Cory Booker: “I rise today to speak about the Police Reporting of Information Data and Evidence Act, or PRIDE Act-- legislation I…”

“I rise today to speak about the Police Reporting of Information Data and Evidence Act, or PRIDE Act-- legislation I introduced on Thursday, May 25, 2017. This bill would increase accountability and transparency for law enforcement by requiring States to report to the Department of Justice use of force incidents that occur between police officers and civilians. I am proud to have introduced this important bill and I want to thank Senator Chris Van Hollen for joining the legislation as an original cosponsor. I also want to thank Representative Joaquin Castro for introducing a House companion of the PRIDE Act. Across our Nation, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities. These individuals have answered the call to serve, and we owe these brave men and women our deepest respect and gratitude. As mayor of Newark, NJ, I saw firsthand the dangers police officers face each and every day. They must make tough, split-second decisions that have life and death consequences. They truly have one of the toughest jobs in America. We must provide law enforcement with the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. That is why I have been a strong advocate for robust funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program, Bulletproof Vest Partnership program, and the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring program.…”