[Summit] From the text of the Minneapolis ban on chokeholds

[Ethan Gyles]

SNA can help signal boost community concerns as well. We’ve been focusing on running neighborhood aid during COVID-19 but as always, welcome input from neighbors. Please reach out to me directly whenever you like. (Of course, this should be in addition to, not instead of, direct outreach to elected officials.)

Ethan

> On Jun 5, 2020, at 5:39 PM, Beth Chaplin <bchaplin at hsph.harvard.edu> wrote:
> 
> 
> Thanks. I will try again, using the emails Paul shared. I have written her about a few different issues (2-3 times in the past two years). I think I'm articulate, reasonable, and to-the-point, but I have never received a response. I too have heard her speak and she seems very well-meaning and to be someone who advocates for the things I believe in. 
> 
> But I also wonder if the police chief -- after things calm down a bit -- could also respond to something like this. When I lived in Malden, MA, it was possible to approach them directly with concerns and they were great at listening to the community. On the other hand, in Malden we had community meetings for the entire city that the mayor, police, DPW and other officials would attend, and everyone was welcome. It was the best place to raise concerns without going through an intermediary. I'm not sure if there is anything similar here?
> 
>> On Fri, Jun 5, 2020 at 5:17 PM Paul G Smith <paul.slvrwngs at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hi Beth,
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> I think your idea is commendable and should be seriously considered if it is not already in place.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Actually, one of the best ways to advocate for change in city government IS to contact our ward 3 City Councilor Nirva Lafortune (nirva.lafortune at gmail.com), a woman of color who understands all too well the real experiences of black people in this country. I am quite certain that she would be responsive. She can also be reached at NirvaWard3 at gmail.com, 401–680–0252, https://www.electnirva.com/, 4 Greaton Avenue, https://council.providenceri.gov/neighborhoods/ward-3/, or https://business.facebook.com/NirvaPVD/.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Sometimes one has to be assertive in communicating our concerns. Nirva is a very busy lady, and I imagine she is forced to be selective in how, and to whom, she can respond. Keep trying.
>> Warmest regards,
>> 
>> - Paul
>> 
>> Paul G Smith
>> 54 Summit Ave, Providence, RI  02906
>> Cell: 802-343-0978 
>> E-mail: paul.slvrwngs at gmail.com
>> _____________________________________________________________________
>> 
>> "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens"
>>                         - Baha'u'llah             http://www.bahai.org
>> "Nothing is too much trouble when one loves, and there is always time."
>>                         - Abdu'l-Baha
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> From: Summit [mailto:summit-bounces at sna.providence.ri.us] On Behalf Of Beth Chaplin
>> Sent: Friday, June 05, 2020 4:57 PM
>> To: summit at sna.providence.ri.us
>> Subject: [Summit] From the text of the Minneapolis ban on chokeholds
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> From the text of the Minneapolis ban on chokeholds:
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> "Regardless of tenure or rank, any member of the City’s Police Department who observes another member of the City’s Police Department use any unauthorized use of force, including any choke hold or neck restraint in violation of this Stipulation and Order, must attempt to safely intervene by verbal and physical means, and if they do not do so shall be subject to discipline to the same severity as if they themselves engaged in the prohibited use of force."
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Is this, or something like it, part of the language governing the Providence police?
>> 
>> If not, what's the best way to go about advocating for it?
>> 
>> (And please, something other than emailing my city councillor, Nirva LaFortune; unfortunately, I've never been able to get in touch with her.)
>> 
>>  
>> 
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