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We've Had Enough of the Police
The Community Rallies to Demand Police Accountability
Video by Angel Luna // Photos by Charisse Domingo

On Thursday, June 21, 2007, San Jose community members held a rally and packed the City Hall Chambers as the San Jose City Council, San Jose Police Department, the Independent Police Auditor, and City Manager debated how the SJPD should be held accountable for their actions.   The IPA office requested for more investigative authority, while the SJPD, backed by the City Manager, resisted.   At the almost 4 1/2 hour long meeting, the San Jose City Council approved giving the IPA a little bit more authority in police oversight.  

Community members know this is just the beginning of a city-wide movement to hold the police accountable to the people.  

To see the actual video from the San Jose City Council, go to the link below. (note to viewer: fast forward to "Public Comment" segment to see and hear what the community thinks!)
http://sanjose.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2

 

Taking Over 4th and Santa Clara.  

Community members stand outside City Hall

Noreen Salinas, left, fights for justice for her father, Steve Salinas, who was tased to death by SJPD on May 25, 2007.   To the right, Romel Custodio also fights for justice for his family when they were tased and brutalized by SJPD on a traffic stop.   The two families have come together to demand greater police accountability.

Richard Konda is a member of the Coalition for Justice and Accountability, a group that began in 2003 responding to the unjust death of Bich Cau Tran in the hands of an SJPD officer. Four years later, CJA has grown to become a multi-racial force of organizations, residents, and families calling for police accountability in San Jose.

De-Bug member David Madrid carries his son, David, Jr. David says every person in his family has a violent story about the cops, and it's time that ended.

Marching into City Hall Chambers led by the Custodio and Salinas Families

Inside chambers, community members break in an otherwise silent hallway

 


Comments On This Story:

Message From: Christopher Patrick Nelson, Mon, 9 Jul 2007 5:41pm

I love it. This photo essay is the intellectual jihad. Hell yes. Peace.

Message From: Adriana (lapatriota34@hotmail.com ), Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:37pm

Go G! justice for dad custodio family!

Message From: Betsy Wolf-Graves (betsy237@prodsyse.com), Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:38pm

Pictures are great. Commentary accurate. Let's keep up the energy.
Betsy

Message From: noreensalinas (noreensalinas@hotmail.com), Mon, 25 Jun 2007 4:44 PM

Hi Raj,
I thought we all did a good job, that day! and i'm very proud. This is the time to let The City Council know who is taking charge, and who is boss,not them at all. We pay taxes, and we all have a right to
freedom of speech. And also the right to pressure them to do the right thing. SJPD will be held liable for my father's death , and also for all their police brutality within the community, and it's our job to
take back our streets and fight for justice and the right thing. If that doesn't work, we will write a letter! and that letter will be empowered by all citizens whom were victims and also for their
familys as well. This will go to the Gov,and as well all higher authorities, above him until we can obtain the right answers , and note someone will be held accountable.

Yours Truly,
Noreen A.Salinas

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