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Polynesian Community Gets Workshop in Dealing with PoliceIn wake of Tasi shooting, lawyers explain basic rightsRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - A workshop called “Know And Use Your Rights When Dealing With The Police” was held at the Boys and Girls club in Mountain View Thursday night. The Polynesian Community Center organized the event and about 30 people came to listen to Anchorage lawyers talk about basic rights. Both police and groups within the Polynesian community have been working together to create a better relationship after the June 9 shooting death of 26-year-old Shane Tasi by an Anchorage police officer. “We find that often when somebody knows their rights and is able to express them in a polite but appropriate way, often a situation that could become problematic is often diffused,” said attorney Jeff Mittman with the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU is helping people in the Polynesian community better understand how to engage with police. “Any one of us driving down the road, we see those flashing lights go off and they pull us over, we're nervous we're stressed out,” said Anchorage attorney Barbara Brink. At the meeting the most basic of rights were discussed. “Lets say the police officer says ‘where are you going, where have you been what are you doing?’ You might choose to answer all those questions, but if you don't want to you don't have to,” said Brink. The right to privacy was a main talking point. “In general, unless the police have probable cause to believe that you have committed a crime and they get a search warrant, you don't have to let them search anything and that includes your car,” said Brink. One community member talked about his son who he says was shot and killed by police in California. He was there with family and friends to learn more about their rights in Alaska. “We do believe that education is the number one tool that we can use in preventing violence,” said Georgine Aumoeualogo with the Polynesian Community Center. “We want to make sure they know what their basic rights are so they can be comfortable with police,” she said. |
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TedtheBear said on Friday, Aug 31 at 9:58 AM
Interesting, these educations should be already known to any American citizen who graduated from high school. But I think common sense would make the greater impact then any education. If a law enforcement officer tell you to do something, do it. Debate it later if you must with your lawyer but at the time, obey law enforcement officers' lawfully given commands. It really that simple. Why Polynesian community cannot understand is a mystery.
100600756Assuming said on Friday, Aug 31 at 12:26 PM
Yes, you are assuming that and we all know what happens when you assume. ALOT of people don't know their rights when it comes to this issue, and I say ITS A GOOD THING! ALL Cultures / Races should be given this opportunity. Bless the Polynesian Community for standing up to make a change by educating their own. You all are good people.
100613475Robo said on Friday, Aug 31 at 3:03 PM
Agree with "TedtheBear", comply with instructons, and after the fact, if you feel that your rights were violated -- call the ACLU to sue...some police abuse their authority; hopefully a good Police Chief will identify those individual and terminate their employment
100625695lol... said on Monday, Sep 3 at 4:33 PM
class is really "how not to get shot by cops"...
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