Virginia General Assembly Nears End Of Special Session, Mixed Reviews On Police Reform Measures

As the Virginia General Assembly nears the end of its special session, Lawmakers in Richmond have passed a host of police reform measures that are getting mixed reviews from law enforcement,social justice advocates and lawmakers. The reforms include legislation that bans no-knock search warrants, enables localities to establish civilian review board with subpoena power and disciplinary authority and also makes it easier to decertify officers who commit misconduct. Other measures, rejected included a bill that would’ve made it easier to sue police officers for misconduct and legislation that would have eliminated mandatory jail time for assaulting a police officer. The legislation is now on its way to Governor Ralph Northam for his signature.