By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper
Recently in Florida, a young African American Airman was murdered by local law enforcement without them first identifying themselves. This young African American service member made the mistake of answering his door with a gun in his hands, held at his side as shown in the bodycam of the officer. What followed was that this young man was shot six times and supposedly died on his way to the hospital.
The officers had the wrong apartment since there was no one home but this Black man and the complaint came from a neighbor who said that they heard a woman’s voice in what appeared to be a domestic dispute.
Since we know that law enforcement is unmoved by the number of Black men and women who they have wrongfully murdered all over this country, it appears that the burden of attempts at prevention of further deaths falls upon the victims.
Let’s revisit some ground rules when confronted by law enforcement at any level. First, it does not matter whether or not one has done anything or broken a law when stopped by law enforcement personnel. The important thing is to live to deal with the encounter later. Second, “compliance” with any and all instructions given by law enforcement, regardless of the tone or treatment. Third, keep hands visible and empty at all times. Do not reach for Cell Phone, Wallet, or anything other than what one is told to do. Remember, if you are Black, most likely you have already been determined to be armed and dangerous. We have been killed over broken tail lights, parking ticket outstanding warrants, often murdered while asking “ what did I do?” Fourth, to the degree possible, be humble and only speak when spoken to. No questions asked. No complaints about the stop. Notice badge or other identification numbers, but ask for none. Finally, wait until the next day to pursue any complaints. This will ensure that the personnel you encountered and any colleagues of theirs are not likely to be on duty the next morning.
Finally, your complaint should be filed in writing via certified mail with copies to your State Attorney General’s Office of Criminal Investigation. After these steps, you can now file a personal complaint which should be the same as the one you mailed via “certified mail”. This is called living to tell your story. If you were stopped while using a familiar route to home, work or wherever you were going, now take a different route, even if it’s out of your way.
These steps should help us continue “Living While Black”.
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