Andy Kim Discusses Police Reform With Burlington County Leaders

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Rep. Andy Kim discussed police reform with mayors and law enforcement leaders in Burlington County on Thursday.

“Real change can’t just come from the Capitol, it needs to come from our communities,” Kim said. “It’s going to take mayors and council members, law enforcement and local activists coming together. Each one has an important seat at the table as we work as a country to deliver reforms that will make our communities safer and more equal. I want to thank everyone who joined in today and look forward to continuing this conversation and strengthening our commitment to real change.”

Kim was joined by local leaders including:

• Burlington City Mayor Barry Conaway;
• Beverly City Mayor Randy Miller;
• Westampton Mayor Sandy Henley; and
• Willingboro Council Member Samantha Whitfield.

He was also joined by law enforcement leaders including:

• New Jersey Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) President Jiles Ship;
• Mount Laurel Councilman and former Executive Vice President of PBA 105 Kareem Pritchett;
• Willingboro Director of Public Safety Kinamo Lomon; and
• Moorestown Police Officer Bryan Wright.

They discussed the importance of bringing policing closer to the communities; the importance of strengthening positive culture within police departments; ways to improve training and screening of law enforcement officers; and the need for additional funding for social services and mental health care.

“We know what the problems are,” Ship said. “What we need is the courage and commitment to solve these problems.”

Over the path month, Congressman Kim joined peaceful demonstrations calling for justice for George Floyd, held a telephone town hall on issues impacting the Black community, a virtual forum on discrimination and bias, and met with Black community and youth leaders to hear their concerns and discuss solutions on police reform and other critical issues.

Kim also co-sponsored and voted to pass the Justice in Policing Act, bill that would make critical reforms to America’s law enforcement system.

Members of the community will be able to have their voices heard during a virtual joint public forum between the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General next Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Read more here: Burlington County Prosecutor Co-Hosting Forum On Police Use Of Force