Sterling Hospedales’ Post

Police Statements After Critical Incident: I have heard police supervisors say: if you didn’t do anything wrong, what is the worst thing that can happen? Let’s look at an important example: Cst. Jordan MacWilliams was charged with murder after shooting a hostage taker that pointed a gun at him. One of the things used against him as evidence, was a written statement, provided through his lawyer. Cst. MacWilliams described himself as a lethal cover officer, which was used as evidence for the prosecution, as an intent to kill the hostage taker who pointed the gun at the police. Cst. MacWilliams didn’t do anything wrong, both at the scene, and in his written statement. But that didn’t matter. Some people want to compel police officers to provide a statement, that can be used against them criminally. We need to see this issue, within the context that the oversight of police agencies are frequently recommending charges, but don’t have a single conviction to show for it. The courts have upheld that police can’t be forced to incriminate themselves, which is their right under the Charter. What do you think? Should police officers be forced to provide a statement that might be used against them?

This was a big topic of conversation at the recent Internatioanl Use of Force Experts Conference. Duty to Report vs. Duty to Account Every citizen has basic rights throughout our judical system. Law enforcement personnel have those rights, too. Have a read: whats your thoughts?

A traffic stop is a two-way street. It is incumbent upon the individual being stopped to be respectful, compliant, and remain composed. It is incumbent upon the officer to treat the individual with respect, professionalism, and to act in a manner that does not unnecessarily escalate aggression. You cannot have a successful police encounter that is entirely one-sided. If the individual is belligerent and argumentative, a simple traffic ticket may turn into a criminal charge. If the officer is unprofessional and overly aggressive, the public loses faith in law enforcement. The officer normally wants to do their job, move on, and get home safely. The individual - upset as they may be about getting pulled over - just wants the traffic stop to end. To achieve these mutual goals, both parties need to act accordingly. Police have tremendous power and must not abuse that power. But individuals need to understand that cases are not won and lost on the side of the road. The officer may be wrong. The law may be on your side. But save that argument for court. Be courteous, speak as little as possible (don’t admit guilt, don’t volunteer information), and don’t give the officer a reason to take the issuance of a ticket to the level of an arrest. Police officers - understand that many people don’t trust the police. It is your job - on behalf of all law enforcement officers - to act in a manner that does not confirm their distrust. A little bit of common sense and civility on both sides will help strengthen trust between the community and law enforcement, will help encourage good policing, and will save lives.

Mandatory charging policies, introduced over 40 years ago, take the responsibility away from survivors for deciding whether to lay criminal charges in cases of intimate partner violence #IPV. The hope when these policies were first introduced was that they would increase survivors’ safety, increase reporting and perpetrator accountability, and improve police responsiveness to IPV. Unfortunately, some women are criminalized instead. This is an unintended consequence that occurs when women have contacted the police for help and are misidentified as the primary aggressor. We're calling for a review of mandatory charging policies! The negative impacts of mandatory charging are not going away on their own. We prepared a discussion paper outlining the history of mandatory charging policies and how these policies have negatively affected many survivors. Learn more: https://ow.ly/lrik50ROgg3 #LawReform #MandatoryCharging #GBV #crime

https://lnkd.in/enbWFhj6 I am sorry but this is indicative of the lack of knowledge when dealing with these incidents! Officers need to know how to deal with these circumstances at the scene to get the best evidence. Time and time again, drivers are not being prosecuted for the right offences. Officers at the scene ( and after arrest)don’t know their powers. It is not sufficient that chief officers ( with absolutely no clue) just say ‘lessons will be learned’. We have tried and tried to engage with forces to get it right but they prefer to just put out a wishy washy response. If this was a murder, then heads would roll. It’s only a road death so, it’s tomorrows chip paper. We have tried and tried to talk to police forces about this but they don’t even acknowledge your enquiry. Shame on you, you have let the family down, and will continue if you don’t change!!! #rptrainingsolutions.co.uk #youdontknowwhatyoudontknow

Your police department can’t succeed if the community doesn’t buy in. 1. Culture has to change; you must intervene with children at a young age. Give them a purpose in their lives. Family, faith, and friends. 2. Allow the chief to run law enforcement services. Keep politics out of the PD. 3. Allow the chief to fill his positions with his promotions. Not political appointees under the chief. 4. Fund the department so they can succeed. 5. Instead of representatives criticizing the chief, do your job. For instance pass truth in sentencing. Stop the slap on the wrist and release. When criminals realize they will serve 90% of the time in prison, it will get their attention. 6. Sit down with law enforcement and see what the legislature can do to help solve the problem instead of grandstanding and criticizing those who are actually working the streets to fight crime.

I just can’t deal with this #*@& anymore! The glaring injustice within the US's policing and judicial systems towards minorities demands immediate scrutiny. It's time to confront the systemic biases and discriminatory practices that perpetuate inequality and erode trust. #JusticeForMinorities #EndSystemicBias #PoliceReformNow #EqualJusticeForAll #NoMoreDiscrimination

Mandatory charging policies, introduced over 40 years ago, take the responsibility away from survivors for deciding whether to lay criminal charges in cases of intimate partner violence #IPV. The hope when these policies were first introduced was that they would increase survivors’ safety, increase reporting and perpetrator accountability, and improve police responsiveness to IPV. Unfortunately, some women are criminalized instead. This is an unintended consequence that occurs when women have contacted the police for help and are misidentified as the primary aggressor. We're calling for a review of mandatory charging policies! The negative impacts of mandatory charging are not going away on their own. We prepared a discussion paper outlining the history of mandatory charging policies and how these policies have negatively affected many survivors. Learn more: https://ow.ly/lrik50ROgg3 #LawReform #MandatoryCharging #GBV #crime

Lodging FIR,by court Typically, an FIR is lodged at a police station. If a person wishes to report a cognizable offense (serious crimes like murder, rape, robbery), they can directly approach the police station to file an FIR. Refusal to Lodge FIR: If the police refuse to lodge an FIR, the complainant can approach higher police officials 2. Power of Court If the police refuse to register an FIR, a person can file an application under Sections 22-A and 22-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.) before the Sessions Court. The Sessions Court,, can order the police to register an FIR The Sessions Court can also issue directions to the police for the proper investigation of the case or to provide protection if there is a threat to the complainant.