Michael nodded let them push but this is non-negotiable people need to see that there's accountability that the department isn't protecting its own at the expense of the community we can't let internal investigations continue to be handled quietly behind closed doors. Haren sigh rubbing the back of his neck you're asking for a lot I'm asking for what's necessary. Michael replied firmly this isn't just about making changes to fix what happened to me it's about ensuring that what happened to me doesn't happen to anyone else. Harland looked down for a moment clearly weighing his options when he finally spoke his voice was lower I understand your position and I agree that changes are needed I'll bring this to the department but you need to be prepared for a fight not just from the union but from officers who feel like they're being targeted. Michael leaned forward again his eyes locked on harlon this isn't about targeting anyone this is about making the police force better if any officer feels threatened by accountability then maybe they shouldn't be on the force in the first place harlen's lips thinned but he nodded I'll take your proposals to the department leadership we'll see what we can do as.
Harland stood to leave. Michael remained seated watching him closely remember Chief. Michael said quietly the eyes of the city are on us right now don't let this opportunity for change slip away harlon paused at the door turning back to. Michael I won't he said his tone more sincere than before we're all in this together whether we like it or not when. Haron left the room fell quiet and.
Joshua exhaled sharply you think he'll actually go through with it. Michael rubbed his jaw still tender from the night before he'll have to we've come too far to let this fall apart now. Joshua nodded pacing slightly so what's next. Michael stood up walking over to the window and looking out over the city next we keep pushing we rally the community we stay visible and we keep the pressure on until real reforms are in place this isn't just about one bad officer it's about changing a system. Joshua crossed his arms a hint of a smile on his face I think you're ready for that fight.
Michael smiled grimly I've been ready for a long time as the sun began to set over the city. Michael knew the fight was just beginning but for the first time in a long time he felt like Victory real lasting change was finally within reach the following day. Michael wasted no time moving his agenda forward the press conference had sparked a wave of conversations throughout the city on the streets in offices and on every news Outlet the pressure on the police department was intensifying and. Michael knew it wouldn't be long before the resistance from the union and Department leadership reached full force he stood in the mayor's office staring down at a stack of paperwork that outlined his proposals for reform. Joshua entered the room his expression tense but focused I've just gotten off the phone with a few council members.
The public's backing your reforms but there's push back from The Usual Suspects. Michael nodded I expected that who's pushing hardest. Joshua side some of the council members who are in close ties with the police Union are being cautious they're worried about the political blowback we don't have time for cautious. Michael said firmly this isn't about politics this is about real change right but they're politicians they'll protect their own interests first. Michael glanced at his watch we need to get these proposals in front of the council today if we wait any longer the momentum dies.
Joshua pulled out his tablet the police chief just issued a statement he's backing the investigation but said that the police department can't allow reforms to weaken the ab ility of officers to do their job. Michael's jaw tightened that's code for we're going to stall. Joshua nodded exactly but the community's rallying I've been getting calls from advocacy groups and local leaders all morning people want action then we give them action. Michael replied set up a meeting with the council and the police Union leadership we'll hash this out within hours. Michael was standing in a packed meeting room at City Hall the atmosphere was thick with tension on one side sat several City Council Members their expressions ranging from cautious to supportive across from them sat representatives from the police Union along with Chief.
Haren the police Union president a stocky man with a Stern face sat with his arms crossed glaring at. Michael from across the room the meeting began with formalities but. Michael quickly cut to the chase we're not here to debate the need for reform he said his voice clear and steady the people of this city have spoken and they want accountability the system as it stands is broken and we have an obligation to fix it the union president sh shed in his seat mayor Trent we've always worked closely with the city but some of these reforms you're proposing they'll tie the hands of our officers we can't allow that. Michael leaned forward this isn't about tying anyone's hands it's about ensuring that officers are held to the standards we expect from those entrusted with protecting the public if accountability weakens your Force then that's a problem with the force not the reforms. Chief.
Harland cleared his throat we support improving training especially around deescalation tactics but the over sight committee is going to cause major friction officers are going to feel like they're constantly being second guessed by people who don't understand the dangers they face. Michael shot him a hard look we're talking about people who don't trust that your department will investigate misconduct fairly the public needs a system they can believe in and right now they don't the council members shifted uncomfortably in their seats one of them councilwoman green leaned forward I agree with the mayor if the public can't trust the police to hold their own accountable we'll never restore confidence in law enforc forcement the union president's face rened you're not out there on the streets our officers are risking their lives every day you sit behind desks and think you know what it's like. Michael's voice was cool what I know is that this city can't afford another incident like the one that happened to me or worse every day we delay these reforms we're putting lives at risk the room went silent for a moment. Chief. Harland finally spoke again more measured this time what exactly are you proposing.
Michael listed the reform swiftly not wanting to leave any room for delay the independent oversight committee mandatory racial bias and deescalation training public reporting of complaints and increased accountability for officers who engage in racial profiling or unnecessary Force this isn't just about making the department look better. Michael said this is about making it better the union president stood up clearly Furious you're going to destroy morale our officers already feel like they're under siege. Michael didn't Flinch morale isn't the issue when people are being unjustly harassed profiled or Worse the system will improve when the officers who truly want to Serve and Protect are able to do so in a department that holds everyone accountable the tension in the room thickened as the union Representatives whispered among themselves after a long pause one of the council members spoke up we should take this to a vote we've heard enough an hour later the council had agreed to move forward with. Michael's reform package it was a victory but. Michael knew it was only the beginning as he left the meeting room.
Joshua caught up with him well well that wasn't easy but we got what we needed for now. Michael said but the Union's not going to take this lying down we need to prepare for their next move. Joshua nodded what's next. Michael glanced at his phone already thinking ahead next we focus on the investigation and we keep pushing harder than ever the wheels of Reform were in motion but. Michael knew the real fight was just beginning days had passed since the city council agreed to move forward with.
Michael's reform package but the process was slow too slow the police Union was doing everything it could to stall the investigation into officer. Mason and chief. Harland had become increasingly unresponsive every step forward seemed to be met with new delays and. Michael could feel the pressure building from the community he knew the public wouldn't wait forever and neither would he sitting in his office. Michael reviewed the latest updates on the investigation or rather the lack of updates nothing was moving the Department's internal review had stalled under bureaucratic excuses and.