From the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
COPWATCHING in Berkeley, CA
This is a little of what we see form day to day on our copwatch shifts around south and west berkeley. What we have documented is a heavy handed approach to crime suppression which includes racial profiling, over aggressive detentions, illegal searches, selective enforcement of laws and a general disrespect for the community it polices. In recent years Berkeley Police have made headlines for using drugs, stealing drugs out of the evidence locker (for personal use, planting, or selling) . We have had police arrested for robbing detainees of their money by state police, and at the turn of the year 2008 Berkeley Police Officer Cummings shot and killed a grandmother in the name of protecting himself and others present at the "incident"
For more information:
http://berkeleycopwatch.org
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
that's interesting. It's such an unclear area of law describing how people might observe the police, because it is clearly legal for citizens to remain at the scene watching, but it is also legally encoded that the police are the ones to determine a safe watching distance. In addition, first amendment cases have demonstrated that journalists may cross ordinary police lines due to freedom of the press, but there is also some distance at which police can exercise judgment to require them to stand.
Once I was cycling at night on the N-S bike route west of San Pablo, and I came across a scene like at minute 4. Because it was dark, you couldn't see what was happening, and they didn't have staff to block off that end of the street. As we approached, you could finally see a line of police aiming their guns at people being ordered out of a vehicle, with us now positioned in the line of fire. The officers didn't say anything to us though.
Once I was cycling at night on the N-S bike route west of San Pablo, and I came across a scene like at minute 4. Because it was dark, you couldn't see what was happening, and they didn't have staff to block off that end of the street. As we approached, you could finally see a line of police aiming their guns at people being ordered out of a vehicle, with us now positioned in the line of fire. The officers didn't say anything to us though.
THANK YOU COPWATCH!!!!!!!!
This town is crowded w/ mentally unstable sociopaths. Cops make it easier for us all to walk down the street more safely. Many thanks to Berkeley Police!!
And thanks to cop watch for reminding cops to keep it real.
And thanks to cop watch for reminding cops to keep it real.
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network