Delaware Senate Majority Whip Senator Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman and Senator Marie Pinkney issued the following statement today after Monday’s release of the Moses Report by the Department of Justice:
“Our thoughts today are with the family of Lymond Moses, as well as the families of Jeremy McDole, Lateef Dickerson and other Delawareans who were the victims of violent encounters with those who swore an oath to protect their lives.
Too often, official investigations into these incidents point to systemic breakdowns in our justice system or a failure of internal controls within our departments that prevents true justice and accountability. That’s why the Legislature has pushed for increased police reform.
In just two years, we have passed legislation that made it illegal for police to use chokeholds, created an objective use-of-force standard across all departments, and expanded the types of police conduct cases automatically reviewed by the Department of Justice. In a few weeks, we also will consider legislation that will make police misconduct cases more transparent and allow greater community oversight of our law enforcement agencies.
In light of this latest report on the Moses incident, it is clear we also need to look more carefully at how we can make sure all of Delaware’s law enforcement agencies are using best practices to train their officers.
No one can be satisfied with how this incident has played out. But yesterday’s report sends a clear message that, together, we must redouble our efforts to make Delaware’s justice system works for all Delawareans.”