"The People of Ferguson Have the Power to Fire the Entire Police Force"

[sabrina 1]

According to this article, Ferguson can recall their elected officials. It describes how that right makes it possible to fire the police.

The People of Ferguson Have the Power To FIRE the ENTIRE POLICE FORCE

Although Missouri does not have statewide recall provisions under the law, there are provisions for doing so at the local level.

Missourians do not have the right of statewide recall. However, the right of local recall is available in:

Cities defined as Class 3 cities. A Class 3 City is defined as a city with a population between 3,000 and 29,999.

Cities that operate under their own city charter, if the specific city charter allows for recall.

The recall process that applies to Class 3 cities in Missouri is governed by MRS §77.650 and 78.260.

Generally:

Recall may not commence during first 6 months in office

Grounds for recall must be stated, and must include misconduct in office, incompetence, and failure to perform duties prescribed by law.

60 days is allowed for collecting signatures.

Signatures equal to 25% of the registered voters in the city must be collected.

That seems possible, to get enough signatures over the next three months to begin the process.

The issue of the nearly all white police force is not one without an ability to correct. This is not some issue where the people have no power. In fact, this is a completely political issue and as DailyKos has aptly demonstrated for more than a decade, any political problem has a political solution.

Given the demographics of Ferguson, the people have the power to fire the entire city council, the mayor, the city manager, the chief of police, and to replace them with officers more capable who will fire the entire police force and replace them with individuals interested in serving and protecting the citizenry of Ferguson.

This process can be accomplished entirely within a period of just over six months.

With a population of about 21,135, Ferguson is a Class 3 city. We must now turn to the Ferguson charter for more information.

First, let's examine the governing body of Ferguson:

It's worth reading the entire article to see the process whereby the people of Ferguson can replace those officials and their appointees, such as the Police Chief, legally.

It's a long process and would require a lot of legal expertise, but I imagine that would not be hard to find at this particular time.

Just starting the process should scare them enough to start acting like they represent the people they are supposed to represent.

If ever there was a time to begin turning the tables, now seems to be that time.

More details at the link.

'There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood leads on to greatness ~ William Shakespeare

This may be that tide for Ferguson ....

[bettyellen]

1. I had heard there are a lot of local political organizers on site every day, I am hopeful they

will rally the people to change things.

[1StrongBlackMan]

2. But if what I've read about Ferguson is true ...

their use of warrants and fees to disenfranchise the Black electorate, I wonder how effective the effort would be?

[brer cat]

4. 24,000+ warrents a year

means a lot of people who can't vote. I share your concern, but I am hoping that Holder takes on the entire police department and cleans them out. Maybe I am being naive, but I don't see how he can ignore it.

[1StrongBlackMan]

6. Not just the police department ...

but the municipal and county courts that allowed this systematic disenfranchisement to occur and continue.

Every court I'm aware of conducts disparate impact studies ... Why not the Ferguson, the County or the State?

[brer cat]

10. They were all in bed together for sure.

This type of discrimination can't continue without all the parts...police, courts and administration...working it together. I read where the initial ticket was just the beginning...people were denied entry into court for flimsy reasons, then the fines were increased because they didn't show. This is just so blatant that every politician at every level had to know what was going on. And for sure, it wasn't just Ferguson.

[sabrina 1]

47. Perhaps a Federal Investigation is needed. Maybe a petition, through Avaaz eg, to the DOJ

outlining this issue, it does seem like a sneaky way to stop African Americans from voting, and asking for a Federal Investigation. I wonder what the breakdown of those warrants are wrt race. Well, I have a fair idea, but it would help to have the actual numbers.

[bettyellen]

5. is that for fear of being caught at the polling place? unless there's a felony conviction they can

vote. But now that I think of it, this would make people less likely to register as well. Damn. And I would not put it past the local officials to use election day as a sting operation.

My brother was NYPD, and they did a huge sting to catch those with outstanding warrants by sending them phony invites to some event with a big sports figure. They got a huge turnout. He felt bad about it, and discreetly pulled aside anyone who had brought a kid with them to GTF out of there, and asked them to try and settle their business with the NYPD soon for their kids sake.

[1StrongBlackMan]

8. This ...

My brother was NYPD, and they did a huge sting to catch those with outstanding warrants by sending them phony invites to some event with a big sports figure. They got a huge turnout. He felt bad about it, and discreetly pulled aside anyone who had brought a kid with them to GTF out of there, and asked them to try and settle their business with the NYPD soon for their kids sake.

Is how community policing is supposed to work ... it's NOT about putting people in jail or collecting fines/fees.

But to your first question, yes ... if you know you have warrants, you are far less likely to sign a paper saying, "This is where I live." ... No registration, not vote.

[bettyellen]

11. Okay, I was just thinking about the felony thing. Shit, we need a fund to pay the fines and

and register these people. Seriously. Kickstart Ferguson.

My brother was a wonderful cop for a long time, but it gets harder as they get older and exhausted by seeing the worst from people. I remember he got hit for that but argued that their precinct needed more good dads, and there they were. And he never pretended there were not shitty cops out there too. But really he saw too much ugly shit, I think it broke him a bit.

[1StrongBlackMan]

14. My Dad (R.I.P.) ...

was, also, a cop ... and towards the end of his career, he hated and distrusted most Cops; but had no problems in the community ... He treated everyone with respect (whether they deserved it or not) and demanded that they respect him; but more, he insisted that they respect themselves.

[bettyellen]

16. He sounds a great deal like my brother. He had by far the longest stint in one of the most

dangerous precincts in NYC. Many of his fellow officers had zero respect for those living there. Between not fitting in with those cops, and just getting older, I think he got out before it all got too difficult for him.
He was disgusted with all the pressure Giuliani put on them too, it transformed their role completely.

[1StrongBlackMan]

20. If you'd like ...

I can PM you some of the stories that my Dad used to tell, that I never believed ... until at my Dad's funeral, I met people (criminals and "square" folks) that told me the same stories ... with great admiration and respect.

I was particularly amazed to hear about the role my Dad played in tamping down the riots in Cleveland ... I had the story told to me by the owners of the 1st Black owned McDonalds and the 1st Black owned towing company to contract with the city ... both of whom credit my Dad with negotiating their ownership, as a term for ending the riots. ETA: But I guess that was a different era, in terms of what police officers did for their community.

I keep threatening (myself) that one day I'm going to write a book.

[bettyellen]

21. Yes, I would LOVE to read more about him! Thank you.

[pleinair]

54. I hope you do write a book!

It would be an addition to the historical record. Sounds like your dad was a great man.

[sabrina 1]

17. That's an excellent idea. Or get people like the National Lawyers League who did

great work for OWS protesters to try to get some of them dismissed. A combination of things.

[bettyellen]

19. I was trying to research who is on the ground with no luck. There's Beacon doing a fund for

journalists there- but I think a Kickstarter ASAP would be awesome.

National Lawyers League is an interesting idea. Was hoping for for some voters' rights advocasy groups at first, but maybe this is better. Thoughts on that? Maybe two worthy kickstarters? I could imagine some reluctant to help in that way who would be happy to help GOTV.

(I am literally fried right now and ready to pass out- want to pick this up Thurs.)

[sabrina 1]

24. Kickstarter definitely is a great way to get something like that started.

I only mentioned the National Lawyers League because they do awesome work for people who cannot afford representation, on issues like Constitutional rights etc.

I'm sure if something like this gained any momentum, the Repubs would definitely be out in force to try to stop it. And they have money.

I do think some of the Civil Rights groups might help, the ACLU eg.

It just seems to be a moment that will pass if something more substantial than the street protests doesn't develop from it.

[U4ikLefty]

44. I believe you're thinking of the National Lawyers Guild

They trained me as a legal observer at Occupy L.A.

I (and many others) learned so much about my rights & dealing with the police from the NLG.

Awesome people https://www.nlg.org/

[sabrina 1]

45. Yes, that is who I was thinking of. Thank you. I had read about them during

OWS and they did incredible work for the thousands of people who were arrested.

Looks like they ARE in Ferguson. From your link:

NLG LEGAL OBSERVER® ARRESTED WHILE DOCUMENTING ONGOING POLICE VIOLENCE IN FERGUSON
At approximately 12:30 AM on August 20, St. Louis County Police arrested Max Suchan, a Legal Observer® with the National Lawyers Guild (NLG). Suchan, a Chicago law student, traveled to Ferguson to document police misconduct and help protect community residents' First Amendment rights in the wake of Michael Brown's murder. Read More

[bigtree]

32. thanks for the thread, bettyellen

. . .distracted right now, but I'll get back to this when I can give it more of my attention. thanks again for posting . . .

[bettyellen]

33. Pls do, sorry to PM you like that, but was hoping you would be interested...

[bigtree]

57. here's some routes already in place for support

Ferguson Legal Support | National Lawyers Guild

"As part of our work using the law as an instrument for the protection of the people, rather than for their repression, the Guild continues to be on the front lines in Ferguson, MO."

The NLG is providing on the ground legal support for protests in Ferguson, Missouri following the killing of Michael Brown by a white police officer. On Tuesday night one of our Legal Observers was himself arrested. Please consider making a small donation to support our efforts. All money raised will go to supporting NLG Mass Defense work including:

Legal Observer Hats and other equipment
Court Fees and other costs incurred by NLG lawyers
Housing and travel for Legal Observers and lawyers

Mass Defense Coordinator, Abi Hassen, is in touch with our members in Ferguson; please contact him at [email protected] if you would like to volunteer. The National Lawyers Guild is uniquely experienced in mounting massive, coordinated legal support: from the civil rights movement to Occupy. If you are a legal professional and would like to become a member you can join the Guild online at nlg.org/join.



Amanda Terkel ?@aterkel
Legal observers here to try to help people who get arrested (just saw someone being taken away) #Ferguson 11:13 PM - 20 Aug 2014

also:

Support the ACLU of Missouri

The ACLU of Missouri – working daily to defend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people by the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions. Defending First Amendment freedoms, equality, privacy rights and fundamental fairness . . .

Each year, individuals and institutions demonstrate their commitment to those shared constitutional values through steady gifts and grants to the ACLU of Missouri Foundation. Your investment will have an enormous impact on the freedoms we are working to preserve for generations to come . . .

If you would like to support the ACLU in the most efficient way possible, please consider making a recurring monthly donation.

ACLU of Missouri homepage


recent actions:

Col. Replogle Removes Inappropriate Officer

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri faxed a letter to Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, asking him to identify and remove a police officer who demonstrated an inability to perform appropriately in Ferguson on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The officer pointed an assault weapon at civilians and threatened to kill them. When asked to identify himself, the officer responded with profanity.

Read more ...


ACLU and Civil Rights Groups Raise Concerns About Ferguson Curfew

On Saturday, Aug. 16, Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and has put a curfew in place from midnight until 5 a.m. On Sunday, Aug. 17, the ACLU, NAACP-LDF and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights released a statement about the civil liberties concerns surrounding the curfew, which is set to go into effect for a second night in a row. You can find the statement on our website.

ACLU Secures Agreement for Right to Record Police
City of Ferguson Warned of First Amendment Violations
ACLU Files Sunshine Law Suit to Obtain FBI Audit


. . . hope these help get you started, bettyellen, As you might already recognize, grassroots donation efforts are fraught with the difficulty of directing funds where actually needed. I'd suggest finding larger organizations already engaged in the specific efforts in Ferguson which have a built-in base of support and are equipped and organized to provide the legal aid you're concerned with.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to this issue and I hope to be able to find and provide more sources of support for you in the future.

-Ron

[sabrina 1]

7. Yes, I've read that. But this would be a reason to kick them all out, wouldn't it?

Not sure why that would prevent them from doing something like this?

Edited to say I just read the posts above. I do see the problem if people are afraid to vote due to warrants.

Perhaps then the DOJ could be asked to disallow arresting people while they are voting. To create an 'Warrant Amnesty' day ?

Not sure if Missouri is a state where people who have convictions and do jail time, can then reregister to vote. But yes, I see what you mean.

[1StrongBlackMan]

9. If someone is not registered, they can't vote ...

and in order to register, one has to list one's address. Who, knowing they have warrants, is going to go to a municipal facility a sign a paper saying, "this is where I live"? No matter, how much they want change.

[bettyellen]

13. And in my own community, there is tons of evidence local officials get their hands on the voting

books. Many people (in public housing) believe they can tell which way they voted, so they vote the way they are told to, when they are told to. But we are uniquely corrupt here.

[bettyellen]

22. Pls help me run with this by brainstorming for the right orgnizations! I will email a query ASAP to

see if they have interest in going to Ferguson and accepting Kickstarter donataions to do so.

Is Kickstarter even the right portal for the fundraiser? Is there a more appropriate one?
Crap, I wish I didn't feel this was urgent, and yet nodding off. Rough week so far.

[sabrina 1]

25. Yes, I do think kickstarter is a good portal for a fundraiser. How to present it would be the

problem. Civil rights groups, as I mentioned above, Color of Change works on issues like this.

[bettyellen]

27. I guess to ask if they are or would consider direct action there to help citizens clear their

warrants with the end purpose to register to vote (or help organize lawyers to do it)if they were helped with a Kickstarter grant. I guess I'd add a plea for a referral to another group or some sort of support if they are not interested in a local direct action.
It could be a partnership or temporary coalition with a goal of a few weeks of action- (not sure how long is practical or the cost)?
So far, the most likely national orgs seem to be:

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

NYU's Brennan Center

National Lawyers Guild (thanks for this!)

Wanted to add some more voter rights groups to the list too.

still trying to figure out the angle with Kickstarter- because I think you have to give something... tangible back to donors.
Lots to figure out.

[bettyellen]

28. and maybe the NAACP's LDF or some of these organizations?

http://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/thirteen-leading-civil-rights-organizations-issue-call-action-and-reforms-response-fer

[bettyellen]

29. or http://www.sentencingproject.org/map/map.cfm

at this point I am doing this to bookmark them for me- or hoping for some advice and participation from other DUers.
Going to work on a draft letter and hope to edit with some DUers help Thursday.

[sabrina 1]

43. Thanks, I hadn't heard of them.

http://www.sentencingproject.org/map/map.cfm

It didn't come across as a link in your headline so posting it here so I can check it out.

[sabrina 1]

35. I did a little research on how Kickstarter works. Apparently they are there to help artists

raise funds for creative projects. Here they explain how it works: https://www.kickstarter.com/hello

Iow, they are not for raising funds for issues like this. However, how about trying to get some film makers involved, people who make documentaries eg, Robert Greenwald, Michael Moore eg? Propose a documentary, with Ferguson as the focus/example to illustrate the facts about racism in places like Ferguson where residents describe their communites as 'occupied'.

I don't know what it would cost to make a short documentary but that would be one way to use Kickstarter to raise funds and then use funds from the documentary itself for legal or other expenses.

Avaaz is another organization to think about. They have millions of members worldwide and are very successful at Petitioning powerful people to get attention for issues, like this one. They don't raise funds, as far as I know, but they do petition Governments.

First I think it would be important to spread the word about this around the internet, on Twitter, FB etc to raise awareness that there is this possible way to change things in Ferguson.

Second, someone with access could involve people in the Entertainment world eg, and in Congress, like John Lewis eg.

The more people who know about the possibility of giving some power back to the people, the more ideas there would be.

I know there are some great Community Leaders in Ferguson itself. I wonder if they know about this possibility.

I didn't know about it until I read it on DK and it seemed to me that the people do not have to feel so powerless anymore. It would take a huge amount of organizing and many groups and organizations involved.

But first thing would be to register enough people to vote.

There is an organization of Black Lawyers right in Ferguson right now. Perhaps contacting THEM with this information, which they may already know of course, would be a good place to start.

I will check a few more organizations and post them tomorrow.

[bettyellen]

36. Thanks so much for this! I do think there's a non profit version of Kickstarter, and if so....

I like the idea of getting people on board for an amnesty drive. We need to get enough people registered by February ? March for elections next April.

[sabrina 1]

39. I mentioned Color Of Change earlier. It was co-founded by Van Jones after hurricane Katrina

and have conducted many campaigns since then with a lot of success.

I saw Van Jones on CNN yesterday and he was, as always, amazing.

I checked their website, as I do get their emails, and they already have started a Michael Brown campaign.

This is their 'About' page: http://colorofchange.org/about/

And here is a wiki entry featuring some of their campaigns: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_of_Change

Their campaign for Mike Brown has already seen results, although I'm not sure how much they had to with it. Eg, they asked AG Holder to get involved, which he has.

They use the the Social Media very effectively and if you read the Wiki page I linked to have had a lot of success with many of their campaigns.

I wonder if they know about this possibility? I could email a link to the DK article. They work with Moveon sometimes also, and together they could get the word around far better than any of us could.

[bettyellen]

41. Yeah somehow I googled that simple name wrong- (very tired) promising stuff there, thanks!

I like this bit so far:

"holding coordinated events in different parts of the country, running TV and print advertisements, and demanding that the news media cover our issues. We also work with other groups - online efforts and other organizations that are doing related work - to magnify our impact."

[sabrina 1]

46. I deleted my other post to you as it didn't address the question I wanted to ask. Is the fact

that people have outstanding warrants due to a lack of access to legal representation? This is a separate issue, I know I have written about this issue before on DU, probably on DU2, poor people not having proper legal representation in this country, none at all in civil cases.

If that is the case, that people are not responding to warrants because they don't have legal representation, that is another issue and also needs to be addressed. Regardless of anything else, if someone has an outstanding warrant they must be constantly looking over their shoulders and not being able to respond compounds their legal problems.

Perhaps that too needs to be addressed, to lift the burden of the fear this creates not to mention the lack of self esteem people suffer when they feel they are in constant danger of being arrested.

I don't know how prevalent this is in Ferguson. But perhaps this issue could be addressed by starting a fund which would help provide attorneys for the poor when they are needed? Is Legal Aid available eg? Perhaps there are other organizations that provide legal counsel for the poor?

[1StrongBlackMan]

48. I agree that the poor are woofully under-represented in legal proceedings ...

even though it is a constitutional right under the 6th Amendment.

But what is happening in Ferguson is far more basic ... it is systematic disenfranchisement through intimidation. And, I would argue that it is a planned approach. People with warrants, even petty warrants, do not present themselves to authorities.

[sabrina 1]

59. Yes, it does seem like planned approach from what I have read over the past few days.

It appears that Ferguson relies on these arrests for funding eg. That was never supposed to be the role of the police as far as I know, to fund the city by arresting citizens. That seems like a recipe for abuse. Seems to me then that there needs to be a Federal Investigation into these issues, in Ferguson and elsewhere as I'm sure it isn't just Ferguson.

And while that investigation is ongoing a 'Voting Amnesty' should be put in place by the DOJ. Iow, no one exercising their right to vote can be arrested for outstanding warrants at ANY TIME during Election Day. The punishment for any cop doing so or anyone else with that authority should be severe enough to make them think twice about it. Legal observers and even Federal Agents if necessary, should be sent to Ferguson on Election Day to ensure that everyone is allowed to vote and GO HOME without fear of arrest.

[1StrongBlackMan]

61. I remember, not too long ago ...

the citizens of some cities in Arizona were up in arms (literally) over Traffic Cameras (and have been for decades, over speed traps and ticket writing quotas) ... their argument: "Policing ought not be a municipal revenue/profit center."

I recently asked a right-wing conservative, what changed?

And while that investigation is ongoing a 'Voting Amnesty' should be put in place by the DOJ. Iow, no one exercising their right to vote can be arrested for outstanding warrants at ANY TIME during Election Day.

Actually, there is a 1960's (shortly after the VRA was made the law of the land) precedent to suggest that a "voting Amnesty" already exists. I can't remember the citation but recall that a county in Mississippi was found to have been issuing arrest warrants (some bogus, some not), using the voter registration rolls as a source, in the week before elections and passing the word that the sheriff was going to be at the voting station. Unsurprisingly, few Black folks showed up to vote.

The court's struck the practice down as a violation of the VRA. (I'll try and find the citation.)

But in places like Ferguson, the amnesty would be okay; but a better amnesty would be tied to any voting related activity, e.g., registration, canvassing, etc.

[sabrina 1]

62. I remember what happened in Az. I was there for a couple of years I believe in 2008-9 and was

shocked at the number of cameras on the road. My MIL told me she had already paid twice for speeding tickets she got because of the cameras. I was with her when she got her third ticket. She was maybe, five miles over the limit. I told her to fight it. But she didn't want the hassle, so she paid. Then I read in the local papers that people were very upset over that system. We were in Prescott btw. I did wonder if it wasn't a great way to make money though. Thanks for the update on that, it is some good news.

Totally agree with your last sentence.

It has occurred to me since posting this thread that if the residents CAN vote without worrying, they do not need to use the recall system. It seems that suppressing the vote, with warrants, by holding elections at strange times, they were manipulating the vote which is why they definitely need some Federal oversight. This IS a Federal issue.

From what I've learned, their next election is in April. That is enough time to get something done to remove the obstacles to voting imo. And it seems this is where the focus should be right now.

Thanks for the information .... hopefully some much needed action will be taken now to ensure a different outcome in their next election.

[questionseverything]

55. from what i have heard

speeding tickets are the biggest source of income in ferguson,when folks do not pay or not show up for court then they pick up a warrant

so what starts out as a petty offense snowballs

also read a post about court starting early, so people miss their hearing, locking court room doors at 5 minuets after so people miss their hearing

if that could be proven maybe some of the warrants can be thrown out (with proper legal representation)

ferguson does not seem to have their own elections board, it is run by county of st louis

[Gothmog]

3. This is very interesting

[Anansi1171]

12. I want to hold the FPD accountable and fire all 53 officers...

...and then work proactively on all the other Fergusons in America.

I am surprised an organization to funnel activism and donations has not been set up.

[sabrina 1]

40. Try Color of Change, I have linked to it in other comments in this thread, but it does conduct

campaigns and is doing so now for Mike Brown. It was co-founded by Van Jones after Katrina. Here's their wiki page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_of_Change

You can get on their email list to follow what campaigns they are working on and they have been successful, see the wiki page, with many of them.

Here is their site: http://colorofchange.org/campaigns/

[Anansi1171]

42. Great Rec! Thanks! -nt

[KoKo]

15. Wow...thanks Sabrina 1....Take back our power of Representation...

Ferguson might be the start of that Take Back. People waking up with those horrific images of Militarized Police in Desert Type Camouflage with Huge Weapons on top of frightening vehicles. They THOUGH it Couldn't Come to America...

It won't be as fast as we'd want, though, I don't think because of our MIC/MSM and the control. But, hopefully it's a start building on OWS (in our Current Era) but building off the Vietnam/Environmental , Women's,Consumer and Rights of the People's Massive Movements of the 1960's early 70's..and those of us who Thought electing President Obama or Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton could Change it...NOW know it's in Our Hands to do the change...because No One Else can do it...and it's on the Ground..bottom up to the Top.

[sabrina 1]

26. Yes, I know it would not happen quickly, it WOULD take time. Eg, people in this thread have pointed

out some issues that might be a problem from the beginning. Eg, people who have warrants outstanding are not going to try to register to vote. And in Ferguson, there are lots of arrests, warrants among the African American community. So to begin wiith, that would have to be addressed. Find out if there are enough people, 25% is what is needed, among registered voters or who could register to vote, to meet the requirement. If not, then it would be necessary to deal with that before they could even begin.

So some research would be necessary to begin with. A whole lot of organization with help from various organizations. Fundraising to help with legal advice etc.

But we can dream. And it IS possible. It is obvious that something needs to be done. Ferguson could be the first but the momentum that is there now won't last, as we've seen before so it would need to catch on as an idea now and at least make something good come of all this.

The credit goes to the Diarist at Daily Kos who did the research. I thought it was an very interesting idea.

[Uncle Joe]

23. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, sabrina.

[JEB]

30. K&R&bookmark

The first post in a while that gives me a bit of hope. I know if smart, caring people like Sabrina apply themselves this disaster in Ferguson can be made better.

[kelly1mm]

31. I think the police officer unions may have a problem with that, and for good reasons.

Each officer has due process rights protected by a union contract. Individual officers cannot be fired unless the terms of the union contract are followed. While I do not have the particular contract in front of me, I have reviewed similar police union contracts and can say that the officers have significant due process safeguards to protect them/their jobs.

[sabrina 1]

37. That is true. However if you read the entire article, it appears the Police Chief is a political

appointment and whoever appoints HIM can be recalled. Sure it won't happen overnight, but recalling elected officials who are responsible for the entire system there, is a start.

From what I've read, voter turnout there is extremely low, so the first thing would be to register people to vote, enough to start a process like this.

As for the police, new management can change the makeup of the police department over time. As some retire eg, if there is a change in politics there, which can only occur if enough people vote, so it would have to start there.

And it has. Causing Republicans to become very angry. That alone shows what a threat it is to their cozy little system there, the idea of the majority actually taking control by voting.

[JimDandy]

52. The city of Jennings got around the Unions by dismantling

the entire police department to get rid of the corruption. Darren Wilson worked at that department for his first two years, when all the corruption was taking place. He was NOT one of the few good ones that was rehired when that city turned its policing over to the County.

The citizens have the option of dissolving the Ferguson Police Department and starting over. I believe the city council has the authority to do that, which is why the black community has to get highly organized to vote and get representation in that body that reflects their numbers in the city.

[sabrina 1]

64. Yes, according to their charter it appears the City Council can fire 'officers' which I presume

means all of the officers in the PD. I have read about Jennings. Same thing happened in a small town I lived near on the East end of LI. It was a small PD but it was completely dissolved and the small court in the town, locked and not opened again. Some of the cops were absorbed into nearby PDs airc.

From everything I've learned about Ferguson, their system is deliberately set up to 1) finance the city using the PD's power to arrest people, hand out fines etc which is where most of its revenue comes from, and 2) make registering to vote almost impossible for the African American community.

Seems to me if these allegations are true, the DOJ should begin a thorough investigation of the entire system there and in the meantime, make it clear that regardless of warrants or anything else, the people there will be free to register to vote and to vote in April's elections without concern that they will be arrested if they try.

[JimDandy]

65. I don't think the DOJ has the power to do that,

but if they do, I absolutely agree they should.

[sabrina 1]

67. I am not sure but voting is not just a state or local right, it is a Civil Right guaranteed

by Federal Law. I imagine a complaint would have to be filed that Ferguson is denying its residents that right. I do not think this is a local or even a state issue.

It is a Federal crime I would think to deny, in any way, the people's right to vote.

[brooklynite]

34. I'm guessing, no they don't

The Mayor? Yes. The Council? Yes, but I've heard no grounds that would be applicable. The Police Chief? Probably if the Mayor is replaced. The "entire Police Force"? I'm guessing their jobs are protected by a Union Contract that bars arbitrary dismissal.

[sabrina 1]

38. Yes, everything you said, the Council, the Mayor, the DA, the Police Chief. That would be a start.

And then recruitment of new officers when positions become available. I don't think the author meant 'immediately' but to start by changing the power structure and that can only happen if enough of the majority, which is African American, register to vote. So starting there is a good place to start. And it HAS already begun from reports.

[HooptieWagon]

53. Correct, but.....

A new chief would set new procedures and standards of behavior. Cops that don't follow it can be fired. So its a "shape up or ship out" method of reform.

[brooklynite]

60. True indeed, but that's not what the OP proposed...

[woo me with science]

49. K&R

[cascadiance]

50. Perhaps if it can be made to work here, it could serve as a model to other similar communities

Ferguson now is obviously a focal point, and needs a thorough house cleaning. I hope there are enough citizens that can't be screwed by registering to vote that will do so and build a large enough coalition to get rid of these bums.

If it can be made to work here, you can bet there are other similar communities around the country with similar abuse that Ferguson has that are at the moment under the radar, but also need to be cleaned out too. If this can be made to work here, it would give them hope as well.

[treestar]

51. why should anyone be fire due to actions of another person?

[sabrina 1]

56. They shouldn't, they should be fired due to their own actions. If you read

the charter, there is provision to recall anyone who the majority of the people decide has not done the job they were intended to do.

The Mayor and the City Council are the most powerful positions. Another powerful position is the City Manager, that is an appointed position.

Their next election is next April.

If before that election the people find out that, eg, the massive amount of warrants out on the African American majority are politically motivated, that the police are in fact 'raising funds' for the city by making arrests mostly of AAs, then they can decide to recall the mayor eg and city council members and replace them with officials they have more confidence in.

Otoh, they can vote them out in April if there is a huge GOTV drive. In the last election the turnout overall was dismal, with only 6% of AAs voting, (partly due to the way Ferguson holds its elections) and I believe, 17% of White people voting.

First they need to change their system of elections which seems to be designed to get the least turnout possilbe.

The fact is, the people have the power to change things themselves and just knowing that and making it known that they know and are looking into possibly using it, is a tool to change the attitude of those who are in power but not representing them right now.

[Tribalceltic]

58. I'm afraid

That many of the residents are terrified of any contact with the govt. I know I would have a hard time trusting anyone after having an automatic weapon pointed at me for just walking in a protest.

I have known several people here in FL who have had to deal with the criminal justice system for minor offenses. In one case a $25 bounced check resulted in over $2500 in fines, costs, etc, and probation for over a year, including mandatory drug tests (for a bounced check) home visits from a probation officer, who would pull in the driveway with his personal truck (loud muffler, dual wheel pickup) and stroll into the house resting his hand on his (large) gun.

I would reconsider any interaction after that episode.

[ncjustice80]

63. Fuck these pigs >:#

The police chief needs to be replaced with someone who will go through the agency, take away all guns and bullet proof vests, and make every single one of them walk a foot beat. Anyone who is still there after a year can keep their job. I imagine te rest of the cowards will quit without weapons and body armor to.cower behind.

[LloydS of New London]

66. Out of a cannon, preferably

[marym625]

68. a little late to the post

But thanks for posting it!