U.S. Representative Will Hurd talks defunding police, continuing pandemic issues

SAN ANTONIO - We are connecting you with congress, starting with Representative Will Hurt, who stopped to speak with us about police reform.

He says we should ensure no one dies in police custody, but it all starts with training and best practices used throughout the country. But every entity is different, according to Hurd.

"Let's make sure that if you ever have to call 911, that an officer shows up who knows how to deescalate the situation," Hurd said. "Making sure that we use the dollars that go to police in the most effective way possible is the way to do this, but defunding the police will lead to less safe communities."

Hurd said 10 percent of stops law enforcement makes have to do with a mental health issue. When looking at mental health training, he says San Antonio has some of the best practices. Officers in other places only take eight hours, Alamo City officers take 40.

Hurd also spoke on COVID testing and the ongoing pandemic, as well as recently passed legislation, ensuring military families who are grieving the loss of a child will have adequate leave to mourn.

You can watch the full interview below.