Anjanette Young’s case shows society must begin to reimagine policing

After all the instances of police brutality this year, especially after watching the family of Breonna Taylor receive no justice for her wrongful death, it is painful to learn of yet another police catastrophe. Though Anjanette Young was not killed in the botched raid at her home, her humanity was stripped from her as a gang of men watched while her naked body was unjustly handcuffed.

To say this was gross negligence by the Chicago Police Department would be an understatement. Black people are tired of being defiled and dehumanized on camera. We are tired of the police acting as our enemy, rather than doing their job to keep us safe.

Why should we as legislators continue to support the CPD when they’ve turned against the people? How is CPD going to use their resources to decrease crime, rather than be the perpetuators of it?

It is deeply necessary that we begin to reimagine policing in our post- George Floyd America. It is nearly impossible for Black people to trust an institution that was initially created to hunt them down in the era of slavery, especially when, centuries later, there is little to no accountability for the continued harm being caused.

Every officer involved in the raid needs to be fired immediately. We cannot accept such misconduct from those who are sworn to protect and serve us. Further, crisis intervention tactics need to be readdressed, so that Black and Brown people are protected against unnecessary use of force and no- knock warrants.

We will continue to challenge the inhumane systems that allow for such behavior until there is deep healing and accountability for CPD’s dark past with Black and Brown communities.

We stand in solidarity with Anjanette Young, and will fight until she receives justice for every minute she stood while her human rights were violated.

State Sen. Mattie Hunter, Majority Caucus Chair, 3rd District State Sen. Patricia Van Pelt, 5th District