“This commonsense bill will help protect both law enforcement officials and our state’s new drivers, particularly young people of color,” said Delegate Ward. “This law will reduce fear, confusion and the risk of escalation during routine traffic stops. As a former middle school teacher, I recognize the need to strengthen relationships between young people and law enforcement, and this bill is a critical step toward doing so. I extend my sincere gratitude to Governor McAuliffe for his support of this bill and to Hampton High School for hosting us today. I also thank our partners in law enforcement for working in close coordination with me on this piece of legislation.”
The curriculum will be developed by the Board of Education working in partnership with the State Police. The bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly earlier this year with broad bipartisan support. It follows a successful initiative launched last year by Attorney General Mark Herring to build trust between Virginia teens and law enforcement officers.
Photos from the event are available on Delegate Ward’s Twitter account, @JeionWard.
If interested in an interview with Delegate Ward, please contact Shawneequa James at 757-376-3999 or scjames001@