---This post is in direct response to an editorial in Creative Loafing by APD detective Ken Allen. http://clatl.com/atlanta/safeguarding-citizens-rights-should-be-easy/Content?oid=2842338&cb=c8009fe6cf6924d65badcb6394c5bb9d&sort=desc#readerComments---
I would be interested in a direct link to an article concerning the "highly publicized" "isolated" incident Detective Allen is referring to. In some cursory research on the issue I have found incidents here:
Concerning use of clear identification, no knock warrants, unreasonable search and seizure, etc.
http://www.schr.org/action/resources/settlement_in_atlanta_eagle_case_forces_atlanta_police_department_to_reform_unconst
Concerning first amendment violations:
http://www.lossofprivacy.com/index.php/category/civil-rights/police-abuse/
Concerning firing of 39 shots at an unarmed 92 year-old woman in a no knock warrant:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathryn_Johnston_shooting
Now, I'm not positive that this article refers specifically to any of these issues as there are several to choose from and I've limited my search to the last decade. There is a systemic connection between the conduct of certain members of the APD and the organizations' lackluster steps taken in ameliorating the problems. After the Katherine Johnston shooting, for example, the improper use of no knock warrants continued, the fabled quota-system or "performance measures" were whispered of albeit disregarded by the chief of police, and the narcotics team was increased from 8 to 30 personnel... which seems more like a reward than a punishment when fewer, better trained officers are needed; not just swelled ranks. A widely-publicized shooting such as this should result in more administrative change than paid training, increased funding and a few bad apples thrown from a possibly spoiled bunch. Entire strategies for law enforcement must be evolved.
Now I do not dispute the fact that there are many wonderful, well-meaning and responsible officers of the law. I do not believe the Atlanta Police Department has an interest in making things worse. But I do not feel any of these situations have been handled properly or to the level that one should expect from a group of government employees permitted to use lethal force.
I would be interested in a direct link to an article concerning the "highly publicized" "isolated" incident Detective Allen is referring to. In some cursory research on the issue I have found incidents here:
Concerning use of clear identification, no knock warrants, unreasonable search and seizure, etc.
http://www.schr.org/action/resources/settlement_in_atlanta_eagle_case_forces_atlanta_police_department_to_reform_unconst
Concerning first amendment violations:
http://www.lossofprivacy.com/index.php/category/civil-rights/police-abuse/
Concerning firing of 39 shots at an unarmed 92 year-old woman in a no knock warrant:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathryn_Johnston_shooting
Now, I'm not positive that this article refers specifically to any of these issues as there are several to choose from and I've limited my search to the last decade. There is a systemic connection between the conduct of certain members of the APD and the organizations' lackluster steps taken in ameliorating the problems. After the Katherine Johnston shooting, for example, the improper use of no knock warrants continued, the fabled quota-system or "performance measures" were whispered of albeit disregarded by the chief of police, and the narcotics team was increased from 8 to 30 personnel... which seems more like a reward than a punishment when fewer, better trained officers are needed; not just swelled ranks. A widely-publicized shooting such as this should result in more administrative change than paid training, increased funding and a few bad apples thrown from a possibly spoiled bunch. Entire strategies for law enforcement must be evolved.
Now I do not dispute the fact that there are many wonderful, well-meaning and responsible officers of the law. I do not believe the Atlanta Police Department has an interest in making things worse. But I do not feel any of these situations have been handled properly or to the level that one should expect from a group of government employees permitted to use lethal force.