Donald Trump signs executive order introducing policing reforms in wake of George Floyd's death

Luke O'Reilly
16 June 2020

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order introducing law enforcement reforms in response to nationwide protests against police brutality.

President Trump addressed the families of those who had died while in police custody, telling them that "all America mourns by your side".

The executive order will see the creation of a federal database of complaints against police officers, and provide incentives for police departments by tying some federal grants to "best practises".

Chokeholds will be banned "except if an officer's life is at risk". The president the measures would ensure that police officers employed "the highest professional standards to serve their communities."

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"To all of the hurting families I want you to know that all Americans mourn by your side", Mr Trump said.

"Your loved ones will not have died in vain.

"We are one nation, we grieve together and we heal together."

Mr Trump's order is being framed, in part, as a response to some activists' calls to "defund the police" .

The President has soundly rejected this sentiment, arguing that more resources are needed, not less.