ACLU of Wisconsin Condemns Police Handling of Independence Day Incident
October 31, 2000
Spanish
In a letter sent October 31, 2000 to Milwaukee Police Chief Arthur
Jones, the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin expressed it
concern with the MPD response to an impromptu celebration of Mexican
Independence Day on September 16, 2000.
The ACLU of Wisconsin Board of Trustees first meeting since the incident
was held on Saturday, October 28, 2000. At that meeting the ACLU/WIF
Board unanimously voted to express its dissatisfaction with the Milwaukee
Police Department's handling of the celebration. The ACLU's letter said
that the organization will continue "to oppose the improper application
or over-energetic enforcement" of various city ordinances, "where the
right of free speech is involved...."
"The Department should have known how to deal with this celebration
in a way that compromised neither public safety nor free speech activity,"
said ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation Legal Director, Micabil Diaz.
"The Department's apparent over-reaction at the Independence Day celebration
is a step backward in establishing the mutual trust that is essential
to good community police relations. We have not seen enough done since
the incident to restore that trust," said Attorney Diaz added. "Our
Board asked me to write the Chief because all Milwaukeeans, regardless
of where they live or what their ethnic background may be, deserve the
same high quality of police service," Diaz concluded.
A copy of ACLU/WIF's letter to Chief Jones is attached.
TO: Chief Arthur Jones, Milwaukee Police Department
FROM: Micabil Diaz, Esq., ACLU/WI Legal Director
DATE: October 31, 2000
RE: Incident in Cesar Chavez Drive
Dear Chief Jones:
The purpose of this letter is to address our concern with regards to
the above incident that occurred in Milwaukee's south side on September
16, 2000.
Our Board met this past weekend and after evaluating the facts unanimously
voted to censure the response taken by your department. We are dismayed
by the actions taken by your department on an impromptu gathering of
citizens celebrating their independence holiday. Although we understand
your concerns with regards to the safety of the public at large, the
ACLU will continue to oppose the improper application or over-energetic
enforcement of disorderly conduct, trespass, traffic violations and
similar ordinances where the right of free speech is involved and where
the inconvenience is minor.
It was apparent from the last Fire and Police Commission's meeting
that a lack of sensitivity and cultural awareness was displayed by your
personnel during the execution of what you described as a "cruising
protocol." The apparent absence of a Latino police officer, while the
events developed, in a well known and predominantly Latino neighborhood;
clearly affected and clouded the assessment of the situation by the
on site commander. The current feeling of distrust among the Latino
citizens of this community toward your department illustrates the need
for departmental policies and standard operating procedures that allow
all citizens to engage in free speech activities. In addition, apparently
there is a need for more cultural and diversity training by your officers
at all levels of command.
Moreover, in order to help us understand your department's "cruising
protocol," please provide us with copies, as soon as practicable and
without delay, of all policies, manuals, standard operating procedures
in your custody pursuant to § 19.35, Wis. Stats. Please note if there
is a fee of more than $25.00, advise us before proceeding.
In closing, we at the ACLU are deeply concerned by these events and
disapprove the actions taken by your officers as a result of improper
assessment and training. We will continue to be vigilant wherever civil
rights are interfered with and reserve the right to take appropriate
action where action is needed.
Sincerely,
Micabil Diaz, Esq.
Legal Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin
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