SEATTLE – La Iniciativa 940, también llamada “Des-Escalar a Washington” (De-Escalate Washington) propone fincar responsabilidades a los oficiales en los casos de enfrentamientos policíacos a tiros y ordenar un entrenamiento de des-escalada. Quienes la apoyan afirman que la I-940 es producto de las muchas experiencias dolorosas que han tenido las comunidades cuando hay balaceras de la policía.

El comienzo podría establecerse el día en que Andre Taylor volvió a su pueblo porque supo que su pequeño hermano, Che Taylor, había sido baleado y muerto por oficiales de la policía de Seattle.

Desde ese día de Febrero de 2016, Taylor asumió la misión de encabezar el esfuerzo por fincar responsabilidades a los oficiales de policía y proteger a las comunidades de color.

Cuando habló con el jefe de la policía de Seattle, un poco después del asesinato de su hermano, Taylor –quien hoy preside y es vocero de la organización “Des-Escalar a Washington” (De-Escalate Washington)– dice que ya estaba pensando en el camino a seguir.
 
“No puedo regresar a mi hermano, pero puedo luchar para asegurar que no sean afectadas otras familias por estos mismos males que enfrentamos hoy.”

Con la Iniciativa 940, también conocida como “Des-Escalar a Washington”, Taylor y quienes le apoyan piensan que encontraron el camino correcto.

De ser aprobada, la I-940 ordenaría un entrenamiento de des-escalada para oficiales, y un cambio en el lenguaje legal que usa la fuerza letal del estado, para asegurar que a la policía se le pueda fincar responsabilidad sobre su trabajo.

Con más de 300 mil firmas y dos semanas más para circular peticiones, la iniciativa muy posiblemente vaya en camino a la Sesión Legislativa 2018 para ser considerada por los legisladores.

Taylor también fundó la organización “Esta vez no” (Not This Time). Ese grupo ha estado al frente de la búsqueda de justicia para familias de gente que ha sido matada por la policía. Taylor dice que se ha convertido en un grupo de apoyo.

“Es un grupo al que no quisieras pertenecer, pero si tienes que ser parte de él, al menos cuentas con alguien a quien puedes acudir para que te ayude, y apoye, y alguien que sabe exactamente por lo que estás pasando, tomarte la mano y ayudarte a llorar durante el proceso. Finalmente, esta iniciativa se trata de las familias.”

Tim Reynon, miembro de la Tribu Puyallup y Vice-presidente de “Des-Escalar a Washington”, se unió a la campaña luego de que Jacqueline Salyers, amiga y miembro de su tribu, fue muerta en enero por la policía de Tacoma.

Dice que la confianza en el cumplimiento de la ley se desgasta ante de incidentes como ese, que llevó a que él y otros miembros de la tribu tengan pláticas con sus hijos acerca de su seguridad.
 
“‘Platican’ con ellos, y aquí la plática es ‘Cuando te confronte un policía haz lo que sea necesario para cooperar y asegúrate de regresar a casa a salvo.’”

Pero Reynon enfatiza que no se refiere a todos los policías y no quisiera que la gente vea esto como una medida anti-policías; que la meta de la I-940 es una mayor cooperación.

“Queremos unir a nuestras comunidades, el cumplimiento de la ley y nuestros líderes políticos -los legisladores-, para armar la mejor solución a este problema.”


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Wyoming lawmakers are discussing gun legislation, after Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill which would have repealed "gun free zones" this spring.

The bill would have made concealed weapons legal in more places, including the Capitol, universities and grade school campuses, where school districts currently make the rules.

Annie Griffin, superintendent of Washakie County School District #2, where teachers have been allowed concealed carry for seven years, told the Joint Judiciary Committee the rule creates challenges with hiring, permit-pulling and enforcement with adults from outside the district, at sporting events, for example.

"Unfortunately, I can tell you of many events of verbal abuse, of violence from children in the classroom," Griffin testified. "I don't think people fully understand the volatility that can go on in schools."

After the bill passed both chambers, Gov. Gordon vetoed it, saying he is a "fervent supporter" of the Second Amendment but the bill lacked "sufficient review and debate." Its sponsor, Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, said he will introduce a similar bill next session.

Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, said the decision on what is allowed should be left to school districts but noted the districts have not been included in the discussion.

"We talk a lot about local control and we talk about how important that is," Schuler pointed out. "And I don't think we've really brought our educational folks to the table throughout this whole process."

The University of Wyoming's Board of Trustees will discuss how the university will approach concealed carry at a meeting this week.

Proponents of repealing gun-free zones said such zones are more vulnerable to violent crime. But a new study showed gun-free zones may "be protective against active shootings."

When a citizen cited the research during public comment, Rep. Mark Jennings, R-Sheridan, said the right to bear arms is "God-given."

"As I think about studies, I think, boy, how important it is that we don't do our governing by studies," Jennings asserted.


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A new initiative for single mothers and their sons is helping to combat crime and empower vulnerable community members in Jackson.

The nonprofit Operation Good, made up of people who used to be in prison, said it has helped to significantly lower crime rates in the areas it serves. In one neighborhood, the rate dropped from 87% to 14%.

Fredrick Womack, founder and executive director of Operation Good, said the goal is to find the root causes of violence in Jackson. They are doing family interventions and collaborating with single moms and high-risk youth to prevent violent crimes.

"To change the mindset of the high-risk participant and also give them in a better place in life, get the mothers in a better place in life," Womack explained. "Data here show that over 52% of the children are born into unwed families; 77% of those are single moms."

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety aims to reduce violent crime by 5% using federal grants. However, Womack pointed out Mississippi received American Rescue Plan Act funds and 20% of the money was supposed to be allocated to community organizations for public safety and violence prevention. He noted Mississippi used the money instead to create a Capitol Police Department.

For Operation Good, community engagement also includes providing food, educational and mentoring resources to families. They host monthly events. The most recent was a block party and the next will be a community symposium on Sept. 26, where victims of violent crime will discuss prevention.

"We're doing a gun violence event with the hospitals and researchers and talk dealing with those who have been a victim of gun violence, you know, who have been shot," Womack outlined. "We're having a symposium with them, to try to let them know there are resources available."

According to the Marshall Project, Jackson has a curfew restricting young people from being out past 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. The ordinance is set to expire in January 2025. In the meantime, city officials hope engagement centers also offer a safe haven for children.


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Montgomery County officials are asking students to use social media responsibly following a series of arrests stemming from online threats to local schools.

Over the weekend, three students -- two 13-year-olds and an 11-year-old -- were arrested for alleged "terroristic threats" made in social media posts.

Melvin Brown, superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, said it is important students think before they post and issued a sharp reminder threats can have long-term consequences.

"Social media can be a powerful tool but it's also a dangerous place to make dangerous decisions," Brown emphasized. "Bad decisions. It's crucial that students understand the impact of their online behavior and adhere to the school district's social media policy."

Brown also urged parents to play an active role in promoting online safety and revisiting the student handbook and code of conduct available on the Montgomery Public Schools website. The call to action comes after the school shooting in Georgia that tragically claimed four lives.

James Graboys, interim chief of the Montgomery Police Department, detailed the police department's response in a news conference, stressing threats online or in person will be met with strict action.

"Whenever somebody decides to make these kinds of pranks or these kinds of actions, they need to understand that we are going to react very aggressively and very hard to whoever completes these types of actions," Graboys stated. "When we are knocking on those doors, we're going to be wanting to talk to every individual in that residence."

Daryl Bailey, Montgomery County district attorney, warned the effects of making threats online extend beyond the students involved. He said his office will work to make sure parents are held accountable.

"If I can find any shred of evidence that parents were responsible for this, or neglectful with their children, or encouraged them or did anything to participate in this, they will be held responsible in adult court," Bailey pledged.

Investigations into similar threats are ongoing in Autauga, Elmore and Madison counties, as officials statewide continue to address growing concerns about school safety.


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