Vermonters call for police reforms in public forum

Vermonters called for significant police reforms during a public forum Thursday, with residents seeking an end to qualified immunity for officers, the elimination of school resource officer programs and reforms to police training. 

The House Judiciary Committee held the public forum Thursday afternoon. About a dozen people spoke, with all but most calling for reform. Two Burlington police officers criticized the police reform proposal. 

Allene Swienckowsk, of Hartford, said the Hartford committee on racial equity and inclusion is concerned about police anti-bias training, which she said is not effective.