Police Brutality

Childcare Manager Cleared, Raises Concerns About Australia’s Whistleblower Treatment

Yolanda Borucki, a childcare centre manager, was acquitted of computer hacking charges after reporting her colleague, Ashley Paul Griffith, to authorities. Despite initial dismissal of her concerns, Griffith was later convicted of 307 child sexual offences and sentenced to life imprisonment. The magistrate found insufficient evidence that Borucki acted without permission or caused significant harm by sharing information to alert the media. Borucki’s lawyer called her actions heroic, highlighting the need for an inquiry into how Griffith was allowed to work with children for so long.

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DOJ: NY Police Illegally Strip-Searched Nearly Every Arrestee

This article provides a comprehensive list of locations, including all U.S. states, territories, and possessions, as well as several Canadian provinces and territories. The inclusion of zip codes is implied, suggesting a database or directory purpose. This geographical scope is extensive and designed for broad coverage. The data likely supports a variety of applications requiring location-based information.

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Altoona Police Face Threats After Mangione Arrest

Altoona police are reporting a surge in threats following the arrest of Luigi Mangione, a development that’s sparking a wide range of reactions. The police department publicly acknowledged receiving threats against officers and the police building itself, stating they are taking these threats seriously and conducting thorough investigations. This statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential dangers faced by law enforcement personnel.

The intensity of the reaction to Mangione’s arrest is undeniable. Many online commentators expressed outrage, suggesting a significant level of public support for Mangione, despite the serious nature of the charges against him. Some observers likened the situation to the arrest of a folk hero, implying a widespread belief that Mangione’s actions were justified or even heroic, regardless of legality.… Continue reading

Justice Department Finds Memphis Police Use Excessive Force, Discriminate Against Black Residents

A U.S. Department of Justice investigation found the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black individuals, concluding that officers regularly violate citizens’ rights. The investigation, prompted by Tyre Nichols’ death following a traffic stop, revealed a pattern of unlawful stops, searches, and the disproportionate use of force against Black individuals, even in response to minor offenses. The department’s “saturation” policing strategy, lacking adequate supervision and clear guidelines, contributed to this misconduct. The city of Memphis initially refused to negotiate federal oversight, but a news conference is planned to address the findings and potential next steps.

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Georgia Protests Reveal Russia’s Export of Brutal Repression Tactics

During five days of pro-EU protests in Georgia, police violently suppressed demonstrators, employing tactics that included systematic beatings and torture in custody, as documented by Transparency International Georgia and the Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association. Detainees reported severe injuries and degrading treatment, with a Public Defender confirming widespread allegations of police brutality. Prominent critics suggest this brutality reflects training received from Russian counterparts, indicating a potential export of Russia’s authoritarian playbook to Georgia. This escalation of violence coincides with protests against the government’s pro-Russian stance and postponement of EU integration.

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Trial Proceeds in Shooting of Black Teen at Wrong Door

Following a mental health evaluation, the trial of Andrew Lester, an 86-year-old man accused of shooting Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager, will proceed on February 18, 2025. Lester, who pleaded not guilty to assault and armed criminal action charges, allegedly shot Yarl after the teenager mistakenly arrived at his home. The shooting, which sparked national attention and debate over potential racial motivations, resulted in serious injuries to Yarl. The judge’s decision to move forward with the trial comes after Lester’s lawyer cited concerns about his client’s mental state.

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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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911 Caller Fatally Shot by Police: Excessive Force Questioned

Responding to a 911 call about a home invasion, Officer Alexander Bookman fatally shot homeowner Brandon Durham during a struggle with an intruder. Body camera footage shows the officer yelling to drop the knife before firing six shots, killing Durham and injuring the intruder, who was later arrested and charged. While the police union defends Officer Bookman’s actions, Durham’s family is demanding his termination and prosecution, and the District Attorney’s investigation is ongoing. Officer Bookman is currently on paid administrative leave.

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Las Vegas Police Kill 911 Caller During Home Invasion

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer fatally shot a 43-year-old man, Brandon Durham, during a home invasion call. Durham, who had called 911, was found struggling with the female intruder, Alejandra Boudreaux, over a knife. Boudreaux, Durham’s former partner, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including home invasion and child abuse. The incident is under investigation to determine the justification for the officer’s use of lethal force.

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Missouri Officer-Involved Shooting Leaves Woman and Child Dead

In Independence, Missouri, a police officer fatally shot a woman armed with a knife during a domestic disturbance call, resulting in the death of a child as well. The incident occurred after attempts at de-escalation, including the presence of a mental health professional who did not engage with the armed suspect. An investigation is underway to determine the child’s cause of death and whether police actions complied with protocols. The officer involved, along with two others, has been placed on administrative leave.

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