President Joe Biden commemorated the second anniversary of the death of George Floyd on Wednesday by signing an executive order to “reform policing practices.”
The order effectively establishes a national registry of police officers fired for misconduct. It also encourages authorities at the state and local levels to tighten the restrictions on chokeholds and no-knock warrants.
The recommendation for local officials comes after limits on chokeholds and no-knock warrants were put in place for federal agencies last September by the Justice Department. This included the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
A White House fact sheet says the executive order intends to “enhance public trust by promoting accountability, transparency, and the principles of equality and dignity in policing and the larger criminal justice system.”
The new order will require that law enforcement officials stop and intervene if they notice another officer using excessive force. They will also be required to administer medical aid if needed.
New restrictions on the transfer of military-grade equipment to law enforcement agencies have also been put in place as part of the order. Lastly, the directive mandates that all federal agents wear body cameras.
Last year, the Biden administration tried to garner support in Congress for a set of police reform laws known as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. However, the legislation did not gain the bipartisan support that it would have needed to pass through Congress. The administration then began to write up its plan to pass the reforms as an executive order.
“I know progress can be slow and frustrating,” Biden said during the order’s signing in the East Room of the White House. “Today, we’re acting. We’re showing that speaking out matters, being engaged matters, and that the work of our time, healing the soul of this nation, is ongoing and unfinished and requires all of us never to give up. Always to keep the faith.”
The action drew criticism from a police officer that spoke with the New York Post.
“It’s beyond a slap in the face. It just goes to show you how far left Biden’s gone now. Law enforcement is a tough job and they’re making it a thousand times harder,” the officer said.
Members of Floyd’s family were present at the White House for Wednesday’s event.
In addition to Floyd’s family, other relatives of individuals killed by police over the last few years were also at the signing ceremony. This included family members of Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Amir Locke, and Atatiana Jefferson.