“There’s Something Happening Here…”
[Ed. Note: I served as Chief of Police for over 20 years in Madison. I was surprised at the level of violence that occurred in my city after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. This turned out not to be an unusual and violent response, for it occurred and continues to occur in many cities throughout America. Cities which thought of themselves as being progressive, and having a good police department, would prevent violence and turmoil in their city. They were wrong.
The following comes from a recent article in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 10, 2020, by Emily Harner. The photos selected below are by Steve Apps, Emily Hamer, and Amber Arnold.]
Madison police oversight measures get green light from Finance Committee
“The Madison Finance Committee on Monday unanimously recommended approval of several police oversight measures, including an ordinance that would create an independent police monitor position and a Civilian Oversight Board to hold the police department accountable.
“Under the proposed ordinance, the police monitor would have the power to subpoena the police department and conduct independent investigations of officers and the chief. The 13-person civilian board would hire the monitor, conduct an annual review of the police chief and make policy recommendations to police, among other duties…”
View the news article on what’s been going on in Madison.
“There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear
There’s a man with a gun over there
Telling me I’ve got to beware
Think it’s time we stop
Hey, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down…” — “For What It’s Worth,” Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
Improving Police: A Necessary Conversation 