At R&B singer John Legend’s recent show honoring Marvin Gaye, a 14-year-old Bay Area poet performed a moving poem that threaded the events in Ferguson, Missouri, with Gaye’s still-timely lyrics.
Militarization of Police
Tracking billions of dollars in military equipment from the Pentagon to local communities across the country
Posted inCriminal Justice, Militarization of Police
Off/Page Project seeks youth poetry on Ferguson, Missouri, shooting
The fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown has extended well beyond the borders of Ferguson. Whether you’re on the ground in Missouri or following the events from afar, we want to hear what you have to say.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local Law Enforcement, Militarization of Police, Surveillance and Privacy
Policing on camera
A federal judge ruled that the New York Police Department’s stop-and-frisk policy was unconstitutional because it resulted in discriminatory practices and unreasonable searches. Alexis Karteron, senior staff attorney with the New York Civil Liberties Union, discusses the ruling.
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Posted inCriminal Justice, Militarization of Police
Feds want inventory of free military equipment given to police
These long-haul semitrailers are used by the LA sheriff to retrieve excess military equipment from around the country. LA County Sheriff’s Department Local police will temporarily be barred from receiving free surplus Defense Department weapons until state governments can prove they’ve adequately kept track of an array of military equipment – including armored vehicles, computers, tactical […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Militarization of Police
Local police stockpile high-tech, combat-ready gear
Fargo police Capt. Patrick Claus logs in to a patrol car’s computer. The military-style assault rifle in the car is now standard issue for many police department.Andrew Becker/Center for Investigative Reporting If terrorists ever target Fargo, N.D., the local police will be ready. In recent years, they have bought bomb-detection robots, digital communications equipment and Kevlar […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Militarization of Police
Zapping Taser: The Lawsuits
While Heston plays out—the plaintiffs are fighting for attorneys’ fees—Taser International still faces about 40 lawsuits against it alleging wrongful death or personal injury. Five of those have 2009 trial dates, the first beginning in March, according to Taser’s latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A brief summary of the upcoming cases: Bolander […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Militarization of Police
Zapping Taser
A jury determined that Taser International knew or should have known that “prolonged exposure” to its stun gun could lead to cardiac arrest.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Militarization of Police
Are Tasers Safe?
As of Nov. 4, Taser International cited 206 studies on electronic control devices, commonly known as Tasers. Most are favorable to the company. Taser devices have been used on more than 1.3 million people, according to company estimates. And while Amnesty International counts more than 340 deaths since 2001 in North America following police use […]