Justice Newzzz
police officers in Chicago protesting city’s vaccine mandate; correctional officer charged for smuggling drugs; exclusive photos from inside of Rikers captures ongoing crisis— your weekly justice news
NYC jail system worsening: This past week, the death toll of people in custody in the NYC jail system has reached 14. As conditions worsen, the public is demanding reforms to the system. NewsNation Now (Oct. 19, 2021)
fight over the vaccine: The Chicago police union enters a court battle to fight the city’s vaccine mandate. While the court has delayed the union’s request for a temporary restraining order, the city’s superintendent of police is still pushing efforts on the force to get officers vaccinated. ABC News (Oct. 20, 2021)
officer smuggling drugs: A correctional officer at Delaware County prison has been charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility. This is the third correctional officer at the prison this year to be arrested due to their connection to acts of drug smuggling. The Philadelphia Inquirer (Oct. 19, 2021)
attempt to change the system: This past week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors considered expanding treatment for mental health and other supportive measures for the incarcerated LGBTQ population. The board also hopes to include at-risk women in their efforts. KCBS-TV (Oct. 19, 2021)
officer resentenced: Mohamed Noo, the former Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot an unarmed woman that reported a possible act of sexual assault outside her home is set to be resentenced on a lesser charge. This news follows the overturning of his initial murder conviction. WFMJ-TV (Oct. 20, 2021)
officers charged: Five correctional officers are facing charges at the Rutledge State Prison in connection to inmates who sustained severe injuries at the hands of the officers. One inmate was beaten while in handcuffs and another inmate suffered from visible head and finger injuries. WTVM (Oct. 19, 2021)
students protest: During the president’s annual address several student groups at University of Washington protested against the on-campus police department. The protest was designed to amplify the seven demands for campus equity constructed by the Black Student Union. The Daily of the University of Washington (Oct. 21, 2021)
ban on letters: ACLU of Wisconsin issued a letter to Oneida County Jail claiming their ban on letters from the family and friends of persons in custody is unconstitutional. While the jail has implemented virtual alternatives, many say the high costs and virtual component is not widely accessible. Wisconsin Public Radio (Oct. 21, 2021)
disturbing images: Exclusive photos capture the intake cells on Rikers Island packed with dozens of men scattered across the facility’s filthy floors. Many are forced to relieve themselves in plastic bags and subsequently use those same bags as blankets. New York Post (Oct. 21, 2021)
seeking accountability for excessive force: The Department of Justice Consent Decree demands the Cleveland Police Department to thoroughly inspect allegations of officer misconduct. This news follows the release of variant data between the city’s annual report and the police department’s report numbers. Cleveland Scene (Oct. 22, 2021)
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