Welcome to the weekly update from the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity! Here, we give you a wrap-up of the latest developments and notable news as we continue our state-focused fight to abolish the unjust rule.
This week, the ACLU weighs in on Biden’s police reforms; New York fails to end qualified immunity (for now); a Maryland community demands greater involvement for police accountability; and more!
FEATURED STORY
ACLU: The Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Policing Is a Foundation to Build Upon
“Congress must also do its part by passing comprehensive police reform legislation that creates meaningful accountability and restores trust between police and the communities they serve by eliminating qualified immunity and strengthening civil rights protections.”
Read more here.
NEW YORK
Although the New York Legislature has failed to pass S 1991, this session, which would’ve ended qualified immunity, public safety advocates don’t feel defeated, and vow to press forward. “Our broad coalition is growing exponentially, and we won’t stop fighting until lawmakers heed the calls for accountability, justice, and transparency,” said Katerina Siira, co-leader of End QI NY.
Read more here.
VERMONT
Through the Brady disclosure, prosecutors have a constitutional obligation to inform criminal defendants about rogue cops. Yet a recent ACLU of Vermont investigation reveals that such disclosures are practically nonexistent in the Green Mountain State. This lack of transparency “has serious implications…for police accountability, community well-being, and faith in the judicial system more broadly.”
Read more here.
MARYLAND
In Prince George’s County, community members are demanding greater involvement in the implementation of their Police Accountability Board. As Pastor Kenneth Clark, a civil rights advocate, noted, “The importance of establishing this board is to restore the trust within the community. If you want the community to get involved…you have to include the community in the process.”
Read more here.
ILLINOIS
Chicago resident Julie Campos is suing the rogue cops who unjustly detained her in 2020 while cleaning the store she worked at following a burglary. “I just want police officers to be held accountable for their actions for a situation that people don’t really speak up about,” said Campos, who’s represented by the ACLU.
Read more here.
ADDITIONAL NEWS
Fox 10: ’I’m Not Going to Help You:’ Man Drowned in Tempe Town Lake as Police Watched, Transcripts Reveal
“Three police officers have been placed on administrative leave after they reportedly watched as a man drowned in Tempe Town Lake, transcripts revealed. The incident began as a reported domestic violence situation at Tempe Beach Park between the man, identified as Sean Bickings, and his wife. Both denied that any fight had taken place.”
Read more here.
Atlanta Blackstar: Bodycam Footage Captures Virginia Police Officer Tasing Man Within Seconds of Arriving On Scene; Settlement Reached After Two Years
“We believe now, and believed while filing, that our case was well-founded. We think the case is worthy of study, on the doctrine of qualified immunity, which is one of significant public policy interest.”
Read more here.
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