Few policing reform bills became law following George Floyd's murder, analysis reveals

It has been three years since Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd by kneeling on his neck. There were weeks of protests nationwide and even in some other countries following the incident.

In the aftermath, leaders and lawmakers pledges to address issues related to policing in America. Yet three years later, few new laws have been enacted, according to a new analysis by Duke’s Wilson Center for Science and Justice.

"​​North Carolina really hasn't passed much legislation on policing compared to many other states," said Angie Weis Gammell the Wilson Center policy director.

Since 2017, lawmakers here have proposed 64 bills relating to policing but just six have been enacted, the center’s database shows. Two are budget-related so only four address reform.

"There wasn't sort of significant progress to feel good about but some of the things that we saw happen in other states that really raised more concern also didn't happen in North Carolina," said Weis Gammell.

She says the database can be used to look at how much or little progress was made following the promises made.

"The job isn't done," said the center's director. "It's time to keep feet to the fire."

Only 37 out of 581 – or just 6 percent – of agencies in North Carolina provided these stats to federal officials last year. Our local departments like Durham, Raleigh, Fayetteville and Chapel Hill were among those who did submit information.

While those are pretty big police departments, the data excludes use-of-force information from 67 percent of sworn officers in the state.

"If there isn't data and transparency and records of what's happening, too many of us can live without actually believing that it is an everyday occurrence in some communities, which it is."