Tennessee Highway Patrol using semi-trucks to combat texting

"The stepped-up enforcement of highway laws came as a new CDC study showed most U.S. drivers reported talking on their cellphone and about one in three read or sent text or email messages when driving. Roberts, who usually steers a motorcycle or standard patrol car in Meigs, McMinn and Rhea counties, is one of 97 troopers statewide who hold a commercial driver's license that allow them to use a semi truck. On Wednesday, Roberts spotted seven people breaking the laws below him. He thought he saw a Volkswagen driver texting, but he wasn't sure; maybe she was just dialing a number." Continue reading

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Man Found Innocent After 20 Years in Prison, But Sent Back Anyway

"A man who spent more than 20 years in a Nevada prison for a crime he didn't commit could be on the hook for three more crimes if the state of Florida has its way. After spending more than two decades behind bars for a murder he said he didn't commit, a Nevada court recently found Fred Steese is actually innocent of the crime. Instead of freedom, though, Steese remains in lock-up awaiting extradition to Florida. It seems the Sunshine State doesn't credit the time he has already served. He remains imprisoned on a hold from Florida for failing to report to his parole officer more than a quarter century ago." Continue reading

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California police use rubber bullets and cherry-picker to remove tree sitters

"Police officers used rubber bullets and a cherry-picker to remove protesters from tall pine trees in northern California on Tuesday. Dozens of California Highway Patrol officers clad in visored helmets and armed with batons removed the activists from their protest spot near Highway 101. The protesters, part of a group calling itself Save Our Little Lake Valley, have sought to block construction of a four-lane highway bypass around the small city of Willits in Mendocino County for nearly two months. The bypass will harm the local environment and economy, according to the protesters. The six-mile-long raised highway will go over wetlands and forests in Little Lake Valley." Continue reading

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Charlotte Citizens Review Board Has Ruled For The Police In Every Instance In 15 Years

"Charlotte’s City Council on Monday may take steps to strengthen the Citizens Review Board after an Observer investigation found that the board, set up nearly 16 years ago to look into allegations of police misconduct, has always sided with police. Proponents of reforming the review board hope to pressure the City Council to give it more power. They’re trying to gather dozens of residents to speak at the council meeting or wear black in silent protest." Continue reading

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Fresno Police Say “We Are Not An Occupying Force.” Residents Feel Otherwise.

"FRESNO, CA — Police are present 'on every street corner,' visibly carrying rifles through neighborhoods. Extra squad cars, including armored police vehicles, patrol the streets. The excess police presence prompted the police chief to remind the public, 'We are not an occupying force.' Residents may feel otherwise." Continue reading

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The Growing Militarization Of U.S. Police

"As politicians exploit the Newtown tragedy to promote new laws to restrict firearms and implement universal background checks that could lead to gun registration and confiscation, another parallel trend– namely, the increasing militarization of law enforcement, most visibly demonstrated by the growing use of massive, SWAT-type raids on businesses and individuals, sometimes with federal involvement or authorization – is heightening concerns that America is moving toward a police state. The increased militarization of police forces and the associated use of SWAT teams for routine law enforcement are a dangerous trend." Continue reading

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Police In New York Times Determine The Obvious: “Defend Yourself”

"The speed and deadliness of recent high-profile shootings have prompted police departments to recommend fleeing, hiding or fighting in the event of a mass attack, instead of remaining passive and waiting for help. The traditional advice to the public has been 'don’t get involved, call 911.' But research on mass shootings over the last decade has bolstered the idea that people at the scene of an attack have a better chance of survival if they take an active stance rather than waiting to be rescued by the police, who in many cases cannot get there fast enough to prevent the loss of life." Continue reading

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Police Nationwide Say “You’re On Your Own”

"Project Veritas visited police stations nationwide and asked law enforcement officials how they could protect themselves in the event of an armed break-in. 'Go get some bleach. Go get ammonia,' one officer instructed. Yet another officer instructed the undercover journalist to, 'lock yourself in a bedroom' and 'start yelling and screaming.' Vice President Joe Biden recently advised Americans to, 'get a shotgun' for home protection. But when asked whether or not they should follow the Vice President’s advice, law enforcement officials told the undercover journalists they would be arrested for doing so." Continue reading

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Homeowner, 80, charged in shooting of burglar: ‘Unjust that I can’t protect me’

"Awakened by his 75-year-old wife, Wright confronted a 19-year-old burglar who had broken through some plywood over a bathroom window in hopes of stealing liquor, according to police. Wright grabbed his 38.caliber pistol, loaded with four rounds, and shot the intruder in the leg. The suspect was arrested -- but so was Wright. Because of prior weapons convictions, Wright was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, sparking calls by his family and neighbors for prosecutors to back down." Continue reading

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