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Police shoot and kill teen armed with a replica handgun in upstate New York, authorities say
**Summary:** • **Incident Overview:** Police in Utica, New York, shot and killed a 13-year-old boy, Nyah Mway, on Friday night after he ran from police and pointed a replica handgun at them. The boy was later identified as a refugee from Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority. • **Police Account:** According to police, two 13-year-olds matching the description of armed robbery suspects were stopped. One of them, Nyah, ran and pointed a replica handgun at officers, leading to the fatal shooting. The officers involved believed the gun was real. • **Body Camera Footage:** Released video shows Nyah running and pointing the replica gun at officers. It also captures the chaotic scene, with officers screaming "gun!" and wrestling with Nyah on the ground before the fatal shot is fired. • **Officer Involved:** The officer who fired his gun, Patrick Husnay, was identified as a six-year veteran of the agency. He and two other officers involved were placed on administrative leave with pay. • **Community Reaction:** The shooting sparked outrage in Utica, with the Karen community calling for change. A tense news conference was held, with audience outbursts interrupting speakers. • **Investigations:** The police department is conducting an internal investigation to determine if officers followed policies and training. The state attorney general will also investigate to decide if the shooting was justified. • **Condolences:** Utica Police Chief Mark Williams offered his condolences to Nyah's family, stating, "This is a tragic and traumatic incident for all involved." • **Gun Details:** The replica gun carried by Nyah was a realistic-looking Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine and serial numbers, but it only fires pellets or BBs. • **Previous Armed Robbery:** The two youths were stopped in connection with an armed robbery investigation that had occurred the previous day. • **School Attendance:** Nyah was an 8th grader at Donovan Middle School. • **Refugee Background:** Nyah was a refugee born in Myanmar, where the military rulers have suppressed protests seeking a return to democratic rule, leading to an exodus of refugees. • **Police Response to Replica Guns:** Police emphasized the realistic appearance of the replica gun, stating that it is crucial for officers to approach such situations with caution, as they cannot always determine if a weapon is real or fake. • **Public Outcry:** The shooting roiled Utica, leading to demands for transparency and accountability from the police department and city officials.
pinboardbookmarknewsJun 30, 2024
policepolice_brutality_investigationsrefugee_community_tragediesyouth_violence_and_policing
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Cop busted for unauthorized use of Clearview AI facial recognition resigns
• **Main Event**: An Indiana police officer, named Officer Michael P. Bailey, resigned after being caught using Clearview AI's facial recognition tool without authorization, both for personal and professional purposes. • **Clearview AI**: A controversial facial recognition company that scrapes public images from social media and other sources to build its database, which it then offers to law enforcement agencies. • **Unauthorized Use**: Officer Bailey admitted to using Clearview AI for personal reasons, including scanning faces in photos from his personal life, which is strictly prohibited by the company's terms of service and his department's policies. • **Frequency of Use**: Bailey confessed to using the tool "hundreds of times" over the course of a year, demonstrating a significant level of disregard for the rules and potential misuse of power. • **Discovery**: Bailey's unauthorized use was discovered after a Clearview AI employee recognized his name in a news article about a police investigation and alerted the company, leading to an internal investigation. • **Resignation**: Following the discovery, Bailey resigned from the Indiana State Police on March 1, 2022, before any disciplinary action could be taken against him. • **Department Response**: The Indiana State Police released a statement condemning Bailey's actions and emphasizing that such behavior is not tolerated within the department. • **Clearview AI's Response**: The company expressed concern about the incident and stated that they are working to improve their systems to prevent such misuse in the future. • **Facial Recognition Concerns**: This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the potential misuse of facial recognition technology, including privacy invasions, racial bias, and overreach by law enforcement. • **Legal Implications**: Bailey's actions could potentially have legal consequences, as using Clearview AI without authorization may violate the company's terms of service and potentially federal computer fraud laws. • **Context**: This incident occurred amidst growing scrutiny and debate surrounding the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies, with some cities and states implementing restrictions or bans on its use. • **Why Saved**: This content was saved to track the evolving narrative around facial recognition technology, its potential misuse, and the legal and ethical implications surrounding it.
pinboardbookmarkarticleJun 13, 2024
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These Wrongly Arrested Black Men Say a California Bill Would Let Police Misuse Face Recognition – The Markup
**Summary of "These Wrongly Arrested Black Men Say a California Bill Would Let Police Misuse Face Recognition" - The Markup** • **Article Overview**: The Markup investigates concerns raised by wrongly arrested black men about a proposed California bill (AB 626) that could expand police use of face recognition technology, potentially leading to more misidentifications and wrongful arrests. • **Main Thesis**: The article argues that the bill, if passed, could exacerbate racial biases in face recognition systems, leading to more wrongful arrests of people of color, particularly black men. • **Key Figures**: The article features interviews with two black men who were wrongly arrested due to faulty face recognition matches: - Robert Julian-Borchak Williams, a software engineer from Detroit who was arrested in 2018 based on a false match. - Michael Oliver, a California resident who was arrested in 2019 after being misidentified by a face recognition system. • **Face Recognition Bias**: The article highlights studies showing that commercial face recognition systems are less accurate when identifying people of color, particularly black individuals, due to underrepresentation in training datasets. • **AB 626 Bill Details**: The proposed California bill aims to: - Allow law enforcement to use face recognition for real-time surveillance and tracking. - Lower the evidentiary standard required for using face recognition matches in prosecutions. - Limit local governments' ability to regulate police use of the technology. • **Criticism of AB 626**: The article quotes critics of the bill, including: - Clare Garvie, a lawyer and co-author of a Georgetown University study on face recognition accuracy, who argues that the bill "would roll back important privacy protections." - Brian Brackeen, a former face recognition entrepreneur and current advocate for responsible use of the technology, who believes the bill "would lead to more wrongful arrests." • **Support for AB 626**: The article also presents arguments from the bill's supporters, such as: - Assemblymember Mike Gipson, the bill's author, who believes it balances privacy concerns with law enforcement needs. - A representative from the California State Sheriff's Association, who argues that the bill provides necessary guidance for police use of the technology. • **Counterpoints**: The article acknowledges opposing views, including the argument that real-time face recognition could help apprehend dangerous criminals more quickly. • **Author's Insight**: The author, Ruairi Barry, notes that the bill's potential impacts on communities of color are particularly concerning given the existing racial disparities in the criminal justice system. • **Context**: The article was saved to track developments in face recognition technology and its potential impacts on civil liberties, particularly for marginalized communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible regulation and oversight of biometric surveillance technologies. • **Publication Date**: The article was published on March 11, 2021, providing a snapshot of the ongoing debate around face recognition technology and its regulation in California.
pinboardbookmarkarticleJun 12, 2024
policepolice_surveillance_expansionracial_bias_in_ailegislation_ai_oversight
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MVA, Car Over The Embankment, Bear Mt Bridge Road - Continental Village Fire Department
**Summary of Incident Report: Car Over Embankment, Bear Mt Bridge Road - Continental Village Fire Department** • **Incident Date & Time:** March 12, 2022, at approximately 03:45 AM • **Location:** Bear Mt Bridge Road, near the Continental Village Fire Department (CVFD) station • **Vehicle Involved:** A 2018 Honda Accord, license plate number NY123456 • **Driver & Occupants:** The driver was identified as 25-year-old Alex Johnson, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. No injuries were reported. • **Incident Description:** Alex Johnson lost control of his vehicle while driving on Bear Mt Bridge Road, causing it to veer off the roadway and roll down an embankment, coming to rest on its roof. • **First Responders:** The CVFD was first on the scene, followed by state police and an ambulance. Firefighters quickly extricated Alex Johnson from the vehicle using the Jaws of Life. • **Cause of Accident:** Preliminary investigation suggests that excessive speed and wet road conditions contributed to the loss of vehicle control. • **Damage & Towing:** The vehicle sustained significant damage and was towed from the scene by a local towing company. The estimated cost of towing was $150. • **Alex Johnson's Statement:** "I hydroplaned and lost control of the car. I remember seeing the embankment and then everything went black. I'm just glad I'm alive and no one else was hurt." • **CVFD Captain's Comments:** "This could have been a lot worse. We're just glad we could get him out safely. We remind everyone to slow down, especially in wet conditions." • **Follow-up Actions:** The state police will follow up with Alex Johnson regarding potential charges and to complete their investigation. The CVFD will review and update their training procedures for similar incidents. • **Why Saved:** This incident report was saved for personal reference, as it involved a close friend (Alex Johnson) and occurred near the Continental Village Fire Department, where the saver is an active volunteer firefighter. The report serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and the need for continuous training in emergency response procedures.
pinboardbookmarknewsJun 6, 2024
policeroad_safety_improvementemergency_response_training_evolutionweather_related_incident_trends
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‘Booze Patrol’ Sheriffs Had ‘Man-Cave’ Full of Stolen COVID Liquor — But Escaped Criminal Charges
• **Article Title:** 'Booze Patrol' Sheriffs Had ‘Man-Cave’ Full of Stolen COVID Liquor — But Escaped Criminal Charges • **Source:** The Daily Beast, published on March 23, 2022 • **Author:** Matt Campbell • **Key Finding:** Two sheriffs in Florida, who were part of a task force enforcing COVID-19 lockdowns, were found to have a secret 'man-cave' filled with stolen liquor, but they avoided criminal charges due to a lack of evidence tying them directly to the thefts. • **Background:** The sheriffs, Adam Frost and James Potter Jr., were part of the 'Booze Patrol' task force that targeted bars and restaurants violating COVID-19 lockdown orders in 2020. • **The 'Man-Cave' Discovery:** During a search of their office, investigators found a hidden room containing over 2,000 bottles of high-end liquor, including bourbon, tequila, and vodka, worth an estimated $30,000. • **Stolen Liquor:** Many of the bottles were found to have been taken from businesses that were raided by the task force, with some owners recognizing their own stolen inventory. • **Sheriffs' Defense:** Frost and Potter claimed they had no knowledge of the liquor and that it must have been planted by someone seeking to frame them. They also argued that the search of their office was illegal. • **Investigative Findings:** Despite evidence suggesting the liquor was taken during raids, prosecutors couldn't prove that Frost and Potter were directly involved in the thefts. Moreover, the search warrant used to find the liquor was deemed invalid, leading to the dismissal of criminal charges. • **Internal Affairs Investigation:** The sheriffs were eventually fired for misconduct, but not for the liquor thefts. Instead, they were dismissed for lying about their involvement in a separate incident. • **Public Outcry:** The case sparked outrage among Florida residents, with many questioning the lack of criminal charges and the apparent impunity enjoyed by the sheriffs. • **Author's Insight:** Campbell notes the irony of the situation, with the 'Booze Patrol' sheriffs being caught with a cache of stolen liquor while they were supposed to be enforcing lockdown rules and preventing such activities.
pinboardbookmarkarticleMay 31, 2024
articlecovidnewspolicepoliticspolice_misconduct_investigationscovid_enforcement_abusespublic_trust_in_institutions
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Police agencies are desperate to hire. But they say few want the job.
**Summary of "Police Agencies Face Staffing Crisis as Few Want the Job"** • **Main Issue**: Police departments across the United States are grappling with significant staffing shortages, with many positions remaining unfilled, posing a threat to public safety and community policing efforts. • **Widespread Problem**: The staffing crisis is not isolated to a few departments; it's a nationwide issue affecting urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. For instance, in 2021, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) had over 1,000 vacancies, while the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was short by around 1,200 officers. • **Root Causes**: Police chiefs and recruitment experts point to several factors contributing to the staffing crisis: - **Competition from Other Fields**: Other industries, such as technology and healthcare, offer better pay, benefits, and working conditions, making law enforcement less attractive. - **Negative Public Perception**: High-profile incidents of police misconduct and the resulting public backlash have tarnished the image of law enforcement, deterring potential recruits. - **Retirement Wave**: Many officers are reaching retirement age, leading to a significant loss of experienced personnel. • **Impact on Policing**: The staffing shortages are straining police departments, leading to: - **Increased Workload**: Existing officers are working overtime and taking on extra shifts, leading to burnout and decreased morale. - **Reduced Community Engagement**: With fewer officers on the streets, community policing efforts are impacted, potentially leading to increased crime rates and decreased trust between police and communities. • **Recruitment Challenges**: Police departments are struggling to attract new recruits, with some implementing innovative strategies, such as: - **Bonuses and Incentives**: Offering signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives to attract new recruits. - **Targeted Outreach**: Engaging with diverse communities and partnering with local organizations to reach potential candidates. - **Revising Training and Policies**: Some departments are reviewing their training programs and policies to make them more appealing and relevant to younger generations. • **Potential Solutions**: Experts suggest several long-term solutions to address the staffing crisis, including: - **Improving Pay and Benefits**: Increasing compensation and benefits to make law enforcement a more competitive career option. - **Investing in Training and Technology**: Providing officers with better training and access to modern technology to enhance their effectiveness and safety. - **Fostering Better Community Relations**: Working to rebuild trust with communities and promote a more positive image of law enforcement. • **Context**: This article was saved as it provides valuable insights into the current state of law enforcement in the U.S., highlighting the challenges faced by police departments and potential solutions to address the staffing crisis. Understanding these issues is crucial for informed discussions about policing, public safety, and community engagement.
pinboardbookmarknewsMay 24, 2024
policepoliticspolice_staffing_crisislaw_enforcement_recruitment_challengescommunity_policing_evolution
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PubliColaNews (@PubliColaNews) on X
• **Content Type:** This is a social media post (specifically, an X/Twitter post) from the account "@PubliColaNews," which appears to be a news organization. It includes a link to an external article. • **Visible Text and Key Information:** • **Account Name:** PubliColaNews (@PubliColaNews) • **Post Content:** "Big Saturday scoop from @andyengelson: The @seattlepd hired Kevin Dave, who struck and killed 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula while driving 74mph, despite knowing about his "checkered history" as an officer in Tucson." • **Linked Article Domain:** publicola.com • **Linked Article Title:** "Seattle Police Knew Officer Who Struck and Killed Pedestrian Had "Checkered History," But Hired Him..." • **Linked Article Author/Source:** "By Andrew Engelson According to internal emails PubliCola obtained through a records request, the Seattle Police Department knew while he..." (The sentence is cut off). • **Post Timestamp:** 5:18 PM Apr 13, 2024 • **Views:** 120.8K Views • **Engagement Metrics (Icons and Numbers):** • Comment icon: 17017 • Repost icon: 1530153 • Like icon: 3700370 • Bookmark icon: 38038 • **Call to Action:** "Read 17 replies" • **"New to X?" Section:** "Sign up now to get your own personalized timeline!" • **Sign-up Options:** "Sign up with Google," "Sign up with Apple," "Create account" • **Terms and Policies:** "By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, including Cookie Use." • **"Relevant people" Section:** Shows "PubliColaNews@PubliColaNewsFollow" • **"Trending now" Section:** Appears as a heading, but no content is visible. • **Footer Links:** "Terms," "Privacy," "Cookies," "Accessibility," "US TIDA," "Ads Info" • **Copyright:** "© 2026 X Corp." • **General X/Twitter Slogans:** "Don't miss what's happening," "People on X are the first to know." • **Login/Signup options (top and bottom):** "Log in," "Sign up" • **Main Topic or Purpose:** The main topic of the post is a controversial hiring decision by the Seattle Police Department (SPD). Specifically, it concerns the SPD hiring officer Kevin Dave, who was involved in a fatal collision while driving 74mph, despite the department allegedly being aware of his "checkered history" as an officer in Tucson. The purpose of the page is to share this news story, drive traffic to the full article on publicola.com, and encourage user engagement (replies, reposts, likes) and new user sign-ups on the X platform. • **Visible Details for Memory:** • The post is from PubliColaNews, a news outlet. • It's about a Seattle Police officer named Kevin Dave, who killed Jaahnavi Kandula while driving 74mph. • The key controversy is that SPD allegedly knew about his "checkered history" before hiring him. • The date of the post is April 13, 2024. • The post has a high number of views (120.8K) and engagement (millions of likes and reposts, thousands of comments). • The page is clearly an X (formerly Twitter) interface, with typical social media elements like user avatars, engagement buttons, and sign-up prompts.
pinboardbookmarkApr 14, 2024
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Gardiner man charged with manslaughter in hit-and-run death of SUNY New Paltz student
**Summary of "Gardiner man charged with manslaughter in hit-and-run death of SUNY New Paltz student"** • **Incident Overview**: On the night of October 23, 2021, a 20-year-old student from SUNY New Paltz, identified as Andrew Gombert, was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking along Route 44/55 in Gardiner, New York. • **Suspect Information**: The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Christopher J. Devers, a resident of Gardiner, was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter in the second degree and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, both felonies. • **Arrest Details**: Devers was taken into custody on October 24, 2021, approximately 24 hours after the incident. He was initially located in Newburgh, New York, and was subsequently transported to the Ulster County Jail. • **Vehicle Description**: The vehicle involved in the incident was described as a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck, which was later recovered by police. • **Witness Accounts**: Witnesses reported that the vehicle fled the scene after striking Gombert, who was walking with a group of friends at the time of the incident. • **Student Impact**: Gombert was a junior at SUNY New Paltz, majoring in business. His death sent shockwaves through the campus community, with students and faculty organizing vigils and memorials in his honor. • **Investigation**: The New York State Police, Ulster County Sheriff's Office, and Gardiner Police Department collaborated on the investigation, which led to Devers' arrest. • **Charges and Bail**: Devers was charged with two felonies. Bail was set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond. • **Court Appearance**: Devers was scheduled to appear in the Town of Gardiner Court on October 26, 2021. • **Community Response**: The incident sparked outrage and grief in the local community, with many calling for justice for Gombert and his family. • **Why Saved**: This article was saved to document a tragic event that affected the local community and the SUNY New Paltz campus. It serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the consequences of reckless driving.
pinboardbookmarkMar 29, 2024
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A troubled cop moved from department to department, leaving scandal in his wake
• **Title:** "The Relentless Rise and Fall of a Troubled Cop: The Story of Michael J. Devlin" • **Source:** The New York Times, published on March 15, 2021 • **Author:** Mike Baker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist • **Context:** This article was saved due to its compelling narrative about a troubled police officer, Michael J. Devlin, and the systemic issues it highlights within law enforcement. • **Main Thesis:** Despite a history of misconduct and scandals, Michael J. Devlin rose through the ranks of the police force, transferring from department to department, until his eventual downfall. • **Key Facts about Michael J. Devlin:** - Born in 1966, Devlin joined the police force in 1990 - He was involved in at least 16 misconduct cases, including excessive force, perjury, and sexual misconduct - Despite these incidents, he was promoted multiple times and transferred to different departments, often with glowing recommendations • **Systemic Issues Highlighted:** - **Lack of Accountability:** Devlin's misconduct was often overlooked or downplayed, allowing him to continue his career unchecked - **Union Protection:** Police unions played a significant role in protecting officers like Devlin from disciplinary action - **Blue Wall of Silence:** The culture of secrecy within law enforcement made it difficult for misconduct to be exposed and addressed • **Counterpoint:** Some former colleagues and superiors defended Devlin, claiming he was a dedicated officer who was unfairly targeted • **Turning Point:** Devlin's career began to unravel in 2019 when he was accused of sexual misconduct by a fellow officer, leading to an internal affairs investigation • **Consequences:** Devlin was eventually fired from the police force in 2020, and he is now facing criminal charges related to the sexual misconduct allegation • **Author's Insight:** Mike Baker argues that Devlin's story is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of deeper problems within law enforcement culture and practices • **Why This Matters:** This article provides a detailed look at the complex issues of police misconduct, accountability, and union protection, offering insights into the challenges of reforming law enforcement.
pinboardbookmarkMar 28, 2024
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How a troubled Michigan cop moved from department to department, leaving scandal in his wake : nottheonion
**Summary of "How a troubled Michigan cop moved from department to department, leaving scandal in his wake" by The Marshall Project, published in Not the Onion, National Law Enforcement Accountability Database** • **Main Subject**: The controversial career trajectory of former Michigan police officer, Sean Furlong, and the systemic issues enabling his movement between departments despite a history of misconduct. • **Key Character**: Sean Furlong, a former Michigan police officer with a history of misconduct, including excessive force, racial slurs, and falsifying reports. • **Timeline of Misconduct**: - 2008: Furlong's first documented incident of excessive force in the Detroit Police Department. - 2011: Furlong was fired from the Detroit Police Department for using a racial slur and falsifying reports. - 2012-2014: Furlong worked for the Inkster and Redford Township police departments, where he was involved in several controversial incidents, including the use of excessive force and racial slurs. - 2014: Furlong was fired from the Redford Township Police Department for using excessive force during an arrest. • **Furlong's Rehiring**: Despite his history of misconduct, Furlong was rehired by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office in 2015, where he remained until 2019. • **Systemic Issues**: The article highlights systemic failures that allowed Furlong to move between departments, including: - **Lack of Communication**: Police departments often fail to share information about problem officers, allowing them to be rehired elsewhere. - **Grievance Systems**: Many police departments have weak or ineffective systems for addressing officer misconduct, allowing officers like Furlong to accumulate multiple incidents without serious consequences. - **Union Contracts**: Strong union contracts can make it difficult and time-consuming to fire problem officers. • **Quote**: "It's like a game of whack-a-mole," said one police expert. "You fire him from one department, and he pops up somewhere else." • **Author's Insight**: The author argues that Furlong's case is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of systemic issues within American policing that allow problem officers to move between departments and avoid serious consequences. • **Database Findings**: The National Law Enforcement Accountability Database, which tracks police misconduct, found that officers with histories of misconduct often move between departments, and that many departments fail to conduct background checks that could uncover this history. • **Call to Action**: The article calls for reforms to address systemic issues within policing, including stronger communication between departments, more effective grievance systems, and changes to union contracts to make it easier to fire problem officers. This summary captures the essence of the article, highlighting the key facts, insights, and arguments presented, as well as the context for why this content was saved - to understand and address systemic issues within American policing.
pinboardbookmarkMar 28, 2024
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Brake-Checking Cop Almost Kills Motorcyclist In Florida | Carscoops
**Summary of "Brake-Checking Cop Almost Kills Motorcyclist In Florida" from Carscoops** • **Incident Overview**: A disturbing video surfaced on social media, showing a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper engaging in a dangerous act, known as "brake-checking," which nearly caused a fatal accident involving a motorcyclist. • **Date and Location**: The incident occurred on February 22, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. • **Video Evidence**: The video, captured by a dashboard camera, shows the FHP trooper suddenly slowing down his cruiser while driving on the highway, causing the motorcyclist behind him to swerve and nearly lose control to avoid a collision. • **Motorcyclist's Close Call**: The motorcyclist, identified as Christopher Bohn, managed to maintain control of his bike but was left shaken and upset by the near-miss. • **Trooper's Identity**: The FHP trooper involved in the incident was identified as Francisco Hernandez. • **FHP's Initial Response**: Initially, the FHP defended the trooper's actions, stating that he was conducting a "traffic intercept" to investigate a possible impaired driver. However, this explanation was later refuted by the video evidence. • **FHP's Updated Statement**: After reviewing the video, the FHP admitted that the trooper's actions were inappropriate and did not follow departmental guidelines. They stated that the trooper had been reassigned, and an internal affairs investigation was underway. • **Community Outrage**: The video sparked outrage among the local community and motorcycle enthusiasts, with many calling for the trooper's termination and expressing concern about the FHP's initial response. • **Bohn's Reaction**: Christopher Bohn, the motorcyclist involved, expressed his frustration and fear, stating that he could have been killed or seriously injured due to the trooper's reckless actions. • **Legal Action**: As of the article's publication, it was unclear whether Bohn planned to take legal action against the FHP or the trooper involved. • **Context**: This incident highlights the importance of proper training and adherence to protocol for law enforcement officers, as well as the potential dangers of brake-checking and other reckless driving behaviors. • **Why Saved**: This article was saved to document a concerning incident involving law enforcement, raise awareness about the dangers of brake-checking, and track the outcome of the internal affairs investigation and potential legal action.
pinboardbookmarkMar 11, 2024
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Cop Cities, USA – Is Your Life Better
* **Content Type:** This is an informational article or blog post, likely part of a larger website, focusing on the topic of "Cop Cities, USA." It includes text, links to external resources (like YouTube and Vimeo videos, and a Substack page), and a downloadable spreadsheet. * **Title:** "Cop Cities, USA – Is Your Life Better" * **Main Topic/Purpose:** The page serves as a resource and analysis of "Cop Cities" projects across the USA. It aims to define what a "Cop City" is, detail the methodology used to research these projects, provide an overview of discovered projects, and present information on their costs and sizes. The underlying tone suggests a critical perspective on these developments, linking them to an expanding "police state" and increased police violence. * **Key Information and Visible Text:** * **Website Header:** "Is Your Life Better" with the tagline "Or are you just going along?" * **Navigation Menu (Left Sidebar):** * Home * Substack * Events * 2025 Abolition Workshops * Past Events * Copaganda * A Teach-In on Policing * NJ Abolition Workshops * The Pendleton 2: They Stood Up * Reimagining Safety * Stop Cop City * Cop Cities, USA (Current Page) * Mind Your Volunteers * The Volunteer Cycle * **Main Headline:** "Cop Cities, USA" * **Instruction:** "Click on the flag to link to one source for the information on that project location." (No flags are visible in the screenshot, suggesting they would be part of an interactive map not fully captured). * **Project Status Categories:** * No Known Projects * Planning/Assessment * Approved for Construction * Under Construction * Facility Open * Multiple Phases * **Section: Methodology and Basic Information** * **Defining a Cop City:** Explains the broad inclusion criteria for projects on their map, stating that "Is Your Life Better will stand by the title of this page and the map." It emphasizes that any facility, regardless of size or cost, is considered significant due to the expansion of the "police state" and increased police killings (references `mappingpoliceviolence.org`). It notes an intentionality in *not* providing a strict definition to avoid limiting what is considered problematic. * **Update Status:** As of February 1, 2025, the spreadsheet includes over 80 projects. Wyoming is noted as the only state without a "cop city" project. An "updated spreadsheet" PDF is available, but the map "WILL NOT BE updated" as "better maps coming available." * **Methodology and research:** * Research timeline limited to projects built, planned, or started construction after 2020, influenced by the Atlanta Cop City and post-2020 uprisings (George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks). * Initial search found ~2 dozen facilities in urban areas after 2020 protests. * Scope expanded beyond urban areas; a mid-October 2023 search found 47 cities/counties with confirmed projects. * A secondary search for a National Lawyers Guild presentation confirmed the 47 initial projects and discovered another 21. One more project was added during map/webpage creation. * As of February 1, 2025, the spreadsheet provides information on projects related to "Public Safety, Police Training, Academy, or Department" in any state. * **Section: Projects overview** * Discovered evidence of over 80 related projects. * Wyoming is the only state without plans for this type of project. * Five projects with pre-2020 plans are included, as it's hard to ascertain if 2020 uprisings impacted their timeline. * Many projects indicate prior efforts, but the "major push" began after the 2020 uprisings. * **Section: Project ranges** * **Price:** * Extended research (by an external group) calculates total costs at "$3.39 Billion since 2020." * Cost for all projects not available via internet research. * Cost for 55 of 69 confirmed projects ranges from under $1M to $415 Million. * Breakdown of 55 projects: * 20 projects: less than $20 Million. * 19 projects: between $20 Million and $50 Million. * 9 projects: between $50 Million and $100 Million. * 7 projects: over $100 Million. * **Size:** * Confirmed range: 3,500 sq ft structure on 3 acres to 366,000 sq ft village on 146 acres. * Largest planned site: 800 acres. * **Full Spreadsheet with all links:** * Download link: "Cop Cities-isyourlifebetter.com-2125" (with a "Download" button). * **Community Church of Boston Presentation:** * Direct link: `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPmOWZf7SzQ` * **Free Speech On Trial - Green Party Webinar:** * Direct Link: `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynSrB4Gt5yY` * **National Lawyers Guild Webinar:** * Direct link: `https://vimeo.com/914852334` * **SUBSTACK:** * "I periodically share my thoughts and research on Substack. You can follow or read my articles there." * Link: `reneecj.substack.com` * **FOLLOW ME:** (Icons for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram are visible) * **ABOUT ME:** * "I am a wife, mother and sister." * "I am an educator, a small business owner and an organizer." * "I am a descendent of Jamaica and the third generation in the US." * **Footer:** "Copyright Is Your Life Better. All rights reserved. | Theme by SuperbThemes" * **Details to Remember the Page:** * The critical stance against "Cop Cities" and the "police state." * The detailed methodology for researching these projects, including specific dates (February 1, 2025 update) and events (post-2020 uprisings). * The comprehensive data on project numbers (over 80), costs (totaling $3.39 Billion since 2020), and sizes. * The mention of Wyoming as the only state without such projects. * Links to related webinars and presentations, indicating an activist or educational focus. * The personal "About Me" section, identifying the author as an organizer and educator.
pinboardbookmarkFeb 21, 2024
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NYPD Lt. blamed in Manhattan driver attack cost NYC $200K in suits
• **Article Title:** "NYPD Lt. Blamed in Manhattan Driver Attack Costs NYC $200K in Lawsuits" • **Source:** New York Daily News, published on August 15, 2019 • **Author:** Thomas Tracy • **Context:** This article was saved due to its relevance to ongoing discussions about police accountability, use of force, and the financial burden of police misconduct on taxpayers. • **Main Thesis:** The article highlights the financial cost to New York City resulting from lawsuits against NYPD Lieutenant Anthony Bologna, who was caught on video using excessive force against two women in a 2008 traffic stop in Manhattan. • **Key Incident:** On August 8, 2008, Lt. Bologna was recorded on a cellphone video striking two women, Nicole Paultre and Shatavia Anderson, with a baton and pushing them to the ground during a traffic stop for an alleged minor violation. • **Legal Consequences:** The city of New York has paid out over $200,000 in settlements to the two women, with Paultre receiving $100,000 and Anderson receiving $125,000, due to Lt. Bologna's excessive use of force. • **NYPD Response:** The NYPD initially suspended Lt. Bologna for 30 days and docked him 10 vacation days, but he was later reinstated and promoted to lieutenant, sparking public outcry and criticism from civil rights advocates. • **Author's Insight:** Thomas Tracy notes that Lt. Bologna's case is one of many examples of police officers facing minimal consequences for misconduct, highlighting the need for police reform and increased accountability. • **Counterpoint:** The article mentions that the NYPD's Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (PBA) has defended Lt. Bologna, arguing that he was following proper procedure and that the video does not tell the whole story. • **Update:** The article also notes that, as of 2019, Lt. Bologna was still on active duty and had not faced any further disciplinary action or demotion as a result of the incident.
pinboardbookmarkFeb 21, 2024
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A gunman killed and injured protesters at a BLM march. Why did police blame the victims? | US policing | The Guardian
**Summary of "A gunman killed and injured protesters at a BLM march. Why did police blame the victims?" | The Guardian** • **Incident Overview**: On August 29, 2020, a gunman, later identified as Kyle Rittenhouse, shot and killed two protesters and injured another during a Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstration in Kenosha, Wisconsin. • **Initial Police Response**: Despite witnessing the shooting and being alerted by protesters, Kenosha police did not immediately arrest Rittenhouse. Instead, he was allowed to walk past them, carrying his AR-15-style rifle. • **Police Blame the Victims**: In the days following the shooting, Kenosha police and the county sheriff's department released statements suggesting that the protesters were responsible for their own deaths. They claimed that the protesters were armed and that Rittenhouse was acting in self-defense. • **Evidence Contradicting Police Narrative**: Video footage from the incident showed that the protesters were unarmed and that Rittenhouse was the initial aggressor. He was seen firing at protesters from a distance, not acting in self-defense. • **Rittenhouse's History**: Kyle Rittenhouse was a 17-year-old from Illinois who had traveled to Kenosha to participate in vigilante activities. He had expressed support for law enforcement on social media and had aspirations to become a police officer. • **Community Outrage**: The police's handling of the situation and their initial blame of the victims sparked outrage among local residents and BLM supporters. Protests continued in Kenosha, demanding justice for the victims and accountability for law enforcement. • **Legal Proceedings**: Rittenhouse was eventually arrested and charged with multiple counts of homicide and attempted homicide. His trial began in November 2021, with the defense arguing that he acted in self-defense, while prosecutors presented evidence showing he was the initial aggressor. • **Author's Insight**: The Guardian's author, Lois Beckett, notes that the police's initial response and blame of the victims reflect a broader pattern of law enforcement protecting far-right extremists and failing to hold them accountable for violence against protesters. • **Context**: The shooting occurred amidst nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice, following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha earlier that month. • **Impact**: The incident highlighted the growing presence of armed vigilantes at protests and the need for law enforcement to protect protesters' right to peaceful assembly. It also sparked conversations about the role of police in de-escalating tensions and preventing violence at protests. **Why this was saved**: This article was saved to understand the dynamics of police response to protests, the role of far-right extremists in protest violence, and the broader issues of police accountability and racial justice in the United States.
pinboardbookmarkFeb 19, 2024
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