Harlem Congressman Reveals Plan To Combat Police Brutality

HARLEM, NY — Harlem Congressmember Adriano Espaillat revealed a 10-part plan to end police brutality this week amid days of nationwide protests in response to the police killing of Minneapolis man George Floyd.

Espaillat's plan, called the "Harlem Manifesto," calls on national lawmakers to support bills that will eliminate private prisons, abolish the death penalty nationwide, prohibit police departments from acquiring military equipment and implement more strict use of force requirements for federal law enforcement officials, among other policies. Espaillat and several Harlem community leaders and local elected officials announced the manifesto Tuesday in front of the 125th Street statue of Adam Claytonn Powell Jr.

"Our nation has witnessed a horrific week of events that has left communities mourning. After more than 400 years of oppression in America, Black men continue to be targeted, Latino families continue to be separated, and all persons of color continue to be marginalized," Espaillat said.

Espaillat also said Tuesday that he will introduce bills that would criminalize "knowing or reckless police abuse" and end the "overuse" of solitary confinement in prisons.

In addition to legislative goals and specific police reforms, Espaillat's manifesto calls for investing in over-policed communities by increasing access to social services and by shifting responsibilities from police to trained mental health professionals and social workers.

"I am introducing the Harlem Manifesto, a 10-point plan and series of legislative proposals to demand an end to police brutality and the targeting of African Americans and Latinos in my district and communities around the nation, and I urge my congressional colleagues to join me in this effort to call for immediate action and reform to help heal our nation," Espaillat said.