The bill was introduced after internationally recognized Atlanta attorney spotlighted several key cases on BET’s “Copwatch America” docuseries
Rep. Renitta Shannon, State Rep Park Cannon, Rep. Pam Stephenson, Rep. Erica Thomas, Rep. Bee Ngyuen, and Rep. Sandra Scott
Atlanta, GA — Six female Georgia lawmakers have taken historic action by filing a bill that requires all state and local law enforcement departments to create a ‘use of force’ database that is accessible by the public. The Use of Force Act (House Bill 636) was filed by State Representatives Renitta Shannon, Sandra Scott, Erica Thomas, Pam Stephenson, Park Cannon, and Bee Nguyen.
After the show premiered, former Atlanta police officer Sung Kim was forced to resign for the shooting of Jimmy Atchison. Witnesses say the father of two say was surrendering with his hands up when he was shot in the face. The FBI Task Force attempted to arrest Atchison for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery. The APD police report stated at the time of the Atchison’s murder that “a follow-up interview is needed with Brogan to check the discrepancies in the two stories.” A witness to the alleged armed robbery told police that Atchison didn’t rob anyone.
The proposed Georgia law would require law enforcement to take significant action in officer-involved incidents such as:
* Report every use of force incident in writing,
* Ensure that the incidents are entered and maintained in a database that can be accessed by the public,
* and detail any and all law enforcement officers that have been disciplined as a result of the use of force.
If the legislation passes, law enforcement agencies will be required to update the database with the information from the previous month.
News of the lawmaker’s historic initiative went viral on social media, including retweets from Kathy Griffin and Shaun King. You can follow the discussion below:
As we near the 1st Anniversary of his death, please remember the name #JimmyAtchison and we still demand justice for his family. #Sayhisname #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/sTpJR7nYui
— Gerald A. Griggs (@AttorneyGriggs) January 7, 2020
Driving accountability for excessive use of force by #police is something I’ve consistently fought for. This article talks about a bill I sponsored in 2019, that is the first of a series of bills.
Help me continue the fight ??https://t.co/zHl4fEP8R6 #BLM #JimmyAtchison https://t.co/GTCb7oArsV— Rep. Renitta Shannon (@RenittaShannon) January 7, 2020
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