WASHINGTON, DC – Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today released the following statement regarding the US House of Representatives’ vote to overturn the District’s Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act:

“Today, national politicians, seeking to score points for their next hometown election, voted to overturn a law that is essential to public safety and effective policing in the District of Columbia.   

By allowing the Chief of Police to discipline officers who violate peoples’ constitutional rights, prohibiting dangerous tactics like chokeholds, and enhancing police transparency, the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act increases trust between police officers and the communities they serve. Every good police officer knows that enhanced community trust allows them to perform their jobs more safely and effectively, ultimately improving public safety overall.

Out-of-state politicians don’t know or care more about public safety in Washington, DC than the more than 700,000 residents who live here. Instead of using DC as a political football, members of Congress should focus on addressing the needs of their own communities and allow the residents of the District of Columbia to legislate for ourselves.”