Thread by @chrisgeidner

A very interesting "Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2021" from Biden: whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…

From the start, Biden acknowledges that police are being tasked with many jobs today, including "responding to incidents involving domestic violence, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and homelessness."

Then, there's a bit that might track closer to an old-school Biden speech on cops.

But then, new-school Biden pushes back: "[L]aw enforcement agencies must protect constitutional rights, ensure accountability for misconduct, and embrace policing that reflects community values and ensures community safety."

Then, after addressing racial justice-related policing issues, Biden goes into another realm: "We must also stop tasking law enforcement with problems that are far beyond their jurisdictions." This is significant.

Yes, there's a lot in the statement that advocates of reform (let alone defund/abolition advocates) will be frustrated by, but I think it's significant for what it does do — even in a "Police Week" proclamation — and what can be taken from it.