This afternoon, San Francisco District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton introduced the CAREN Act in an effort to tackle racially motivated 911 calls.
The Caution Against Racially Exploitative Non-Emergencies Act (no, really) would amend the San Francisco Police Code to make it âunlawful for an individual to fabricate false, racially-biased emergency reports.â Itâs a joint effort with California Assembly member Rob Bontaâan Oakland residentâwho is working to introduce a bill that would make unjustifiable, racist calls to police a punishable offense statewide.
District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney was quick to sign on as a co-author of the CAREN Act.
Today I joined as co-author of @shamannwalton's CAREN Act (Caution Against Racially Exploitative Non-Emergencies Act).
The CAREN Act makes it unlawful to fabricate false racially biased emergency reports.
Racist false reports put people in danger and waste resources.
— Matt Haney (@MattHaneySF) July 7, 2020
In recent months, âKarenâ has been adopted as handy shorthand to refer to racist white women who needlessly call the police on innocent bystanders. No word yet on whether we can expect a Kevin Act any time soon, but weâll keep you posted.
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