Short Update on Jackson-Chavis

Today, two of the police involved in the beating of Jackson-Chavis went before the bench, and were indicted. I was curious what the activists were thinking, so I called and was referred to Michael Zinzun of CAPA.

"This is the first step to getting justice," was how he started. CAPA's not satisfied with only two officers being brought to trial, because all the officers standing by had a legal responsibility to stop the beating. The District Attorney was criticized for inaction on this case. He is also organizing a march from the court building to the DA's office downtown, to highlight this.

The DJCJC is considering possible actions. One is to demand a special prosecutor to deal with cases of police abuse, so that the case isn't pushed through the same channels as other cases. Another is an independent police review board, elected by the people, with the power to fire, and change policy. This would require a change to the city charter, and thus an election. The prospect of such a change is more feasible in a smaller city like Inglewood than a large city Los Angeles or a more conservative suburban municipality.

There's also talk about meeting with Bay Area activists to make this a statewide issue. They have many issues of their own that need addressing.

Overall, things are moving forward, and as Donovan's case stays in the headlines, so will the deeper systemic issue of police abuse and accountability.