As Unitarian Universalists, we act to affirm justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. It is our responsibility to create a world in which justice no longer includes state-sanctioned violence.
Join the movement today!
Download a “CA Act to Save Lives” Factsheet.
Sign UUJMCA’s Petition in support of AB 392.
Send a message to your CA State Assembly Member & Senator.
Call and tell your lawmaker – “Vote Yes on AB392!” (855-644-2258)
The California Act to Save Lives provides a clear definition for when officers’ deadly use of force can be used. The bill makes sure that police officers refrain from using deadly force unless it is necessary to prevent an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury. In other words, police officers can only use deadly force when there is no reasonable alternative, including warnings, verbal persuasion, or other nonlethal methods to resolve or de-escalate a situation.
Why do we need the California Act to Save Lives?
- In 2017, officers killed 172 people in California, half of whom were unarmed
- Of the unarmed people California police killed, 3 out of 4 were people of color
- Of the 172 people killed in 2017, nearly 50% were Latino
- In 2017, Black people in California were 3.2 times more likely to be killed by police than white people
- California police killed people at a rate 37% higher than the national average
- A 2015 report found that the police in Kern County killed more people per capita than in any other U.S. county
- Nationwide, almost half of people killed by police have a disability or mental illness
The bill incorporates best practices to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all, which are known to preserve life. Under President Obama, the US Department of Justice helped many cities adopt similar policies, including San Francisco and Seattle. Seattle’s federal monitor determined the Seattle Police Department’s use of force policy change resulted in a decline in serious uses of force without any negative impact on officer or public safety.
Join UUJMCA and our partners in the movement to save the lives of the most vulnerable Californians. Support the inherent worth and dignity of all and promote justice, equity, and compassion in all human relations, including law enforcement. Contact your California legislators today and ask them to support AB 392 (The California Act to Save Lives)!
