law enforcement
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As Chauvin Trial Again Puts Our Faith in the Justice System to the Test, Witnesses Emerge as Hopeful, Heart-Wrenching Reminders of Humanity
I have a confession to make: I have not seen the infamous video of George Floyd’s last moments of life under the ruthless knee of then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. I confess I am sensitive. I confess I am Black. I confess I am tired of witnessing the trauma of my kin killed in the…
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Livestream: Watch Opening Arguments in the Derek Chauvin Trial
Opening statements in Derek Chauvin’s trial for the death of George Floyd are set to take place Monday morning in Hennepin County, Minn., marking a pivotal development in the case that launched national racial justice protests and a renewed uprising against police brutality in 2020. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was fired from his…
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California Supreme Court Rules That Keeping People Jailed Because They Can't Pay Bail Is Unconstitutional. Every State Should Do the Same
On Thursday, California’s Supreme Court struck a major blow to the cash bail system in a ruling that should honestly be adopted across the nation. In a unanimous decision, the court ruled that it is unconstitutional to hold people in jail just because they can’t afford bail and that judges must assess a defendant’s financial…
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Jury Selection Postponed in Derek Chauvin Trial as Potential Third-Degree Murder Charge Still in Question
Jury selection in the murder trial against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin did not go through as planned on Monday, as prosecutors and the defense continue to battle over whether an additional charge of third-degree murder should be added to the case against Chauvin. Chauvin, who was seen in a viral video in May…
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Grand Jury Declines to Charge Rochester Police Officers in Daniel Prude’s Death
On Tuesday, Rochester, N.Y., continued America’s long-standing tradition of not holding police officers accountable for their careless actions when dealing with Black people. On March 23, last year, Rochester police officers encountered Daniel Prude while he was walking naked in the street. Prude was clearly in need of help, but instead of receiving the care…
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Minnesota Police Orgs Suggest Some Cops May Not Do Their Jobs During Derek Chauvin Trial Due to ‘Demonization’ of Police
Here’s a question: Are police officers born representing the epitome of snowflake-dom or is it a character trait that comes with the job? I ask this because for generations, cops have enjoyed having a certain image—one that casts them as heroes and brave warriors sworn to protect and serve. They were the only thing standing…
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9-Year-Old Black Girl Pepper-Sprayed by Rochester Police After Refusing to Get in Patrol Car After Domestic Disturbance
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Cops don’t need to be called to every emergency. This goes especially for emergency calls that involve the mental health or general wellness of Black people. We’ve seen time and time again that when police officers are called to handle non-violent emergencies involving Black people, they…