AB 1196

Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus Reflect on the One-Year Anniversary of the Murder of George Floyd

Sentinel News ServiceMay 27, 2021

Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) reflect on the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. In a video recording of the fatal arrest, Chauvin can be seen pressing his knee into the neck of Floyd for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. The murder of George Floyd sent shockwaves around the world and renewed calls for comprehensive police reform. Last month, a Minneapolis jury found Chauvin guilty for the murder of George Floyd. The three other officers involved in Floyd’s death are awaiting trial. “To say

Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson Appointed Chair of the Select Committee on Police Reform

Sentinel News ServiceSeptember 24, 2020

California has again led the nation by passing some of the strictest police use-of-force standards while also mandating de-escalation and use-of-force training. The legislature also recently sent bills to the Governor’s desk to ban deadly carotid choke holds, reorganize sheriff oversight commissions and increase transparency and impartiality in officer-involved shooting investigations.

News Op-Ed Opinion Political

At the end of the day – right is right

Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson)August 27, 2020

I am a Black man in America who is a father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle and cousin. I am also Assemblymember for California’s 64th Assembly District and a former police officer. I am proud of all of those titles. As a former police officer, I know first-hand the hard work and undeniable value of good officers. But, as in many other industries, bad apples (‘cops’) exist. The police unions would have me look the other way when racism rears its ugly head whether it originates with leadership or manifests through the actions of some rank and file. Like most Black

Local News Political

Bill Banning Police from Using Deadly “Sleeper Hold” Introduced in California Assembly

Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black MediaJune 11, 2020

The legislation, AB 1196, bans law enforcement officers in the state from using carotid artery restraints to subdue and detain suspects. The chokehold — commonly called the “sleeper hold” among wrestling fans — is supposed to render victims unconscious, but it has proven to be deadly.