At the same time as the closing arguments against ex-policeman Derek Chauvin, accused of killing George Floyd, the White House was asked: What are you really doing to tackle police violence?

- The president has repeatedly said that he believes that reforms are needed in the police system, was the message from the White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who then passed the ball on.

- It is the responsibility of the Congress and the Senate to take the matter forward.

Trade unions "on the defensive"

In recent months, cities and states around the United States have enacted laws that deprive police of some of the special rights they have fought for through their unions.

More than 140 new laws in 30 states have been added, according to The New York Times.

Police unions are under heavy pressure from activists and politicians, among others, says Brian Marvel, a police officer in San Diego and chairman of the largest police union in California.

- There are groups that are looking for change, and with some groups radical change, he tells the newspaper.

"Protects their own"

Vanessa Barker, professor of sociology at Stockholm University and herself an American, describes the political situation as currently very sensitive.

The case of George Floyd's death, as well as other black men killed by police, evokes strong emotions in a polarized situation.

Criticism of police actions is sharp, but US police unions are also heavy political players.

They have, for example, opposed restrictions on police officers 'far-reaching legal discharge and dismissed broader criticism of police officers' actions.

- You protect your own in terms of legal immunity, and in terms of acknowledging when mistakes have been made, says Barker in this week's Foreign Office.

Believe in change

Activists from the Black Lives Matter movement, on the other hand, describe systematic racism that manifests itself in many ways in everyday life - not just through police violence.

From the group's department in Minneapolis, Trayhern Crews says that economic disparities are the most important issue for him.

But that he also believes in change in the police's treatment of blacks.

- I think things will change.

Not drastically, but we are moving in the right direction, he says in the Foreign Office.

The Foreign Office is this week about police violence in the USA - watch the program on SVT Play or 21.45 on Tuesday on SVT 2.