Retired cops in Congress criticize Dem's 'woke' policing bill

Progressives in Congress have endorsed a bill mandating cultural and sensitivity training for new police recruits. Congressional Republicans who served on the force have panned the bill.

"It is imperative that law enforcement officers are well-trained on agency policy and procedures and held to the highest standards that keep both officers and the public safe," Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., a former sheriff of 40 years, told Fox News Digital.

"However, it is not the role of Congress, nor should it be, to tell local agencies what that training should look like," Rutherford added.

The bill would require police trainees "to receive sensitivity training on ethics and racial bias, cultural diversity, and police interaction with . . . people with disabilities, those in a mental health crisis, and new immigrants."

Officers accused of using deadly force would face independent probes and prosecution.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., introduced the bill after Illinois police killed Sonya Massey, who had called 911 to report a suspected prowler. The deputy involved was fired and has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., criticizing the bill, accused Democrats of advancing a "defund the police" agenda without caring about real reform.

"Even after the failures of their extreme ‘Defund the Police’ movement, radical Democrats continue to demonize the brave men and women who protect and serve their communities. These anti-cop politicians don’t want real reform, they want to eradicate law enforcement altogether, and proposals like this continue to incite violence against them," Stauber said.

Former sheriff Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., characterized the bill as "another dangerously ridiculous bad idea from the woke left."

"I oppose any effort to nationalize our law enforcement agencies, which is exactly what Rep. Cohen's bill does," Rutherford added.