On this edition of Your Call, we’ll speak with mothers whose sons were killed by police about how they’re using a new law that allows the public to access records of police misconduct.
SB 1421 went into effect in California at the beginning of the year. It allows access to records of sexual assault, lying in police reports or testimony, and any use of force resulting in death or serious injury. It's the first time the public has access to this information. How do families plan to use it? Will the law result in real accountability?
Guests:
Yolanda Banks Reed, mother of Sahleem Tindle, a 28-year-old who was shot and killed by an Oakland police officer in January 2018
Ada Perkins-Henderson, mother of Richard Perkins, a 39-year-old who was shot and killed by four Oakland police officers in November 2015
James Burch, policy director at the Oakland-based Anti Police-Terror Project
Web Resources:
LA Times: Here's how California became the most secretive state on police misconduct
Guardian US: ‘Corrupt in its roots’: as Oakland police scandals pile up, residents not surprised
East Bay Express: District Attorney Clears BART Police Officer in Fatal West Oakland Shooting of Sahleem Tindle
