The San Francisco 49ers and a number of law enforcement unions on Thursday signed a pledge calling for a "more understanding and safer America" in the wake of recent violence and strained relationships between officers and citizens.
The pledge between multiple parties first calls for the ban of "bump stocks," which allowed the Las Vegas concert shooter's semi-automatic weapons to fire like automatic firearms, in addition to the use of armor-piercing bullets and gun silencers.
"I commend these police officers associations for supporting common sense measures to ban devices that allow for the conversion of a gun into an automatic weapon," 49ers President Jed York said.
The San Francisco football franchise and police unions are also pushing a public awareness campaign designed to foster better relationships between police and the communities they serve.
"Our hope is that through education, both officers and citizens will strive to make each interaction with one another grounded in mutual respect," York said.
The 49ers have vowed to fork over $500,000 for the overall campaign and will work to invite other organizations across the NFL to join in the cause.
On of the other side of the partnership, the San Jose Police Officers' Association, Los Angeles Police Protective league and New York Police Department's Sergeants Benevolence Association have agreed to sign the promise. Unions representing officers in Santa Clara County, Oakland, Sacramento, Long Beach, Calif. and Portland, Ore. have also pledged support.
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"The officers that are here today and those that they represent deserve tremendous credit for stepping forward to present a platform that will keep citizens and officers alike safe," York said.
Organizers say the pledge is not directly connected to the national anthem protests about alleged police mistreatment of African Americans. But that protest started with the 49ers.
"That's why we appreciate Mr. York and the 49ers organization recognizing the role they can play in creating a more understanding and safer America," said Paul Kelly, president of the San Jose Police Officers Association, which spearheaded the effort.
