Governor Holcomb Announces New Equity Measures

From Covering Kids & Families of Indiana 


2020 has been a year in which police violence toward minorities and disparate health outcomes among minorities impacted by COVID have have moved to the forefront of the national dialogue. In reaction to this, Governor Holcomb has announced several new measures designed to address issues of disparity and inequality in the state.

Among these measures will be the creation of the cabinet position of Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer. According to the Governor, this position will focus on improving equity, inclusion and opportunity across all state government operations as well as driving systemic change to remove barriers in government workplaces and services the state provides. As a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, this position will report directly to the Governor.

Also announced was the required use of body cameras for Indiana State Police troopers by the spring of 2021. This will be in tandem with a third-party review of state police and law enforcement academy curriculum and training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). The Governor also expressed a commitment to add more civilian representation to the ILEA Training Board.

To ensure monitoring of overall progress, the Governor will direct the Management Performance Hub to create a Public Disparity Data Portal to track and report on the performance of state programs.

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