// BLOG
BART Officer Convicted; Standby For The Lawsuits
July 8, 2010
A few minutes ago, the jury convicted former Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Officer Johannes Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter in the now-famous TASER / GUN case. I have followed this matter a bit, as the TASER is one of my favorite legal subjects, and I find these trials to be interesting barometers of public sentiment.
A few reflections and a few predictions:
First, I think the verdict will be accepted, and violence will be minimal. I wonder, though, if the threat of such violence plays into jurors’ minds when they deliberate a case like this.
I also believe that the use of less lethal weapons like the TASER actually got a boost today. If the verdict had been acquittal, then the drumbeats would have been heard immediately. Reform-minded activists would have called for a ban on their deployment to prevent this type of tragic outcome. By assigning guilt, the jury shows tacitly that TASERs can be used properly.
Finally, a prediction: Oscar Grant’s family and Officer Mehserle are both going to be quite wealthy in a few years. You see, the most damning testimony in this case was actually about his (lack of) training in the use of the TASER device.
The family of the decedent always gets a handsome settlement, and I think we understand, if not endorse, those payments. But I have long wondered when the officers involved in cases like this would start to litigate against the organizations that arm them, and this might just be the case.
Mostly, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Correct verdict? Good lawyering? Let me know what you think…
Advising Uganda’s Justices, And Lessons For Our Own System
June 10, 2010
Hello all! I recently had the honor of meeting with several justices from the criminal court in Uganda. They are interested in making some changes to their justice system and are wise to include potential police reforms in these updates. This made me think of so many issues and challenges with our own system.
Why, when reformers come knocking and want to revolutionize the courts, the bar, or attorney standards, they never ask the cops what they think? I fear that too often the “esquires” and “your honors” out there assume that the police practices view is not critical to their policies, standards, ethical codes, etc. What a tragic mistake!
I will stay involved in the Ugandan project because I think it is incredibly worthwhile. I also would like to hear your thoughts. Should police leaders be more closely involved in the bench and the bar?
Take care…
Impressions On The Radio Show?
March 2, 2010
Just got back from the KROQ studios. I would like your impressions, constructive criticism included. I can tell you it was:
A. More nerve-wracking than I expected.
B. More fun than I expected.
So all in all not a bad deal. I hope it represented cops in the best light possible. That was the real mission…
Let me know what you think!
We Are Going On KROQ’s Kevin And Bean!
March 1, 2010
I am honored to announce that I will be featured on KROQ’s Kevin and Bean radio program this Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 0700 hours. The segment will be about 40 mintues of “Ask the cop.” I am nervous and excited, and expect a good opportunity to answer some questions and clear up some rumors.
Catch a listen on your way to work!
Book Reviews
February 13, 2010
I am constantly being asked to review law enforcement books. In the past I have turned these requests down with respect. I have decided this might have been an error in judgement, and have accepted my first assignment!
The experiment will be, “History in Blue” by Allan Duffin, a look at the history of women in law enforcement. Interesting read so far, and I will report on the whole piece when I complete it. If you know of a good cop tale, please comment here and let me know!