HARRISBURG, Pa. - The House Judiciary Committee has unanimously passed a package of police reform proposals. One would make it easier for departments to see if a job applicant had a history of complaints and other problems at a former job. Another would require officers to undergo a mental health evaluation after using deadly force.
If a mental health care provider determines they have post-traumatic stress disorder, then they would be assigned to desk duty until a physician clears them.
Democratic Representative Christopher Rabb of Philadelphia credits protesters across the state for helping to push for progress.
“We followed in the tradition of the civil rights movement, and the black liberation movement, and other movements that believed in nonviolent civil disobedience, and we were responded to with respect and urgency. And a week later here we are.”
The full House is expected to vote on the proposals next week. Rabb and other members of the Legislative Black Caucus are still waiting for other proposals to be taken up.
One would place new limits on the use of deadly force by police officers, while another would require a special prosecutor to investigate such cases.