation’s promise that all Americans, regardless of race, must be protected under the law. We must support law enforcement by helping them reach the highest standards of excellence as they safeguard our communities, just as we must continue the difficult but necessary work of building communication, collaboration, and trust between police departments and communities that have been targets of racism and violence."

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