Dear Editor,

Sheriff Brackett’s opposition to Jeffrey Evangelos’s bill to end qualified immunity for police officers in Maine will put him in the wrong side of history. His opposition is in direct contrast with his duty to serve and protect the public; and makes it clear that he would rather ensure that his employees are not held accountable for their actions at the expense of the safety of the citizens of Maine.

Those of us who have been mistreated by police officers currently have no recourse to hold the officers accountable. Every police shooting in Maine has been deemed justified by the Attorney General’s office, and any complaint filed with the police suffers the same fate — that there was no misconduct.

Law enforcement reform is one of the most important issues we face today, and at the end of the day it’ll not only ensure that citizens do not have their rights violated, but usher a new era of respect for law enforcement as well.

Pedro Guimaraes

Westport Island