On December 8, 2009, the Pensacola Police Department (PPD) announced that it had changed its “police chase” policy as a result of the death of 17 year old Victor Steen. The change prohibits officers, in a police car, from chasing vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians through heavily populated areas like apartment complexes and parking lots . This change in policy comes after the PPD’s October revision to its taser policy, also a result of Steen’s death. Officer Jerald Ard fatally injured Victor Steen on October 3, 2009 when Steen, on bicycle, fell into the path of Ard’s cruiser. Officer Ard also fired a Taser from the window of his car while in pursuit of Steen. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to investigate Steen’s death and Officer Ard’s professional conduct.
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Pensacola Police Revises Policy
Monday, December 21st, 2009Police Misconduct : YOU May Be The Next Victim
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009The majority of law enforcement officers in this country perform their difficult occupations with a respect for the law and the community. However, there are some officers who believe that the power of their job elevates them to a different position then you and me…above the law. When an officer acts in a manner contrary to the law, he or she is engaging in police misconduct.
It is a violation of your rights for an officer acting under the “color of law” to deprive you of any right protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Police misconduct prohibited by these laws includes excessive force, sexual assault, intentional false arrest, and the intentional creation of evidence resulting in a loss of liberty to another.
Most of us think that we could never be a victim of police misconduct because we obey the law. In my practice, I commonly encounter the mentality that only criminals have run-ins with law enforcement officers. Bad things only happen to bad people right? The scary truth is that we are all potential victims.
Protesters March Against Police Brutality
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009Despite the threatening weather, around 50 people attended the October 22, 2009 March against police brutality in downtown Pensacola. The recent death of Victor Steen a few weeks earlier fueled the protesters who rallied against the Pensacola Police Department’s decision to bring Officer Jerald Ard back from paid administrative leave. While the investigation into Officer Ard’s conduct is ongoing, various members of Steen’s family attended the protest. Along with other local supporters, they marched the mile and a half to the City Council meeting to express their disdain for Ard’s return. Many protesters donned signs, drums, noise-makers, and T-shirts memorializing Victor Steen. Singing chants as they made their way to City Hall, the protesters were met by passing motorists who blew their horns and gave “thumbs up” signs of support. The group plans to march each time the City Council meets, every 2nd Thursday, until Officer Ard is terminated from the Pensacola Police Department.
National Seminar on Police Misconduct
Monday, October 19th, 2009
Keith Weidner attended a seminar in Seattle, Washington on October 15, 2009. The seminar was hosted by the National Police Accountability Project (“NPAP”). Lawyers from across the nation met to discuss trial practices specific to police misconduct. The NPAP was founded in order to end police abuse of authority and is made up of lawyers who exclusively represent victims of police misconduct.
October 22, 2009- National Day to Protest Police Brutality
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009The National Day to Protest Police Brutality was initiated in 1996 by a coalition of organizations and individuals whose aim was to bring forward a powerful, visible, national protest against police brutality. In our local area, protesters will meet at 5 p.m. on the corner of Hayne and Cervantes Streets (near the Pensacola Police Department) and march to City Hall for the 7 p.m. City Council meeting. If you would like additional information about this event, please email to October22Pensacola@gmail.com.
Silent March to honor Victor Steen, Saturday October 17, 2009
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009This coming Saturday, a Silent March has been coordinated to honor Victor Steen and other victims of police brutality. Victor Steen was killed October 3, 2009 when he was struck by the car of Officer Jerald Ard of the Pensacola Police Department. Officer Ard reportedly fired his taser at 17 year old Victor Steen from his patrol car. Steen, who was on bicycle, fell in front of Officer Ard’s moving vehicle. Anyone interested in participating should meet at 9:30 a.m. at the site of the incident on Cervantes and “R” Streets. The march will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will proceed to the Greater Little Rock Church where Victor Steen’s funeral will be held.
