Crump and Massey family present possible legislation: "Sonya Massey Act"

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Attorney Ben Crump and the family of Sonya Massey held a news conference Wednesday to respond to Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell's retirement announcement and to discuss what they are calling the Sonya Massey Act.

Massey was killed by Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson during a 911 call. Grayson's hiring by the sheriff's department has been under scrutiny since the shooting.

Raymond Massey, Sonya's uncle, said that Campbell's retirement would be the first move towards real change. "I personally feel that Sonya was failed by multiple systems and multiple people. So, I think that by the sheriff stepping down, it's a great first step."

The legislation they are working on would call for comprehensive police reform.

Attorney Antonio Romanucci, a collaborator with Crump on the legislation, said that it would put a stop to hiring unqualified officers. "We want to stop any police officer who does not deserve to wear the uniform or the badge, and certainly carry anything that's close to a deadly weapon."

The following steps are being suggested:

Section 1: Standardize and Professionalize Policing

National licensing standards.
Process to decertify officers who are no longer fit for duty.
Mandatory background check for all hires, with a waiting period to receive and process results.
Model policies and procedures for law enforcement leaders.
National police hiring exam; including testing on psychological, emotional, physical, and intellectual levels.
Standard and consistent training; regular training modules to refresh perishable skills.
Enhanced mental health services for officers.

Section 2: Enhance Accountability and Transparency

Creation of National Police Accountability Oversight Task Force
Mandatory, permanent, and public national database of officer misconduct with more comprehensive information. Not just the inclusion of felony convictions and serious demeanors, but also infractions -- like speeding during police chases and DUIs -- use of excessive force or profane language on a citizen
Consistent reporting standards.
Uniform use of body-worn cameras and body cam analysis.
Establishing that intentionally turning off bodycam should be a federal obstruction of justice violation. Additionally, establishing rebuttable presumption of guilt for officers who turn of their bodycam in cases involving police shootings.
Removal of qualified immunity protections for law enforcement personnel.

Section 3: Reframing the Role of Police

Demilitarization of policing with intent to preserve human life.
Banning chokeholds and prone restraints.
Placing limits on no-knock warrants
Elimination of "saturation units," which are suppression or oppression units who's mission is reducing serious crimes. With a history of disproportionately stopping Black and Hispanic people in search of criminal activity
Common curriculum for de-escalation, with continuous training in techniques.
Use of body-cam analytics to promote de-escalation.
Additional mental health resources for those in crisis.

Romanucci said that the team has a platform with the Democratic National Convention and they plan on using it. "We aim to bring these matters to our leaders and ensure that change will happen. Or else there will never, ever be accountability. There will never, ever be responsibility. And you will hear people like the Sangamon County Sheriff tell us that every thing he did was okay. And that is not acceptable."