There was an Officer involved shooting in Ft Worth. The Police Department did the right thing, and released the body cam footage; then arrested the Officer involved for Murder.
THIS is how you regain power over public servants, by using the Rule of Law equally! I salute Ft Worth for good judgement, we did the same here several years ago, and it has helped!
Image from article:
http://forliberty.news/2019/10/15/police-officer-arrested-shooting-woman-home/
I was worried that they might ignore it like they do in NYC, or Chicago; but I am impressed they have selected the right course!
Article on arrest:
http://forliberty.news/2019/10/15/police-officer-arrested-shooting-woman-home/
He was relieved duty, and then arrested, as is right! Public Servants are NOT above the law, and this is a good reminder. THEY serve at Our pleasure, and with Our authority, since that is the source of their powers. Ft Worth just reaffirmed that truth, and They have moved back closer to that public servant role.
After turning in his badge earlier in the day, the officer who shot and killed 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson in her home early Saturday morning after responding to a neighbor’s call to a non-emergency police number has been arrested. The shooting, which involved a white officer and a black victim, has sparked racially charged outrage in the community, and the department’s release of body cam footage has only inspired more criticism.
In an update to the case posted online Monday, the Fort Worth Police Department announced that officer Aaron Dean, 34, has been arrested and charged with murder. “Aaron Dean was arrested by Fort Worth Police on Oct. 14. Dean has been charged with murder of Atatiana Jefferson,” the department announced. “Dean is in the Tarrant County Jail.”
They are taking aggressive steps, which reflects well on their professionalism! It shows a total commitment to the Rule of Law, and will give their public faith in their Police department moving into the future!
In a press release issued soon after the announcement, the department expressed its “deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Jefferson” and provided more details about Dean’s arrest.
“At approximately 6 p.m., Aaron Dean was arrested for the murder of Ms. Jefferson and he has since been booked in Tarrant County Jail,” the statement reads. “Our department is working closely with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office. Our Major Case and Internal Affairs Units are continuing to work around the clock to ensure that no stone is left unturned and justice for Ms. Jefferson’s family and community are served.”
This was the only proper way they could proceed.
NOW we need to do the exact same thing in Washington DC; with a LOT more Arrests, to give them the same message...THEY work for US!
Article, Police chief says No excuse:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/15/fort-worth-officer-aaron-dean-free-bond-shooting-atatiana-jefferson/3983345002/
The hardest thing for a Police Department is Public Trust, it is also the single most valuable tool they have!
FORT WORTH, Texas – A white officer's fatal shooting of a black woman through a window in her home as she played video games with her nephew has "eroded the trust we have built with the community," Interim Police Chief Ed Kraus said Tuesday.
It was apparently a non emergency wellness check. When the Officer arrived, he thought she had a gun; and shot her through the window. The "gun" turned out to be a input device for a video game shaped like a pistol. With this being a wellness check, and not a drug bust; the officer responded too quickly, with too much force, IMHO!
The Chief Krause stated:
Kraus said there was "absolutely no excuse" for the shooting and pleaded with the community not to let the actions of one officer reflect on the entire force of almost 1,700.
"We understand your frustration and disappointment," he said. "I, too, am frustrated and disappointed about what occurred, that officer's actions. We never want an officer response to a call to result in the loss of life."
Facts of this case:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/14/fort-worth-shooting-nephew-describes-moments-before-shooting/3973133002/
I have never understood why this is being charcterized as a civil rights issue. Murder is Murder, and is the worst thing anyone can do! Why worry about smaller crimes?
Interim Police Chief Ed Kraus said Dean would have been fired and is considered dishonorably discharged from the department. Kraus said the U.S. Justice Department will examine the case for possible civil rights violations.
No officer should shoot into an undefined target area, for the same reason that a good hunter does Not shoot at sound shots! Everyone using lethal force should be 100% sure of his target, the need, and possible collateral damage!
Atatiana "Tay" Jefferson, 28, was shot through her bedroom window early Saturday by an officer responding to a call from a neighbor who was concerned because her doors were open.
Her family was relieved by Dean's arrest, said S. Lee Merritt, a lawyer for the Jeffersons. He added the family "needs to see this through to a vigorous prosecution and appropriate sentencing."
Some trust has been recovered here, such a valuable commodity; so hard to earn! This is the best possible result from a tragic situation!
We need to pray for al those involved...that GOD brings them healing and peace!