Jumaane Williams has dedicated his time in public service to fighting for “public safety."  But for him, public safety is an encompassing term that includes making sure Black and brown people feel safe in their dealings with the police. 

It is not surprising that police reform is high on his list of priorities. He joined In Focus to offer his reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict. 

He said he felt like he could breathe for the first time in a year, but believes it’s not a time for celebration. He talks about the difference between a small bit of accountability and actual justice, and why he thinks that justice is a long way off. And he speaks to why he believes, as much as he supports reforms that would make law enforcement more accountable, there isn’t enough reform to create absolute public safety. 

Williams addresses the George Floyd Justice in Policing bill, and says why even that won’t create perfect public safety. What will? Williams paints a much broader picture that includes transparency and accountability, but is about more than police. He says it’s about fair and affordable housing, food security and education as well.