Police Accountability

Australian Officer Guilty of Manslaughter for Tasering 95-Year-Old Woman

Following a five-day deliberation, a NSW Supreme Court jury found police officer Kristian White guilty of manslaughter in the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland. White tasered Nowland, who was suffering from dementia and wielding a knife, causing her to fall and sustain a fatal brain bleed. The prosecution argued White’s actions were excessive and breached his duty of care, while the defense contended the taser use was a necessary response. White’s bail has been continued pending a hearing on a Crown application for detention.

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Lewisville Police Officers Disciplined for Misconduct in Prostitution Busts

The Denton County DA has rejected 23 criminal cases against alleged prostitutes presented by the Lewisville PD due to concerns about inappropriate conduct by the police officers involved. The cases, part of an undercover operation targeting local massage parlours, were undermined when it was discovered the police officers had made inappropriate physical contact with the suspects. An internal review led to 13 officers being disciplined, with three fired, one demoted, and seven suspended without pay. The cases reviewed took place over a two-year period, from 2022 to 2024, and led to the police department having to return two seized vehicles and $247,807 in seized cash. Despite the internal action taken, no officers are currently facing criminal charges.

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City: Police had no constitutional duty to protect murder victim

The notion that police have no constitutional duty to protect individuals is a chilling realization that should reverberate through any discussion about public safety and law enforcement. I find myself grappling with the implications of this principle, especially when lives are on the line, as evidenced in cases like that of the murder victim in question. The fact that police actions—or lack thereof—can be influenced by personal relationships, like providing free services, underscores a disturbing reality: the public’s welfare can sometimes take a backseat to informal ties and benefits.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in cases such as DeShaney v. Winnebago County and Town of Castle Rock v.… Continue reading

Coroner confirms 1 dead after Ky. sheriff accused of shooting judge at courthouse

The tragic news of a shooting at a courthouse in Kentucky, where a county sheriff is accused of shooting a county judge, has left me reeling. The fact that a law enforcement officer, someone who is supposed to protect and serve, could commit such a heinous act is truly shocking. The loss of life in this incident is devastating, and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the judge who was killed.

It is deeply concerning to think about the implications of allowing individuals with unchecked power to carry weapons into restricted areas such as courthouses. The idea that a sheriff, who should be upholding the law, could turn into a judge executioner facing a jury is both alarming and nonsensical.… Continue reading

Bystander shot in head as New York police tackle fare-evader

As I read about the tragic incident where a bystander was shot in the head as New York police tackled a fare-evader, my heart sank. The thought of someone being caught in the crossfire of a situation that escalated over something as trivial as fare evasion is deeply troubling. It is incomprehensible to me how a situation involving a $3 subway fare could result in such a violent and life-threatening outcome.

The fact that two bystanders and one of the officers were also shot in the incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of trigger-happy policing. The idea that law enforcement officers, who are supposed to protect and serve the community, could shoot into a crowded space without regard for the safety of innocent bystanders is appalling.… Continue reading

Thomas Lane, former cop convicted in George Floyd’s death, released from prison

Thomas Lane, a former Minneapolis police officer, has been released from prison after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. The 41-year-old rookie cop, who had only been on the job for four days before the tragic incident occurred, was sentenced to three years in prison. It raises the question of whether Lane deserved to be convicted for his role in the incident.

Lane’s case is a complicated one, as he was the least experienced officer on the scene that fateful day. Being brand new to the force, he likely felt pressured to follow the lead of more senior officers who were present.… Continue reading

Huge new cache of bodycam and 911 calls shows Uvalde shooting unfolding

It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of disappointment that I delve into the disturbing revelations surrounding the Uvalde shooting incident. The sheer magnitude of the incompetence and cowardice displayed by the law enforcement officers on that fateful day is nothing short of appalling. The newly released cache of bodycam footage and 911 calls paints a harrowing picture of a tragedy that could have been averted if those sworn to protect and serve had acted with even an ounce of courage and integrity.

As I listened to the edited videos and read the accounts of witnesses, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of anger and sorrow.… Continue reading

Deputy who killed Sonya Massey was removed from the Army, had DUIs and needed ‘high stress decision’ classes, records show

As I sit down to reflect on the alarming news about Deputy Sean Grayson, the man who tragically killed Sonya Massey, it’s impossible not to feel a wave of frustration and disbelief wash over me. The fact that Grayson had a track record of being kicked out of the army for misconduct, multiple DUIs, and the need for ‘high stress decision’ classes is deeply concerning. How did he manage to work at six different Illinois law enforcement agencies in just four years despite these glaring red flags? It’s a textbook example of someone who should never have been allowed to carry a gun, let alone hold a position of authority as a law enforcement officer.… Continue reading

Records show deputy charged in Sonya Massey’s fatal shooting worked for 6 agencies in 4 years

I can’t help but feel a deep sense of anger and frustration when I think about the tragic and senseless death of Sonya Massey at the hands of a law enforcement officer. The fact that the deputy charged in her fatal shooting had worked for 6 different agencies in just 4 years is deeply troubling. It begs the question – how was he able to continually move from one jurisdiction to another without facing any real consequences for his actions?

The idea of a police officer job hopping to avoid accountability is not only concerning but downright dangerous. It’s truly shocking to think that someone with such a troubled employment history was able to carry a badge and a gun, posing a significant threat to the public.… Continue reading

Illinois woman who called police over possible intruder killed by deputies, attorney says

This tragic incident in Illinois where a woman called the police over a possible intruder and ended up being killed by deputies is absolutely heart-wrenching. It is unfathomable to think that seeking help from law enforcement could result in such a devastating outcome. The passive voice used in the sheriff’s office statement, where they fail to mention who fired the shots that killed her, is deeply concerning.

The fact that the body camera footage and other information are being withheld to “protect the integrity of the legal process” is alarming. This lack of transparency only adds to the suspicion surrounding the actions of the deputies involved.… Continue reading