Mayor Bronin Statement On Meetings With Police Reform Advocates

Published on June 22, 2020

HARTFORD, CONN (June 22, 2020) – This morning, Mayor Luke Bronin met with activists from Black Lives Matter 860 as well as other groups, and this afternoon, he met with representatives of the group BA Undivided.  They discussed a number of reforms regarding police accountability, as well as broader policy issues related to racial equity and opportunity.

“We have had tens of thousands of people protest peacefully in Hartford calling for fundamental reforms to policing, and for bigger reforms to address the deep, longstanding disparities in our state and nation,” said Mayor Bronin.  “While it can be hard to have real conversations at a rally, today was an important opportunity to listen to some of the young people who are a part of that movement, to have serious, honest discussions, and to find common ground.  While I disagree deeply with the idea of abolishing or drastically defunding the police, it's clear from my meetings today and from many other conversations that there are a wide range of perspectives and priorities, even among those leading the protests in our community, and plenty of room for us to work together toward a common reform agenda.  The young people leading these protests care deeply, they have many good ideas and powerful experiences to share, and they are rightly pushing hard for change -- and those of us in elected office have to duty both to listen and to take action.  We will continue pushing forward with reforms in Hartford, like strengthening the Civilian Police Review Board, building a civilian crisis response team, and ensuring that Hartford is leading the way nationally when it comes to training, de-escalation, and accountability.  And I'll continue to talk with anyone and everyone who is interested in a serious discussion about how we can make our community safer, healthier, stronger and more equitable.”