BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A local group is calling for change from within police departments all over, following the death of George Floyd.
Local community members gathered for the eleventh day in a row at the intersection of Panama Lane and Wible Road in Southwest Bakersfield. Organizers of Monday's gathering said they are choosing different locations in the community, so all of Bakersfield is aware of the issues and concerns of systemic racism in policing.
Organizers told 23ABC they are hitting the streets every day until they have a face to face sit down conversation with the Bakersfield Police Department.
The group is specifically asking for eight demands of reform, including:
- De-escalation tactics
- Immediate ban of chokeholds/strangleholds
- Require warning before shooting
- Comprehensive reporting
- Exhaust all alternatives before shooting
- Reduce use of force by 72 percent
The group said they are not anti-police but rather pro-police reform. They said they will continue to march to the streets until a change is implemented and a conversation is had.
