State Rep. Monroe Nichols (D-Tulsa) proposed a set of police reforms on Wednesday he wants passed into law next legislative session.
Nichols’ March for Reform Initiative includes an Office of the Independent Monitor at the state level to review police incidents, a task force to oversee law enforcement training and standards, and a registry of officers dismissed for misconduct so it’s harder for them to get hired at another agency.
"They represent foundational pieces for what I believe should be a new normal in law enforcement across the state," Nichols said.
Nichols, whose father was a police officer, said trust in law enforcement is down. He said his son got anxious on a recent car trip from Bartlesville when his mom, who is not black, joked about slowing down so she wouldn’t get pulled over.
"His mother asked him what was the big deal. She said, 'Worst-case scenario, I’ll get a ticket.' And my 12-year-old said, 'Well, Mom, I look older than I am. What if they don’t believe that I’m your son?’" Nichols said.
The plan is supported by the House Democratic Caucus. Nichols is requesting a bipartisan interim study to help draft legislation ahead of the 2021 session.
