Anyone who sings about the problem of police brutality and the need to address this issue today.
Movies
Cop Watch- These Streets Are Watching
Cop Watch Documentary about the organization and what it does and how it can be effective
This is a review of police officers from multiple police agencies refusing to be identified.
Video of Denver Copwatcher being arrested for asking a Denver Police officer for his business card. The officer charged him with tresspassing in response to his asking the officer for a business card, which has a badge number that officers are to provide when asked by law. The charge was dropped after the the prosecutor saw the video, and the ACLU took the copwatcher's case. The case was reported in the Westword news paper on June 8 by Jessica Centers on page 20. Recently the case was settled, and as part of the settlement the copwatcher was awarded $8,500 and the Denver Police Department agreed to issue a training bulletin reminding all Denver officers that they may not retaliate against members of the public for asking their identity, and must provide a badge number and/or business card when asked. The bulletin also states that police may not hassle people simply because they are observing. Everyone has the right to observe. We received much more press coverage when the case was settled, even grabbing the attention of Associated Press and both major Denver newspapers (which are both owned by the same company).
On Nov 11 2005 TC Armstrong was beaten into a coma by Denver Police. Expected to die, Denver Copwatch and Armstrong's Family protested frequently in the first days. TC finally came out of a coma on Thanksgiving. (In this video clip, Copwatch and Armstrongs family have just held a press conference at the intersection where the beating occurred. Earl Armstrong, Tc's brother brought forward a witness who gave testimony as to what she saw that night. Following the protest the witness pointed out two detectives pretending to be reporters. When posing to be good guys, Earl makes an important point. The police are never on the side of justice when investigating incidents of police brutality. Period Point Blank.) The Armstrong Familiy is still seeking justice in this attack.
In March 2002 documents were leaked to Denver Copwatch in the form of police intelligence files. These files were from a database maintained by the Denver Intelligence Unit that was kept on Denver Copwatch, their membership and activities. The most disturbing element of these files was the classification "Criminal Extremist" placed upon the membership of Copwatch. As time passed 1000's of these "spy files" would surface displaying a history of spying that would encompass almost 3000 organizations and roughly 10,000 people. Many of these documents had information on them that also conveyed an ongoing relationship between the Denver Police and the FBI dating back to the era of counterintelligence programs and carried out until the present.
I am a member of Berkeley Copwatch, an organization that began in 1990 around reoccurring themes of police harassment and misconduct. Copwatch is plain and simple. We observe police stops with members of our community. If the officer's actions are legitimate they are frequently kind and understanding in regards to us observing. If the stop is illegitimate the officers get frustrated, and often let the person go upon our arrival. Our documentation of incidents has assisted in victim's lawsuits, and has been vital in helping educate the community of their rights and empower them to witness, just as we do. I have worked closely with several copwatches including Brooklyn, Cincinnati, Santa Cruz, East Palo Alto and specifically Denver Copwatch. I have compiled footage and interviews from Denver Copwatch since its inception of End The Politics Of Cruelty in 1996. I recently interviewed 31 people from varies organizations and movements who found out that they had spy files with the classification "criminal extremist". I also have been able to get a large quantity of these spy files.
(some of the organizations spied on that I have interviewed)
My documentary shows how intelligence gathering has been misused by since the inception of police in America. I will show how counter intelligence programs were the key methods used to destroy civil rights and peace groups in the 60's and question the intentions of this type of surveillance in today's climate. Extremists also draws the similarities between the criminalization of dissent to the criminalization of poor people and people of color through intelligence gathering. While the "spy file" scandal was a major eyesore for the Denver Police, their own statistics on gangs in Denver was equally embarrassing. According to their own intelligence data almost every black and chicano male from 12 to 30 something was involved in a gang. To add injury to insult the FBI and other federalized police agencies have directly promoted this behavior through increased funding for anti gang programs, as well the increased development of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. In 2002 the national violent criminal gang database that consolidates the most dangerous gangs in the country extended it's classification of violent gang member to mysterious labels such as domestic extremists, animal rights extremists, Asian extremists, European extremists etc. . . In late 2003 the FBI released a bulletin to all police agencies to be particularly vigilante of people video taping police in demonstrations. It suggested officers to identify these types and give the information to the nearest FBI field office.
This documentary will draw the parallels and make the connections on a major problem occurring in Denver that implicates every citizen in America. If the police in Denver are and always have spied on peaceful people with the support of the FBI, who says this hasn't and isn't happening in every city? The Joint Terrorism Task Force (a multi police agency organization designed to address terrorism threats on American soil) has expanded itself in recent years from a dozen offices to 56 and will continue to grow as the FBI deputizes local authorities and gives them powers that supercede regular local police department policies, (like spying on peaceful people)
Denver CopWatch is a grassroots organization working for increased police accountability and against police brutality in Denver, Colorado. We observe police actively and advocate for peoples' rights. Contact us at (303) 380-4329, or by sending a message here on Myspace.
From a local community member:
Congratulations to Ken Padilla and the Lobato Family for winning this key victory in the struggle against Police Brutality in Denver. As the article explains below, Judge Babcock ruled that several supervisory claims and lack of training claims survived Summary Judgment. This demonstrates that we're not talking about "one bad apple" (e.g., Office Rajan Ford, the shooter). Rather, the policies, procedures, and culture of the DPD have been indicted.
Denver CopWatch is hosting a rally for police accountability and against police misconduct and brutality at the Webb Building (201 W. Colfax) on Sunday, November 23rd at 1:00 P.M.
On Nov 11 2005 TC Armstrong was beaten into a coma by Denver Police. Expected to die, Denver Copwatch and Armstrong's Family protested frequently in the first days. TC finally came out of a coma on Thanksgiving. (In this video clip, Copwatch and Armstrongs family have just held a press conference at the intersection where the beating occurred. Earl Armstrong, Tc's brother brought forward a witness who gave testimony as to what she saw that night. Following the protest the witness pointed out two detectives pretending to be reporters. When posing to be good guys, Earl makes an important point. The police are never on the side of justice when investigating incidents of police brutality. Period Point Blank.) The Armstrong Familiy is still seeking justice in this attack.
Who I'd like to meet: Everyone has the right to observe Police activity, so long as they don't interfere, and everyone has the right to know the identity of their officers (they are NOT secret police, they ARE public servants), so they must provide badge numbers and/or business cards when asked, that is the law. If you feel like Police in your area are acting more like secret police with special rights rather than public servants accountable to the population, you may wish to start a CopWatch in your community. We strongly suggest attending one of the "Know Your Rights"/Legal Observer trainings to get started. We are always happy to help people start new CopWatch groups.
Stay tuned to this section of the page for information (time, date, location etc.) about "Know Your Rights"/Legal Observer trainings.
Interesting that a Denver Post writer saw fit to show what sellouts the "independent" monitor has become.
I called them just for information and just like the lazy police, they aren't there and don't return phone calls anymore. seems the police have intimidated them as they have everyone else.
I think independent monitors are a step in the right direction, but judging by the corrupt denver police getting worse and places like the LAPD getting better, we have a long way to go to get people to realize that Internal Affairs is a joke, and that police are always quick to play the "we are public servants" card and quick to squash negative publicity and counter with nonsense that they actually care about the people they serve (lip service, all of it) fortunately I talk to more and more people my age who see that the standards to become a police officer are lower and lower, they don't trust or like police, and rightfully so.
if we keep traveling down this path we are going to see more and more good cops leave and the day that no one respects or trusts law enforcement is the day I would say "I told you so." That is something I would not want to see happen, but lets be honest, the worst thing we can do is be intimidated by their conduct, and not expect better, because thats what they want.
Tuesday July 1, 5:00-7:00 pm IronFeather Book & Zine Shop 4931 West 38th Ave, Denver, CO 720-628-0097, Bus route no. 38
Please join BITCH publisher Debbie Rasmussen for a participatory discussion about how - and whether - feminism can become a transformative movement for social change.
* How can we drive attention to the power, privilege and marginalization that continue to play out in feminist communities and how can those of us with power and privilege become effective, genuine allies to those without it?
* How can we collectively create an independent feminist media - justice movement that doesn't rely on white supremacy, class privilege and economic exploitation?
* Can the idea of "feminism" shift to foreground an uncompromising, transformative commitment to systemic social change or is it time to evolve to new language?
Denver Metro Green Party meeting, tomorrow Monday May 19th, 6:30pm at the Mercury Café in Denver at - 2199 California St. (303) 294-9281. All are welcome; get involved with a political party with the interest of the people in mind.
By the way, Mark Udall, Democratic candidate for US Senate recently voted for another blank check for Bush in regards to Iraq (at least he is consistent), how does that make you feel? Why not channel those emotions into helping Bob Kinsey’s historic campaign, challenging the two corporate parties who have completely sold out the citizens of this country and the world. Everyone has skills that can help the campaign, get involved! Come to the meeting tomorrow night!
Live Music by State Bird (NYC), Mad Happy (Miami), BDRMPPL, Laura Goldhammer and Tanukis with photography by Hanna Quevado
Tea Party and Potluck!
Free Giveaways!
The Free Boutique provides high-end, fashion-forward, spot-on, FREE (yes, that's right) clothes to the general public, ie: you! To kick-start our grand opening we're holding a day of donation gathering, free clothes to pick and choose from, free tailoring/alteration services to trick out your new duds, plus tea, snacks, music, and more! Bring the casualties of your spring cleaning to us!
When: April 6th, 3:00pm Donation Tea Party, 6:00pm Show and Potluck (donations accepted all day!) Where: Brooks Arts Center (14th and Williams) Why: Because We Like You Cover: Please bring 3 or more items or $5 optional donation (for the Brooks Art Center)
All groups and individuals are welcome to attend the upcoming Denver Green Party meeting this coming Monday the 18th of February at the Mercury Café(2199 California St. (303) 294-9281) at 6:30pm. Come join other grassroots activists, environmentalists, advocates for social justice, nonviolent resisters and regular citizens who've had enough of corporate-dominated politics.
Porlolo, Jen Korte, Suzi and the Homewreckers, The Vaj-a-bonds, Odam Fei Mud's Neo-Kabuki performance art, Izra's Dance Number, Tranzcend's Drag Acts (not to mention a Poker Tournament, Instant Marriages, Powerballad Singalongs, Handbag Givaways, Champagne, Fashion, Glamour, and Glory)
DRESS UP!!! (cher, barry manilow, siegfried & roy, rat pack, show girls, hunter s. thompson, anita cocktail, elvis, barbara streisand) no one will be admitted without at least one sequin/feather/rhinestone... or some semblance of indulging in the festivities!
Louis Vuitton Night!!! "Denver's Spookiest Anarchist Variety Show" - Michael Myers
Nov 1, 9:00pm
Club 404 (4th and Broadway) $3 optional donation going to the Colorado Anti-Violence Program
Special Guest Host: Maris the Great!
The Acts:
Laura Goldhamer Geyl, Scumbag Princess of Denver Pillars and Tongues (Chicago) The Vaj-a-bonds Thundercade TranZcend Peter Black Chris Conners: Outstanding Anarchist of the Month Molly sings selected arias Anita Cocktail's Vegas Act A Neurotic Bike Mechanic's DIY Segment A Sexy Runway Show Drunken Powerballad Sing-a-longs Handbag Giveaways!
and (eerily enough) much much more!
Theme: Halloweenaramathon! Prepare to be overwhelmed with a barrage of halloween-related activities! Bobbing for apples! Trick or treating! The ghost of Denver's anarchist past! Scary Stories! Murderous Zombies! etc! etc! etc!
Come in costume!
If you have the best Halloween costume, you will win a bottle of champagne! (winner chosen by Maris the Great)
(Trick or Treat giveaways by Food not Bombs, The Denver Zine Library, The Growler Distro, Unity/Copwatch, The Kink Tank, Krebstar, Denver Open Media, Fancy Tiger, Chielle, and the Really Really Free Market)
Pippi's final word on life without authority: "But who tells you when to go to bed at night and things like that?" Asked Annika. "I tell myself," said Pippy. "First I tell myself in a nice friendly way; and then, if I don't mind, I tell myself again more sharply; and if I still don't mind, then I'm in for a spanking- see?"
i want to thank-you for adding me to your friends list.wen you have a moment please visit our website http://michaelbell.sambiz.com{everyone that has been a victim or knows someone that has please share your story in the comment box.also you may view www.michaelbell.. group site "WHO'S POLICING THE POLICE?"THANK-YOU ..KIM =MOTHER OF MICHAEL E.BELL THAT LOST HIS LIFE TO POLICE BRUTALITY..WISC.COPWATCH
I encourage everyone reading this to take a look at the man in my profile pic - he has amnesia and is asking for help in finding his identity. He believes he may have lived in Colorado. Thank you!
Online Now!
</
