Press Release — Austin, Texas – Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston) announced today his intention to file legislation to require schools to educate our children on how to interact with law enforcement when they are stopped for a traffic violation or detained. The bill requires the State Board of Education to establish rules for a new curriculum section for ninth graders on law enforcement duties and interaction. The bill is part of an effort to combat escalated situations between officers and civilians.

The Senate Criminal Justice Committee was asked to review law enforcement efforts to engage community leaders and increase their involvement in communities. Assess dangers to law enforcement officers and the collection and distribution of threat assessment data. Make recommendations to reduce the number of injuries and deaths to or by law enforcement officers. The Committee will meet at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 4th.

“There is no home team or visiting team. We must all come together to develop the best strategies to improve relations and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” stated Senator Whitmire. “Increased training and education for both peace officers and our students will help foster positive relations and interactions.”