Congressman Jason Crow Statement on Attorney General Weiser’s Report on the Aurora Patterns and Practices Investigation

AURORA – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) today released the following statement after Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser reported on the findings of the Aurora patterns and practices investigation.

"Today's findings laid bare what many in our community know too well: that people of color are often treated differently by law enforcement and subject to abuse. I commend the Colorado Attorney General's office for conducting a thorough investigation.

"Today is another step on the march to a more just, equitable and transparent law enforcement system for our community, but there is much work to do. It's now time for the City of Aurora and law enforcement leaders to engage with the Attorney General and start the process of correcting the issues identified in this investigation. I will continue to fight for comprehensive reform at the federal level to restore trust and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve."

Background:

In May of 2021, Congressman Crow introduced the Use of Force Accountability Act, legislation that would require states to have a law mandating independent investigations after any use of deadly force that resulted in a death or injury. The bill was a direct response to Aurora's independent review of the death of Elijah McClain.

In June of 2021, Congressmen Jason Crow and Joe Neguse introduced the Ketamine Restriction Act, legislation that would ban the use of ketamine during an arrest or detention, other than in a hospital. Paramedics across Colorado have sedated peoplemore than 902 times with ketamine in the two and a half years, according to state public health records.

Additionally, Congressman Crow helped pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which includes Congressman Crow's George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act. This comprehensive package of reforms would transform policing in America, and includes bold reforms that would hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement, and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

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