DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has put forth new legislation aimed at rolling back progressive police reforms in response to a surge in violent crimes in the nation's capital, according to a report in the New York Post.

The proposal comes as critics have argued that the initial reforms, implemented following the death of George Floyd in March 2020, have hindered the police force's ability to maintain public safety in the city.

In addition to reversing the liberal reforms, the newly proposed legislation focuses on targeting organized retail thefts and open-air drug markets within DC.

During a news conference on Monday, Mayor Bowser emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, "We need to send a strong message that violence is not acceptable in our city. This perception that you can commit a brazen crime and get away with it has got to stop. This legislation will change that."

The proposal, known as the Addressing Crime Trends Now (ACT Now) bill, specifically seeks to clarify or amend sections of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Amendment Act passed by city officials in December last year, Bloomberg reports.

One notable provision in the ACT Now bill limits the disclosure of information regarding officer disciplinary actions, doing away with the police reform bill's provision that created a database of police disciplinary files accessible to the public.

Another aspect of the proposed legislation seeks to redefine the law's definition of a chokehold. Metropolitan police have argued that the current definition is overly broad, including even incidental contact with a suspect's neck during an arrest as a serious use of force.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the provision that allows police officers to review body-worn camera footage before filing their police reports, a measure aimed at mitigating potential inconsistencies that could be used against them in court.

The proposed legislation also includes language specifically outlining the circumstances under which body-worn camera footage must be released to the public, as well as amending the city's restrictions on vehicular pursuits. If the bill becomes law, officers may once again engage in chases if they believe a person has committed a crime that poses an imminent threat to others, provided it would not endanger others during the pursuit, as per DCist.

While acknowledging the initial intent behind the police reforms, Mayor Bowser expressed her concern that certain changes "don't match the daily practice of safe and effective policing." She emphasized the need for "plain common sense" rules to combat open-air drug markets and organized retail thefts.

The proposed bill also contains provisions prohibiting the wearing of masks by anyone over 16 in public areas or demonstrations with the intent of engaging in criminal activity. In addition, it establishes felony charges for shoplifting over $1,000 worth of merchandise or stealing 10 or more items worth at least $250 over a 30-day period.

The ACT Now bill would also restore the authority of the police chief to declare drug-free zones, based on Metropolitan Police Department surveillance data and community concerns. A similar law was repealed in the city in 2014 due to constitutional concerns, a repeal which then-Council Member Bowser supported.

Despite criticism from some quarters, Acting Police Chief Pamela A. Smith expressed support for the proposed legislation, noting that it provides law enforcement with additional tools to address drug-related crime on district streets and ensure public safety in response to concerns raised by residents.

As the discussion around public safety and police reforms continues, the fate of the ACT Now bill will ultimately be determined through further deliberations and potential adjustments in the coming weeks.