National Black Police Association, Westchester Chapter, Westchester Blacks In Law Enforcment

As civil service officers, it is our duty to uphold the laws of the state of New York. However, as natural leaders it is our moral, ethical, and human duty to reach and teach our families and youth by providing increased involvement and support thereby enriching lives and enhancing our communities.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Black Law Enforcement in Constant Danger of being of being Shot, Shot at, or Killed by White Law Enforcement

Even Black law enforcement professionals in plain clothes or off-duty are in danger when doing the job they have been sworn to do. New York has a history, dating back to the 1940s; Black officers in plain clothes or off-duty have been shot at, shot, or killed by their white counterparts and never in the reverse. The shooting of Police Officer Omar Edwards, Detective Christopher Ridley of Westchester, along with the incident last year involving NYPD Police Chief Ziegler-- the highest ranking black official in the NYPD, who had weapons drawn on him by white NYPD officers while he was parked in a NYPD unmarked car with NYPD badge and ID around his neck, reminds us of the challenges we face as citizens of color and for Black law enforcement officers.

Black law enforcement professionals must be extra cautious when they react to situations when they are off duty or as plain clothes officers. It is unfortunate that the only time we are truly recognized as law enforcement is when they wear the blue uniform. Until perceptions of Black males are changed in the institutional structure of policing, the Black law enforcement community and the Black community at large will remain at a disadvantage and in danger.

Who protects the Black Law Enforcement while we protect and serve our communities? Its time for state politicians and community leaders to finally have the testicular fortitude to address this ongoing issue with Revolutionary Change in policy and procedure in the culture of Law Enforcement.

The Westchester Chapter has advised all members to react with caution while off duty. Only draw weapon if there is a threat to your life. Call 911 and stand aside. The life you might save will be your own.

Damon K. Jones

Friday, May 22, 2009

Who Will Protect Law Enforcement in Westchester County ,While we Protect and Serve the People?

In the recent state of the county address by our County Executive Andy Spano he said, “No county is better positioned to meet the challenges ahead than Westchester.” One of the critical challenges that have not been met is the lack of respect and consideration given to hard working County Correction and Police Officers who have been working without a contract since 2006.

Westchester County Law Enforcement Professionals have been diligent in their duty to protect and serve its citizens. They have performed admirably while often under the strain of being wounded in the line of duty or having a partner killed or injured. There are Correction Officers who single-handedly supervise a housing area of 40-60 inmates, there are Officers exposed to deadly diseases like AIDS, Staph infections like MRSA and Hepatitis and inmates have assaulted Correction Officers physically and with bodily fluids. They offer us less and less in the form of heath benefits while we are exposed to more and more health dangers. With no contract in sight, the question remains: while we are protecting the public, who is protecting us?

The hard work of the Correction Officers has paved the way for the department to receive National Accreditation from the American Correction Association (ACA). This means that the Norwood E. Jackson Correctional Facility Correction Officers operate at the highest standards in the nation. What have we received for our hard work? Absolutely nothing! Hard working Correction Officers didn’t even receive an ACA National Accreditation patch! While our performance in high our moral is very low. So where is the respect from Westchester County? Either our Unions are sleeping with the enemy or there has been a loss of respect with unionized labor in regards to hard working Law Enforcement in Westchester County.

In Westchester, we have no one to protect us while we protect and serve. There seems to be no respect for officers that sacrifice their time away from their families and put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Westchester County every day. Truly, this career chooses you. The mental, physical, and emotional stamina that is required to endure the life threatening challenges we face takes a unique individual. Now is the time for the County to stand up and let its actions speak louder than its words to the hard working Correction, Police officers and their families by committing to a fair and equitable contract that will continue to protect and serve those who sacrifice daily to protect and serve the citizens of Westchester County.

The National Black Police Association is a nationwide organization of African American Police Associations dedicated to the promotion of justice, fairness and effectiveness in Law Enforcement. The NBPA has several chartered organizations throughout the United States and associate members in Canada, Bermuda and the United Kingdom. The principal concerns of the NBPA center upon law enforcement issues and the effect of those issues upon the total community. The NBPA serves as an advocate for minority police officers and establishes a national network for the training and education of all police officers and others interested in Law Enforcement.

Damon K. Jones

The Need for a Special Prosecutor for Questionable Police Shootings and Police Criminality Cases

Any Law Enforcement Officer who has the power to arrest and use deadly force and hasreceived comprehensive training by certified institutions of Law Enforcement and goesinto a community and abuses the authority that they have been empowered with, is inessence, a criminal themselves.

In Westchester County from a realistic perspective, police officers are often times relatedby blood, marriage or a loyal bond of friendship. Whether they want to admit it or not,the District Attorney’s office and our local municipalities are presented with thechallenge of investigating an officer who is related.

The municipality has to investigatean officer who they consider ”one of their own” and the municipality has to also decidehow they can proceed with its investigation in a manner that will preserve its relationshipwith that police officer.Based upon the challenges that municipalities encounter, the only logical choice is torequest aid in the form of a Special Prosecutor or Federal Intervention. By requestingassistance, the municipality is placed in a difficult position of having to admit thatperhaps they are incapable of handling an investigation into “one of its own” orconfirming that there is a bias.

To remove this burden, there should be a call to action with state legislation that requiresoversight. The legislation must require in the event of an investigation into policemisconduct or criminality, local authorities must contact state authorities. The legislationmust create a Statewide Independent Investigative body that will investigate any incidentfrom the onset of the collecting of evidence and the interviewing of witnesses, which aretwo of the most critical pieces of an investigation. Resources must be provided tomunicipalities to meet these standards and expectations required by the legislation.

Implementing a Statewide Independent Investigative Unit will eliminate the perception ofinjustice within the law enforcement ranks and ensure that both the officers and thealleged victims receive a fair and impartial thorough investigation, which will uncoverthe truth based on the evidence, which may resolve so many unanswered questions whilecontinuously building trust between law enforcement and the community. There havebeen too many incidents involving law enforcement with too many questions and notenough answers. We are calling for more transparency within the system to protect bothour law enforcement officers and the citizens in the community in which they serve.

The Disconnection of Westchester County Goverment with its People

April 2, 2009

There is hypocrisy in Westchester politics. Why did the County Executive and Legislators push a shotspotter system that is neither preventative nor a true quality of life investment for the residents of Mt. Vernon and Yonkers while residents of Ardsley received monies for school improvement, road maintenance and wireless systems for their schools?

As citizens, we must ask if Mt. Vernon and Yonkers whose high schools are averaging a 60 percent graduation rate (according to publicschoolreview.com) and the majority of the gun violence are perpetrated by 16-22 years old who have either dropped out of school, can't find a means to make a living and turn to guns, gangs and violence for means of survival. Why our legislators and County Executive did not see a greater need to invest in our youth and in our community? What about something very simple; Create jobs with the 3 million dollars. Not to mention it will cost another 300 thousand dollars to maintain and operate this system. Yet, Mt. Vernon’s operating techniques are ancient. Officers lack the proper equipment in squad cars such as computers to run license plates or I.D checks and working car-cams. Just small investment in the officers will help them do their work more proficiently, effectively and safe.

Our County Executive and Legislators are disconnected. How does Shotspotter invest in our community, our people, and our children? Does this really make the citizens of Mt. Vernon and Yonkers feel safer and more secure?

If the community leaders and politicians were really connected to the community they would know that it is easier for a child to get a gun on the streets of Southern Westchester than a job since no politician is really serious about creating jobs in Southern Westchester. The tax payers are force to take Shotspotter.

The community meeting at Grace Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 31, Mt Vernon Police Chief Duncan mentioned implementing Operation Protect. The National Black Police Association is familiar with this program. As a national organization we offer all of our assistance and resources to make it effective, but it will take many community components such as: social work, education, proper outreach, and job placement to make this program truly effective.

If community and political leaders truly want change they should demand that their tax payer dollars are better spent on preventive measures such as Operation Protect that Mt. Vernon Police Chief Duncan has spoken of to provide a more effective tools to reducing crime as opposed to a haphazard device that sounds good but does not create a long lasting solution to the prevention or reduction of crime in our neighborhoods.

Paying our last Respect to a "TrailBlazer" in Westchester Law Enforcement, Warden Yvonne Powell

March 30, 2009

We the Officers and Members of the Westchester, New York Chapter of the National Black Police Association are offering this Resolution and paying the last measure of our love and respect to Warden Yvonne Powell and her family.

Today we say farewell to a pioneer in Law Enforcement for Westchester County. Warden Yvonne Powell was more than a supervisor; she was a mother, a friend, a supporter, and fighter for woman’s rights. We learned from her strength and her sacrifices. For African Americans, she set the standards for Black woman in Law Enforcement.

Ms. Powell was a former President of the Westchester Rockland Guardians Association and Secretary and Treasurer of the North East Region of the National Black Police AssociationMs. Powell graduated from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, where she majored in criminal justice. After passing three Civil Service examinations, however, she took a job instead as a meter maid in White Plains. Growing bored with that, she moved to a position as a Deputy Sheriff at the County Jail in 1967.

Ms. Powell advanced through Civil Service examinations and evaluations to positions as a Corrections Officer, Sergeant and Captain before being made an Assistant Warden. The climb was not easy. After receiving one of the top scores in the Civil Service test for captain, she was denied the position.Ms. Powell filed a sex-discrimination case with the State Division of Human Rights and won and was prepared to fight for her promotion during the county's appeal of the case. But County Executive Andrew P. O'Rourke took office, and after reviewing the case, he decided she deserved the promotion.

While she was a warden, Ms. Powell began many programs at the County Jail that received wide recognition. The Board of Educational Cooperative Services began certification programs in nail care, building maintenance and child care, enabling many women to find jobs after their release. She also began a program allowing inmates who gave birth in jail to keep their babies with them instead of placing them in foster care.

After retirement Ms. Powell worked as a coordinator of the Abbott House Mentoring Program. Ms Powell received the Westchester County Women’s Hall of Fame Award in 1995.We extend to her family our heartfelt sympathy and prayers in the loss of their loved one. May all of you find comfort and strength in your faith in God and may you accept the belief that God makes no mistakes.

As an organization, we are your brothers and sisters. We are always on call whenever you need our assistance.

Oakland's Civil War-the People vs the Police-How Will We Come to grips with a Troubled Relationship?

By now everyone is aware of the what went down in Oakland, Ca this weekend where 4 officers were gunned down by a parolee named Lovell Mixon. Not sure what to make of all this..meaning how and why did this happen. What I do know is that here in Austin, Texas wat the SxSW Music festival when word came out about the shootings people from Philly to LA expressed feelings that suggested that some sort of justice was served. That was reflected in the loud cheers that were heard at two separate shows when it was announced what happened.Some may find it shocking, appalling, outrageous etc.. Others found it as understandable and even satisfactory.. In both instances the crowds were mixed racially and age wise. Why such a reaction when those who are charged with protecting and serving are gunned down? Why would people cheer for death? The answer may lie in the type of perceptions and actual day to day increasing amounts of people have with the police…For many it was hard to separate yesterday’s killings from the image of an unarmed Oscar Grant being shot by a rogue cop. The image is still ingrained in folks minds.

Here in Austin folks still can’t separate the thoughts of unarmed Daniel Rocha, Kevin Brown, Jesse Lee Owens and Sophie King being gunned down by police. The community was outraged here when these killings happened. Folks from Philly started naming off names of people killed in their city. Same with folks from Chicago. The New Yorkers talked about Sean Bell and Amadu Diallo and noted that they saw those vicious shootings play out in trials that left all the officers acquitted. Two unarmed men 91 shots and no convictions. It’s left many people feeling hopeless and cynical-Justice will not come from the courts.

We spoke with community activist and rap artist Truth Universal of New Orleans who still has the image of Adolph Grimes being gunned down in a hail of 12 bullets the same night Oscar Grant was killed. He stated that for many he can see how they would think that justice was served. He said its a case of chickens coming home to roost and that the reason why so many people may have appeared gleeful is that the police have for so long looked at various communities as less than human. Eventually the people on the receiving end would see the police in the same light. It’s no coincident that people from coast to coast all have the same distaste and distrust.Yes, some will stop, take a moment and reflect and realize that the officers slain are sons, fathers, husbands and brothers and deserve a prayer. But the mood quickly changes when folks recall the day to day confrontations friends and family have had with the police. Many rationalize that the police have not shown any remorse for the thousand of people victimized by folks on the force. Were their flowers or cards of condolences sent to the families of Oscar Grant? Amadu Diallo? Sean Bell? etc?

When we spoke with Mistah Fab he noted how he raised similar questions around Oscar Grant to Oakland police officers who told him there was a lot of politics, so they had to keep quiet. He found the answer unacceptable. He noted that sort of behavior 1-Is what they tell the people in Oakland not to do..They want residents who feel unsafe to blow the whistle on wrong doings, but they as cops won’t do the same. He also noted that it shows how far apart many are from the community they serve.. How could one not speak when they see something so blatantly wrong? KC Carter a former ACLU lawyer who heads up the organization Hip Hop Against Police Brutality here in Austin, notes that for many its not the Oscar Grants and Annete Garcias (unarmed mother of 3 shot by police in Riverside this year). Those are the ultimate manifestations of police brutality. He said its the day to day humiliations and brutality that people endure-much of which goes unreported. It might having to sit still and grit your teeth while an officer speaks rudely while issuing a citation. It might be someone having to endure an elder parent or grand parent get a verbal lashing from a cop who is bent on showing no respect to you and your people. It’s the thousands of folks who get tasered, pushed, punched and intimidated by police who work from a stand point of establishing fear to maintain control.

I recall doing a radio show earlier this year in Los Angeles at the beginning of the Oscar Grant situation. During the show some ‘soon to be’ cop called in and said if any suspect gave him lip or insulted him he would take them out. Me and host Dominique Diprima were dumb-founded. Here’s a guy claiming to be in the academy and this is how he’s viewing the world? How many other cops are thinking this way?Lucky for us during the show another officer called in and said that what he heard was unacceptable and said in no uncertain terms should a police officer behave in that manner. That was a good thing. The concern is that dude is still in the academy. How will he get weeded out? Sadly for many we don’t see officers standing up on the side of the citizens who feel they were unjustifiably brutalized. We don’t see those good cops, those hard working cops coming out and denouncing rogue and criminal behavior. As word seaped out about the 4 police sergents being shot in Oakland, while some expressed glee other expressed concern that the police would be retaliating. They said the block would be hot and everybody would be subjected to a police force bent on seeking revenge.KC Carter noted that it will be important for the police to re-establish their position where fear is a main component. In fact, he noted this shooting may have harsh effects all across the country, because police in Texas, police in New York, police in Oakland and everywhere in between do not want people in communities they patrol to get in their heads its ok to shoot cops with no push back. He said expect to state to push back in Black and Brown communities where folks are likely to not be so sympathetic to these officers being gunned down in Oakland.West Oakland artist Jern-Eye of the group Lunar Heights cautioned folks to not see the slaying of these officers of some sort of victory. He recounted the types of challenges West Oakland residents went through last time an officer was killed. He stated that everyone caught hell. He added that it would be important for the community to use this tragedy to come together and rise above the fray. he said it was important for us to build up the community and make it a safe productive place for the youth. A tit foir tat battle with the police will not be constructive in the long run.Lastly ain closing a few things to keep in mind.

First, none of the officers slain lived in Oakland. They all live in the suburbs miles away from Oakland. This has long been a concern. Folks from outside the city they patrol come in and don’t show the type of respect one feels is deserved. Many feel they don’t truly understand the people. Not sure if this was the case with the officers who were slain. They were all veterans on the police force and one would hope they saw and cherished the community they served.

The author of the article is Mistah FAB from the Breakdown radio show

Do Prosecutors Purposefully Throw Cases Against Cops

In face of the Oakland transit shooting case we are left to ponder whether there will be a vigorous prosecution on the part of the District Attorney. Whereas it only took 6 days for the DA to charge those who destroyed property during the protest of the shooting; Alameda County district attorney Tom Orloff took a week and a half to charge the murder despite clear video evidence. He did so only then due to the uproar, and with no way to defend the shooting. It has been suggested before that prosecutors don't really want to prosecute police officers. But when officers actions are so outrages, that they can't defend the officers even with giving them all benefit of the doubt, they charge them only because they can't defend not charging. Yet, since these DAs actually don't want to try the officer in the first place, and they only do so because they can't defend not doing so, that they intentionally throw the case.

The National Black Police Association even says this takes place. Christopher C. Cooper, JD on behalf of The National Black Police Association writes “It does not matter that two of the officers who killed Sean Bell are black. The larger issue is that police officers of any color, in jurisdictions throughout the United States are given a blank check to abuse people of color. Prosecutors routinely look the other way and if they prosecute, they throw the fight (a real possibility of what happened in the Bell case). ”

Ann Schneider at The Indypendent breaks down some of how this went in the Bell trial. In a piece entitled “Going Through the Motions: Prosecutor’s Strategy Doomed Bell Verdict” she writes:

I entered Judge Arthur Cooperman’s courtroom one afternoon, mid-trial. From the information being elicited, I guessed it was the defense lawyer questioning the witness. But it was the prosecuting attorney, establishing that the officers had heard of as many as three guns inside Club Kalua that night. Thus, Assistant District Attorney Charles Testagrossa, who was supposed to be prosecuting the three officers, established a justification defense for them!

Worse, the prosecution chose to introduce the grand jury testimony of each officer. This was a serious strategic mistake, because it allowed the defendants to remain silent. Since it is the prosecution’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a defendant always has the choice to testify or not. In a criminal case, a judge may not draw “a negative inference” from the fact that a defendant chooses not to testify.

We know that the police planned to offer as a defense that they were justified in believing that their lives were in danger. So to convince a judge or jury they had a reasonable belief they were being fired upon, they normally would have had to say something about their state of mind.

Thus, they would have been subject to cross-examination, which could have yielded some interesting revelations. Instead, the prosecution chose to introduce their previous testimony at the grand jury, lessening their need to speak in their own defense.Proof that this was a disastrous choice is the fact that the defense team’s strategy changed six weeks into the trial. After the prosecution rested, the police defendants decided that they no longer needed to testify.Again, this is what happens when they bother to prosecute.

A report coming out in the L.A. Times a few years ago showed that L.A. County refused to prosecute 75% of police misconduct cases referred to them, where on the other hand they prosecuted 75% of all other cases referred to them. In Oakland we're dealing with the same governmental system that allows the Oakland police to basically refuse to provide information on the outcomes of cases even to the City Council