Police

ShotSpotter

Anybody know if ShotSpotter is good? From an NYPD press release: This is one of more than 30 firearms that have been recovered since the inception of the ShotSpotter program, back in March of this year. Three guns a month doesn’t seem like so many. But then to get 30 guns off the streets, back in the old stop-and-frisk would…

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Police

“There is no such crime as ‘homicide by no seat belt'”

“Mosby is getting her rear end kicked in court. Not by a brilliant defense strategy, but by the facts. Facts that she could have discovered had she conducted herself professionally and ethically.” So saysPage Croyder, who retired in 2008 after 21 years with the State’s Attorney’s Office. My last post highlighted her insightful blog. In police trials like this, people…

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Police

“A small glimpse into the lazy, egotistical, dysfunctional world of key players in criminal justice system”

Page Croyder spent two decades with the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office. A few weeks ago I discovered her blog (thanks to a comment). The prosecutor’s office — the State’s Attorney in Maryland — and the court system in general is a big Skinner box of unknown for most people. Croyder offers insight. People get arrested and somehow they end up…

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Police

Porter trial: Dec 7.

The prosecution rested. Judgment of Acquittal did not happen, alas. Judge Williams did rule that prosecutors failed to disclose that Freddie Gray had allegedly told a police officer the month before he died that he suffered from back problems. From the Sun: Porter’s attorneys asked that Williams dismiss the charges against Porter, grant a mistrial, or strike the testimony of…

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Police

Backdated seatbelt memo?

The Sun on that BPD seat belt policy: Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Michael Schatzow said Porter showed a “callous indifference for life” when he deviated from department policies. Defense attorneys have said other police officers routinely break such policies, but Schatzow said those officers should not be considered “reasonable.” What’s interesting is that the “new” policy, says the department, came…

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Police

$700,000+ for 1 shooting

Ashley Luthern of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel looks at the direct costs of a shooting. It adds up to more than $700,000. $400,000 on prison.

Police

Fiddlesticks!

@PeterMoskos wins the “Most Profanity in One Quote” Award. https://t.co/Rt22OJRYjy — Jeffrey Butts (@JeffreyButts) December 5, 2015 I’m humbled and honored to win the Golden Middle Finger award. I’d like to thank all the sailors and pirates who taught me everything I know, gosh darnit. In all seriousness, this Guardian piece by Baynard Woods might be the first fair thing…

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