Cephus Johnson, who lost his nephew Oscar Grant to police violence, highlights the importance of a new database for families seeking answers about officer-involved incidents. This resource consolidates details previously hidden due to challenging access to records, which became more obtainable after the passage of laws starting in 2018. These laws include Senate Bill 1421, which initially unsealed records related to police misconduct. However, challenges remain, as many law enforcement agencies still withhold or delay providing records, and some have been known to destroy them.
Cephus Johnson emphasizes the vital role of the newly accessible database for families who have lost loved ones to police violence, stating, 'For impacted families, the first question is: 'What happened?'' This resource allows them to obtain crucial information about the incidents without wading through the frustrating processes previously required.
Johnson remarks that getting answers is a significant step towards healing for families affected by police violence. He notes, 'is the beginning of part of the healing process.' The database seeks to illuminate the records that have long been concealed.
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