SE Twin Cities

Following the murder of George Floyd, nationwide attention has been directed to the way in which the St. Paul, Minnesota government responds, but attorneys claim that reforms might not do much, Twin Cities reported. 

Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul) has sponsored a bill that would change the criteria in which officers could use deadly force. 

Because law enforcement can claim that they feared for their lives, Moran said, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to prosecute them. 

While Moran’s push is noble, attorneys said that it might not make a difference.

One law professor said that Moran’s legislation which will only allow for the use of deadly force “judiciously and with respect for human rights and dignity and for the sanctity of every human life,” will be difficult to enforce. 

Criminal defense attorney, John Arechigo, said that Moran’s legislation is a step in the right direction, as far as language goes, but he is uncertain of the policy behind it. 

“I recognize officers need to protect themselves and others in certain situations, but the proposed language seems to still give officers the right to use deadly force simply because the officer thought there was an imminent threat to life,” Arechigo told Twin Cities.