To: Governor Steve Sisolak
Stop Excessive Use of Force & Police Misconduct
Las Vegas Valley police have been involved in 378 shootings since 1990, 142 of them fatal. The Metropolitan Police Department alone was responsible for 310 shootings and 115 deaths. That's nearly 18 shootings per year in the Las Vegas Valley alone, 21 years running.
Of course, this is only the misuse of force where shootings are concerned; general police misconduct, corruption and universal excessive use of force notwithstanding.
Moreover, in accordance with the 9th Circuit Court's history of upholding "qualified immunity" in every case that's historically come before the court, victims have no avenue for recompense. Because of this propensity at the 9th Circuit Court, no real workable venue exists to retrieve costs associated with the loss of life or livelihood; not even reimbursement for attorney's fees, court costs, hospital or funeral bills which can and do cost the victim and their families several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Because of this qualified immunity, it is virtually impossible to bring a claim against Metro. Because of this qualified immunity and the loosely-written legislation, Metro knows they are untouchable and will continue to escalate the violence on our citizens.
Lives and livelihoods are being taken and/or ruined. Put Metro in check and update the laws which will uphold the civil and constitutional rights of citizens in Nevada.
Of course, this is only the misuse of force where shootings are concerned; general police misconduct, corruption and universal excessive use of force notwithstanding.
Moreover, in accordance with the 9th Circuit Court's history of upholding "qualified immunity" in every case that's historically come before the court, victims have no avenue for recompense. Because of this propensity at the 9th Circuit Court, no real workable venue exists to retrieve costs associated with the loss of life or livelihood; not even reimbursement for attorney's fees, court costs, hospital or funeral bills which can and do cost the victim and their families several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Because of this qualified immunity, it is virtually impossible to bring a claim against Metro. Because of this qualified immunity and the loosely-written legislation, Metro knows they are untouchable and will continue to escalate the violence on our citizens.
Lives and livelihoods are being taken and/or ruined. Put Metro in check and update the laws which will uphold the civil and constitutional rights of citizens in Nevada.
Why is this important?
Adopt the 26 March 2012 recommendations based on the ACLU's petition to the U.S. Department of Justice, requesting a "patterns & practices" investigation of Las Vegas Metro Police Department.