Up and Adam
With it being Monday and all, a full week since Cop Block went live, I thought I would do a post on, “The Largest Street Gang in America.” It highlights police brutality but also touches on lack of accountability. In my opinion, it’s the best documentary out there on the matter.
This feature can be view in six parts on YouTube and is favorited on CopBlocks channel. This movie does a great job of showing the force police are willing to use in order to gain compliance and why; to protect their turf. As you will notice in most of the footage, the cops demand compliance. Even in times where the accused crime is a non violent, non victim one. Where time and time again cops abuse their power, use excessive force (by societies terms, no force would be better) , break the law and cover or vindicate themselves of their actions. The video(s) speaks for itself.
Notice how when an individual goes in alone to file these complaints they often get harassed. As a group, calling ourselves Cop Block, we can now get these crimes on video. Then contact such departments, stating that we are with an organization called Cop Block and would like to send them a video link (via email). Tell them the video is of an officer breaking the law and that we would like him ticketed or whatever proper action would be. Then state that they can then email us back with an official statement (or what action was taken) at copblock@gmial.com. I would also recommend video taping these phone calls, I hope to have an example of this up later in the week.
Then if and/or when the departments don’t ticket these police officers, we can post the number to the station. Flooding them with phone calls on how we don’t like the double standard in law enforcement. Again, applying public pressure as an anonymous group (we never have to use our real names, just CopBlock) to get accountability.
But to those who will say these are only a few officers that give thousands a bad name. All the more reason to hold the few accountable before they become the majority. Cop Block wants to be the hub for police accountability. To build a support base that will take video(s) and pictures like these, make them public and then apply pressure to such departments to take action. YOU DON’T HAVE EXTRA RIGHTS BECAUSE YOU HAVE A BADGE. It’s really that simple. From the minor parking ticket to major abuses, together as Cop Block we can get accountability.
Hopefully after watching even one of the six parts of this documentary, you will understand why Cop Block was created. Even if we can’t get officers held accountable, there are many benefits. Helping people overcome the fear of police, techniques to use, support and much more. But we do need fresh content, so if you see a video or picture of police breaking the law send it our way.
The Cop Block TeamContact Me
—- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now
(via copblock)
Update: I'm done dealing with the JPD directly and why.
For those of you who don’t know, I have been involved with the local police department about an officer and his conduct. This officer, Kyle Henning, seemed to take personal offense to me video taping our encounter(s) and then inquiring about the departments public records.
Since then there has been in increased police presence outside my home, people have been profiled (that are not involved in the matter between me and Jackson PD), questionable stops have occurred and they want to make it has hard as possible for me to obtain the records I requested. Even asking (stating it was lawful, which it kinda is, to them. WTF, right?) me to pay for the officers time ($125) to gather these records. Which I replied that I would be willing to do so and the officers wouldn’t have to spend anytime on this. But ‘regular’ citizens, ones without badges, aren’t allowed that kind of access.
So this last weekend I spent some time thinking about what I was doing here? I mean as an anarchist, of the voluntartyist type, why am I par taking in such government activity. Why am I begging those with badges to treat me as person? I understand I have a pending issue with Jones County, MS in which I am using the system, but I feel each ordeal is different. I wish I could handle the case down there in a different way and if Jackson were ever to physically harm me like them, I would be forced (due to the world I currently live in) to seek accountability in the same way.
At this point though, Jackson Police, haven’t done physical harm to my body. So like many other things in my life this past week I set out to squash this ‘beef’ with JPD. Below is the letter I wrote to the chief of police. I have removed names and a phone number of a friends, for privacy reasons.
Mr. Dolnick,
First of all, I formally withdraw my request for your departments public records.
The reason for this is simple. I want to be the better person. I feel that your department has taken my concerns to hold public officials accountable personal. I would like to go over a few facts with you and then leave you to conduct your matters.
Since my unlawful and aggressive (on his part) encounter with Kyle Henning on 1.4.10 these events have taken place:
- Numerous drive bys and police vehicles have been posted outside the Jackson Motel. Feel free to contact the owner (whom I think you know), who has witnessed this along with several others. All have made statements to me in writing or via video of what THEY feel to be increased police presence around the Jackson Motel over the last few weeks. Some of these folks have lived here for years.
- Three people, friends of mine, have been pulled over leaving my home. None of these stops have lead to an arrest nor do I feel that (along with those harassed) they were justified by Kyle Henning. Meaning there was no crime committed and it was purely him attempting to pry into my business.
- One of these stops I was present in the automobile. Kyle stopped us for what HE said to be a loud muffler. I feel this was a lie and the muffler was and is no louder than those that the kids have on their cars. He never wrote a warning for that, instead writing a warning for the cracked windshield. He also stated to me to shut off my camera and show him ID as a passenger, when I said, “what?” He said, ‘oh Adam, never mind.” and walked back to his car. I have this on video and per yours and my conversation you yourself stated this to be illegal activity. This took place at the comfort inn hotel on the other side of town.
- The following day to the above encounter, Kyle Henning, fully dressed in uniform and in his cruiser went to that hotel. (I think off duty and with out a warrant) He walked right past the manager, who I assume knows is a friend of mine, and asked to speak in private with the other person working the desk. He then asked that person if they could provide information as to who was in the room, its condition and if anything was left behind. I also have the video for this, is this legal?
- Then there is my friend XXXX (named removed for post), who left my home one evening and was tailed by Kyle all the way to Highway 45 at which time he stopped her. He came to her window and asked if she knew why she was being stopped, she replied NO. He said it was for burnt out tail lights. He QUICKLY (she states that he couldn’t of ran her for the fact that he returned so quickly) gave her a verbal warning and let her go. Funny thing is that once XXXX picked up her boyfriend in WB, 10 mins later, she had NO BURNT OUT LIGHTS! I wanted XXXX to contact you herself but she is unwilling to file a complaint as she fears for the same things I currently am dealing with. Harassment. She did say that I could put her phone number in here if you so wish to contact her about this encounter. (XXX.XXX.XXXX)
So you can keep your records, I don’t want them. I will no longer try to handle this matter with your office. If your department wants to profile and harass peaceful people that’s fine. I’m more than willing to document it and distribute such materials to those who like such stories. This is nothing new to me…… http://motorhomediaries.com/jonescounty/
Though we could decide to be men here and end this now? I would like a reply on the matter if its not too much trouble or if you don’t feel it would be a waste of your time.
Concerned,
Adam M. Mueller
What I’m trying to get at is this. What’s the point of interacting with these thugs? I encourage everyone to carry a camera on them at all times. Keep records of police activity in your area. Its doesn’t take but a simple google search of police brutality to see the force police are willing to use (on peaceful people) and the lengths they go to protect themselves. I’m not backing down to the JPD I just don’t want to play their game. I wanted to make it perfectly clear that if they want to continue abusing their powers and having a run of the muck. Then I’m more than willing to document them harassing peaceful people and sharing such stories with those who enjoy such things.
If you want to join up with a group of folks who feel the same way. Check out Cop Block’s website, FB or Twitter account.
