Sen. Joel Ford wants meeting between black caucus and law enforcement

Following last week’s deadly shootings involving police, a state senator from Charlotte Monday called for a meeting of black lawmakers and law enforcement officials in the state.

Sen. Joel Ford, along with Rep. Ed Hanes Jr. of Forsyth County, called for a joint meeting between the Black Legislative Caucus and law enforcement officials in charge of training around the state.

They want the officials and the caucus to establish standards for improving officer training and preventing situations where deadly force is considered and used.

“We need to have an open dialogue with the law enforcement training staff,” Ford said in a statement. “The tragic incidents we have witnessed last week in Louisiana, Minnesota and Texas, as well as with the Jonathan Ferrell case right here in Charlotte, showcases the clear problems we have in our society when it comes to race relations and law enforcement.”

Ford and Hanes are drafting legislation designed to address hiring, screening, and potential misconduct.

“We agree with every officer in the nation who says the vast majority of law enforcement do their jobs the right way,” Ford said. “We also understand that best practices in hiring and firing standards must be continually updated.”

This story was originally published July 11, 2016 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Sen. Joel Ford wants meeting between black caucus and law enforcement."