President Donald Trump signed a new executive order Tuesday aimed at police reform. It follows weeks of protests against police brutality and the deaths of African American men.
The president acknowledged victims of police brutality, including Michael Dean of Temple.
On December 2, 2019 Michael Dean was shot and killed by former Temple Police officer Carmen DeCruz.
The Dean family and protesters alike have been pleading for justice for Dean.
25 News was told members of Dean’s family met with the president.
The president's executive order establishes a database to track police officers with excessive force complaints. It rewards police departments financially if they implement best practices and other programs.
However, critics say the order doesn’t address racial injustice or police brutality.
A family friend of the Deans says she hopes it's at least a step in the right direction.
"The fact that the president of the United States said Michael Dean's name, that is a huge, huge step, and I think that is a testament to just how much Michael is loved still," said Terris Goodwin.
DeCruz was arrested in February for second-degree manslaughter after the death of Dean. He was indicted on the manslaughter charge on March 19 and released from jail on March 30.
The case against DeCruz is currently set for a pre-trial on July 30.
