Our Press Release Regarding the Officer-Involved Shooting and Killing of Andrew Hogan

DAYTON, OH — February 7, 2021 - On Friday, Trotwood police provided another example of why police need standardized, intensive de-escalation training immediately. Andrew Hogan, 25, allegedly shoplifted and paid for it with his young life. Ohio Families Unite Against Police Brutality have and continued to advocate tirelessly for police reform laws in Ohio, OPFUAPB met with Andy Wilson, policy advisor to Governor DeWine on October 16, 2020. We explained to Mr. Wilson that the families of the victims of police violence have a unique and important perspective on desperately needed police reforms. We respectfully requested a seat at the table during the development of such reforms.

Police should not make up the majority of the stakeholders giving input on police reform bills. Former Montgomery County Sheriff and current Ohio House Representative Phil Plummer and former police officer and current Ohio House Representative Cindy Abrams sponsored H.B. 703. As former law enforcement personnel, they have a conflict of interest in this matter and can’t be trusted to sponsor legislation that will adequately hold police accountable and protect the public. If Ohio is to change how police approach citizens, the input of communities that are subjected to the most frequent and invasive policing patterns must be taken seriously and lawmakers must implement their suggestions into new policy at the front end of the process. Families of victims of police brutality can provide a comprehensive understanding of what reforms would increase effective policing for officers. The collective experiences of these mothers and families can help others avoid further unnecessary grief by sharing their stories, knowledge, and insight.

OFUAPB advocates for police accountability measures, de-escalation training, mental health training, and racial bias training. The police claimed that Andrew Hogan had a knife and we can’t help but wonder how this situation would have ended differently if the officer had opted to use de-escalation methods or a nonlethal use of force first. There are better options out there than shoot to kill first. We say de-escalate Ohio. Andrew Hogan’s life should not have ended because peace officers are not trained to use the peaceful methods of de-escalation procedures. We send our deepest condolences and our offer of support to the family of Andrew Hogan.