Press Article: Colorado Lawmaker Calls for Legislative Revisions Following Judge’s Ruling in Christian Glass Case
In the aftermath of a surprising judicial decision regarding the Christian Glass death case, state Rep. Leslie Herod is advocating for legislative changes to address a critical loophole exposed by the ruling. A judge recently dismissed charges against two Colorado Division of Gaming officers, Mary Harris and Christa Lloyd, for failure to intervene, emphasizing the need for clarification in law.
Herod, who co-sponsored the police accountability bill SB20-217 in 2020, acknowledged the judge’s reasoning while expressing concern about the implications. The legislation was enacted in response to the death of Elijah McClain and aimed to hold law enforcement officers accountable. "Our intent was to ensure that any POST certified officer on the scene had the duty to intervene and protect lives," Herod explained. However, the judge’s ruling hinged on the fact that Harris and Lloyd, despite being POST certified, held positions that did not traditionally require such certification, allowing their lawyers to argue for the charges’ dismissal.
Herod asserted that this case illustrates the necessity for legislative updates, stating, "Every year we have sessions to refine laws and address any loopholes." While she supports revising the police accountability laws, there are concerns about potential erosion of these measures. "Some proposed bills aim to dismantle our police accountability legislation in Colorado," she cautioned, highlighting the delicate balance lawmakers face in maintaining integrity while responding to evolving societal needs.
Despite the challenges, Herod emphasized that the intent behind the original legislation remains crucial: holding law enforcement accountable for any wrongful actions or excessive force. "Outside of this case, the law is functioning as intended," said Herod. As the discourse continues, Colorado faces pivotal decisions on the future of police accountability legislation.
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