House Democrat and Black Caucus leadership comment on law enforcement agency review

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Chair State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) released the following statements after the findings of a third-party review of state-level law enforcement agencies were made public:

“Today's report is a first step in strengthening trust and collaboration between law enforcement and communities, creating a safer Indiana for all Hoosiers,” GiaQuinta said. “I was pleased to see the third-party review identify areas where state-level law enforcement agencies have made progress in the past year. These agencies have my support as they work diligently to implement the remaining recommendations. Our officers should be held to the highest standard to ensure community safety for all. I look forward to the commitments of this report being actualized, and to seeing the returns on investments appropriated by the General Assembly during the 2021 Legislative Session.”

“I'd like to thank Governor Holcomb for initiating this third-party review as a response to IBLC and community outcry,” Shackleford said. “It is encouraging to see many of the social justice initiatives that the IBLC has been advocating for, such as the use of body cameras and implicit bias training, be reaffirmed in Hillard Heintze's review. I'd also like to thank Superintendent Carter for embracing these recommendations with a servant heart. The IBLC looks forward to seeing the recommendations implemented to create transparency and change in our law enforcement community. Following the success of House Enrolled Act 1006, we will continue to advocate for greater, comprehensive legislation to create a more just Indiana for all.”