Justice Newzzz
Released data from an anonymous hacker prompt investigations into NYPD officers; illegally jailed youth eligible to claim a share in $11M class-action lawsuit; officer sentenced to life in prison
The Des featured:
surge in gun violence: According to recent FBI data, gun-related killings rose 30% last year during the pandemic. Elected officials from both the Republican and Democratic parties disagree on the contributing factors regarding the rise in homicides. The Washington Post (Sept 27. 2021)
officer sentenced: Former London police officer, Wayne Couzens who plead guilty to the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The news met with demands for proper handling of violence against women. The New York Times (Sept. 30, 2021)
hidden player: According to newly published research, the ongoing crisis at Rikers Island is fueled by judges’ failure to release people. Advocates are claiming the decision of judges to detain or set bail above an individual’s ability to pay is contributing to humanitarian crisis at Rikers. [LD1] Gothamist (Sept. 27, 2021)
prison closure: In an effort to reform Alabama’s prison system, the state announced the closure of the fifth out of the 13 existing men’s prisons. Legislators are convening to discuss the economic impact and the potential new uses of the facility after official closure. Alabama Local News (Sept. 28, 2021)
officers under investigation: An anonymous hacker released alleged emails and membership data belonging to Oath Keepers, an American far-right organization, claiming to contain names of NYPD officers. The release of the news prompted Mayor Bill de Blasio to launch an investigation. Gothamist (Sept. 30, 2021)
COVID funds for prisons: Prior to the closure of five smaller Alabama prisons, the state is funding the construction of three larger prisons as replacements. Gov. Kay Ivey claims the new constructions will aid in resolving the safety concerns in prisons. The Guardian (Sept. 29, 2021)
prison problems: Washington County Jail in Arkansas raised major concerns regarding overcrowding, understaffing, and unsettling numbers of COVID-19 exposure. Many of the detainees in the quarantine pod are forced to sleep on the floor because there is so little space. KNWA-TV (Sept. 30, 2021)
officers sued: A Colorado man who is deaf sued two Idaho Springs police officers for excessive force and wrongful incarceration due to his 2019 arrest. The lawsuit alleges the officers attacked him by slamming him to the ground after he failed to comply with the verbal commands. KMGH-TV (Sept. 29, 2021)
officers arrested: Three Alabama Department of Corrections officers were arrested. Two were arrested and charged with possessing drugs and promoting contraband in the facility. The other officer was arrested for beating an inmate with a belt. Alabama Political Reporter (Oct. 1, 2021)
illegally jailed: Around 1,450 people were illegally jailed at the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center. These individuals are now eligible to claim a share in the $11 million class-action settlement. The Daily News Journal (Sept. 29, 2021)
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