Donald M. Payne: “Hands up; don't shoot. The recent events in Ferguson have brought to light many of the problems that still exist in our…”

“Hands up; don't shoot. The recent events in Ferguson have brought to light many of the problems that still exist in our Nation: racial divides, mistrust of law enforcement, a judicial system that disproportionately incarcerates black men, and the unfortunate way that we view one another--not as Americans, but as us versus them. I am encouraged by President Obama's initiative that will help purchase body cameras for police departments. This will increase accountability of law enforcement, and it will protect our officers by deterring wrongdoing. I am proud that the two cities in my district, Newark and Jersey City, are taking the lead to acquire cameras for their police officers, because members of the community deserve to feel law enforcement is protecting them and not out to get them; and, in turn, our protectors deserve to be protected as well. This will be a step in the right direction. ____________________”