Just before you all16 let us go, I did raise the concern about17 the Hispanic community. I'm just really18 concerned. I mean, out of all of our19 organizing, we have been reaching out to20 the Hispanic community, going in21 businesses, talking to them, finding out22 were they faced with the same thing. We23 knew that they were, but we wanted to get24 their unity and support what was going25 257 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 on. I mean, where are the representative2 at? I mean, where are the people at?3 This is like an ethnico screening.4 There's nothing in here but Africans5 complaining about the police brutality.6 We're not the only ones that's being7 abused in the City. We're certainly not8 the only constituents that are under the9 leadership of the City Council.10 So I just wanted to raise it.11 I mean, I don't know if you're going to12 answer now, but it certainly have to be13 addressed, like we cannot do this. If14 this is citywide, it is concern for the15 constituents of the City of Philadelphia,16 we need to pull the numbers in and the17 people need to unify. This is why we18 voted you all in, to represent our best19 interest.20 And so I just need to say that21 in my closing, and I thank you both very22 much. I mean, I know it's been23 difficult. We're not easy to get along24 with, because we will not allow Askia's25 258 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 case to be pushed up under the rug. As2 one of our brothers said, no broom to3 this. It will not be sweeped away. This4 is one process. We're still knocking.5 We will continue to be knocking, because6 Askia is one case. My daughter didn't7 get the publicity that's going on with8 Askia, who is a very, very dear loving9 brother to me, but I know there's10 numerous, hundreds and thousands of us11 who are being beaten and bruised by12 police every single day. And so the cry13 needs to come out from the14 representatives with some love that this15 is really a concern and not just a due16 process that has to go on.17 I thank you again very much.18
Greg22 Brinkley, Sweit Adeen Muhammad. I just23 saw him.24 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: He'll be25 259 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 back at 4:00.2
Four3 o'clock? Okay. What about the4 Shabazzes, Inas, Hannibal, Mikel?5 (Witnesses approached witness6 table.)7
Okay. So8 we've also been joined in Chamber by9 Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.10
Don't13 forget to pull the mike close enough so14 that we can hear you, identify yourself15 for the record and proceed with your16 testimony.17
I'm Greg18 Brinkley. 21 Please bear with me. I22 provided Council with copies of my23 testimony so you can -- I gave it to your24 assistant right there. 1 and read along. After I read the2 testimony, I would like to specifically3 address a question that was posed by4 Councilman Jones, because in addition to5 reading the gist of why we're here, we do6 have some specific suggestions on ways to7 address a very serious problem in our8 neighborhood. I'm glad Commissioner9 Ramsey is here and Deputy Gillison is10 here. 13 We would like to thank you for14 convening -- please forgive me. 2 For far too many decades, our3 communities have endured the atrocities4 of the well-documented abuses by this5 agency up to and including to this date6 many questionable and still unresolved7 police shootings. 1 In June 2009, the Philadelphia2 Chapter of the National Action Network3 held a public community tribunal at the4 African American History Museum5 specifically addressing the issue of6 police brutality. 10 Department of Justice, Civil Rights11 Division. 15 As a social justice advocacy16 group, we receive many complaints17 regarding police abuse, and as such, we18 have continued our documentation of the19 various occurrences, including the abuses20 being perpetrated by the Philadelphia21 School Police, many who are former22 members of the Philadelphia Police23 Department. 11 Consequently, the report was12 used to falsely convict this youth, not13 to mention -- was used to falsely convict14 this youth, not to mention the recorded15 beating by the school police truancy unit16 of a young Frankford High School student17 by the name of Jevon Thomas. savagely beating Mr. Sabur as he was on2 the ground prosecuted, fired and the3 charges dismissed against Mr. Ironically, a month later, the female5 cousin of Mr. Sabur, Ms. Tanya Yates, was6 brutalized by the Philadelphia Police as7 a result of the police entering the house8 of her 80-year-old grandfather in a very9 aggressive manner, and because Mrs. Coincidentally, now the Mayor,8 Michael Nutter, is attempting to distance9 himself away from as being the initiator10 of this devastating policy. Ninety-nine11 point five percent of the black and12 Latino communities are victims of the13 stop and frisk policy. One last question. employers. I ask you, if you walked into2 your place of employment and attacked3 your employer, what would be the result4 of your employment? I'm sure termination5 would be the order of the day. )8
Madam Chair9 Lady, I just want to for the record10 suggest there are things that we can do11 immediately. I believe that I've said12 this before, but on the record, I'm glad13 the Commissioner is here. 16 We need to separate the17 Internal Affairs Division. 21 With all due respect to that body -- and22 I have nothing but great respect for23 Mr. Johnson in that role -- what we're24 asking for is something different. 5 They won't say it, but anybody that has a6 working knowledge knows that. 20 Secondly, I think that we21 believe that police need to be personally22 held accountable civilly. 7 I happen to be in an agency,8 which I won't reveal. If those captains,9 if in that district if one of the10 officers really is a pain in the butt or11 being -- they know what to do. They know12 how to deal with them. 18 They are allowing it. And I'm not going19 to buy it's only a few of them. Yes,20 it's several thousand police officers,21 but I am here to suggest to you, Madam22 Chair Lady, that it may not be several23 thousand that's doing it, but it's too24 many that's abusing our community. 3 This just didn't happen yesterday. If4 those commanders are held liable -- and5 I'm talking about up to and including the6 Deputy Mayor Gillison, who is over that7 unit, if we start making people truly8 accountable -- I applaud Police9 Commissioner Ramsey. While other people10 believe he's doing it for, at least I see11 him trying. 13 We also believe that we need to14 work on the arbitration process, because15 that is a process. 18 I'm a union person, so I19 understand how the arbitration process20 works. 1 arbitrators that are assigned. The2 employer gets one and the union gets one,3 cancel/strike, and the third person4 becomes that. 9 But I think what he left out -- and I'm a10 former union person, executive board11 member of District 11 NIC, familiar with12 the arbitration process. What he have13 left out was the City has the same14 opportunity, which suggests to me what15 you don't say says the most. So it's a16 way of saying publicly what they're17 doing, but you obviously are supporting18 it, because you're not exercising your19 charge too. 1 brothers, who turned out to not have2 committed any crime, and then had the3 audacity to stage a party, a public party4 over it, which further embarrassed this5 city. They didn't even have enough6 dignity to celebrate -- there's nothing7 wrong with celebrating -- in private. 9 The other thing is this: I10 would like -- when you have situations11 such as what happened in the Tanya Yates12 case, I brought --13 COUNCILWOMAN MILLER:14 Mr. 17
Well, I will22 forward it to you, but I will respect23 that. But with all due respect to what I24 have also witnessed prior coming -- I25 272 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 knew about the three minute, but it2 appeared that they was just allowing3 people to testify.4
Well, no.5 We were allowing -- people basically6 stayed within the three-minute rule.7 It's the questions that expanded the8 time. And we've been asked to actually9 to take a break for about ten minutes,10 and I want to do this at that time, but11 I'm asking you, are your suggestions in12 writing?13
If not, I15 can write them down and we can give them16 to the stenographer.17
To make20 it a part of the record. Or we can give21 you a piece of paper and you can write it22 down and give it to me and we can make it23 a part of the record.24
I can do that.25 273 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 I can do that, yes.2 COUNCILWOMAN MILLER:3 Ms. Shabazz, can you wait a second? We4 really need to take a break.5
Okay.7 Thank you.8 (Short recess for9 stenographer.)10
We're14 getting ready to restart.15 This Committee is back in16 session. We're going to -- just pull it17 up close to you. The young man over18 there, he controls it for you. And I'm19 going to restate our rules. Three20 minutes.21 Excuse me. This Committee is22 in session. You can talk, but please go23 out in the hall.24 Thank you, Ms. Shabazz. Please25 274 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 give us your testimony. Identify2 yourself for the record.3
My name is Inas4 Shabazz. It's I-N-A-S. Shabazz,5 S-H-A-B-A-Z-Z. 11 She was traveling from12 Southwest Philadelphia from her in-laws's13 house en route to her parents' house, or14 our parents' house. She stopped at her15 house to gather groceries so that we16 could prepare our family dinner. 20 Prior to her arriving at our21 house, she stopped at her house. Again,22 it was late in the -- early in the23 morning. The kids were asleep. 1 to the car. She realized she had2 forgotten the luggage, so she ran3 upstairs, and when she was upstairs, she4 heard someone trying to pull open her car5 door. 10 He said, Yeah? 12 My sister runs downstairs. By13 the time she gets downstairs, this person14 is in her yard, and she's trying to get15 to her children and make sure they're16 asleep and they're okay. In the17 meantime, my oldest niece woke up, so she18 heard all the controversy. She's19 watching. And my sister is arguing with20 this man in her yard. Like she lives in21 North Philadelphia, and it is a Caucasian22 man in the middle of the night. 1 not once did she know or assume that this2 was a Philadelphia police officer. He3 was not in uniform. And he said to her,4 Do you know who I am? 6 And she said, I don't care who7 you are. Why are you trying to get into8 my van? 9 He put both his hands around10 her neck and he said to her, I'm the11 mother-fucking police. He put her --12 pushed her back onto the gate in her13 yard. The neighbors heard the whole and14 witnessed the whole thing. He pushed her15 so that her feet were dangling. He16 choked her. I say he attempted to murder17 her. , Badge No. 4801 of21 the 22nd, 23rd Police District that22 choked my sister. And in her23 frightened -- she was frightened. officers. She never saw a badge. So she thought, well, maybe5 this is like -- you know how you see on6 the news people imitating a police7 officer, they're going to kill her and8 rob her home. 10 These men wrestled her to the11 ground and handcuffed her. My niece had12 to sit and watch this. She has five13 children, but my oldest niece saw this14 man choking her mother, throwing her on15 the ground. She did not let these16 so-called police in the car because they17 didn't look like police officers to her18 either, and she called her father, she19 called her grandfather, she called her20 uncles and said, These men are attacking21 my mother. 1 story, she was handcuffed and they told2 her to shut up, shut up. 4 Somebody please call my husband. 7 Now, mind you again, she is8 handcuffed. She is on the ground. There9 is a foot on the back of her head10 stepping and pushing her face into the11 dirt and grass of her yard. There's a12 man sitting on her back. 15 They pulled out a gun. She16 thinks they're about to shoot her. They17 come and said, Shut up, shut up. She's18 trying to get out the number, 267, and19 they tase her not once, not twice but20 three times. They tased her while she21 was handcuffed, and she thought she was22 going to die. So she said, I got to get23 these numbers out. I don't know what is24 going on. 3 So she said, I got to get these4 next numbers out. And she said -- I'm5 not going to give the real number. 9
Yes. It was on20 January 27th, in the morning of January21 27th.22 So they tased her and tased23 her, and she finally had to get the last24 three numbers out. They say, You're25 280 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 never going to see your kids again.2 They're going to DHS. You'll never see3 them again. Bitch, shut the fuck up.4 Didn't I tell you to shut up? And she5 got the last four numbers out, and,6 again, she thought she was going to die.7 She didn't know what was going on.8 The neighbor said when she9 called me frantic that morning 1, 210 o'clock in the morning, she said, I felt11 like I was in 1930, 1940 in the middle of12 slavery and there was a master coming13 with their sticks beating this woman and14 I had to sit and watch and there was15 nothing that I could do. There was16 nothing that I could do, because these17 are the people who claim to have the18 power over us.19 She threw up. This neighbor,20 she threw up and she vomited and she21 fainted, because she couldn't believe22 what she saw with her own eyes and what23 my niece had to watch with her own eyes.24 And when my dad carried these children25 281 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 into my house, my niece has been crying2 and crying and crying since that day.3 When she sees red and blue down the4 street, she's nervous. She shouldn't be5 nervous.6 We have police officers in our7 family, and I know that this is not what8 they do. This is not appropriate in any9 way. And since that particular incident,10 we've had police officers stalking us,11 stalking our homes, because we're12 speaking up. Well, I am Muslim and then13 I am human, and I ain't afraid of nobody.14 I fear a law, and that is it. That is15 who I submit to. That's what the police16 officer said, she didn't submit. For17 what? She did nothing wrong. She was --18 she has four beautiful girls, one son,19 and they're all honor roll students.20 They go to school. They respect adults.21 They don't dance and pop they butts22 around. They are respectable children23 and respectable parents in that community24 and in every community that we reside in.25 282 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 This time, they definitely got2 the wrong one, and we will fight this3 till the death. I'm not afraid to die.4 I'm not afraid to die. I'm not afraid of5 these cops because you got on a uniform.6 I don't care. My uniform is in my heart.7 I was born with this uniform as a human8 being.9 I'm sorry.10
What I want you13 to know is that they are stalking us.14 They have been following us. They've15 been shining those bright lights from16 their police cars in our homes. They17 know where we live at. They know where18 some of us live at. They've been19 following us. Not only did they come to20 our house after that and have the21 audacity to get out of the car, they said22 that there was a call from our home23 saying that there was a missing24 12-year-old. Now, if that is not25 283 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 psychological warfare, I don't know what2 is. That's what -- they're trying to3 intimidate us and then bring my niece4 into it.5
Yes, we have8 filed complaints. We have filed9 complaints and we're doing everything10 that you said, but, again, I want the11 people to know so when I go missing, this12 is why. When my niece goes missing that13 they already propose, this is why.14 They have -- and then when we15 called the police station and said,16 well -- and we kind of got rational.17 Well, maybe it is a missing 12-year-old.18 So we called the police station, and they19 said they never got such a report. Not20 only that, they never dispatched anyone21 to our home.22 So we know your boys in blue23 got your back, but a law has my back, and24 that's all I need. And I want y'all to25 284 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 know, I want you to know that you will2 pay. You will pay for it. This is3 terrible. I know what you're trying to4 do to the African American men in my5 community.6 Now, of course, they charge her7 with assaulting the police officer, this8 woman in the middle of the night. That's9 what you charge everybody that you beat10 the hell out of, assaulting the police11 officer.12 Officer Spraggs, Officer Philip13 Spraggs, Jr., I want you to know, Badge14 No. 4801, a law has recorded your deeds,15 the good and the bad, and you will get16 the benefits from your good and you will17 reap the benefits from your bad.18
My name22 is Hannibal Shabazz, and I'm not as23 dramatic as my sister. I just want to24 say that this is happening because of25 285 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 weak leadership. For instance, if I was2 to say -- and a disconnect also.3 If I was to say that Mayor4 Michael Nutter, that the Councilpeople,5 that the officers, Ramsey and down, that6 they were all chumps, that they were all7 punks, that they were all disgraces to8 their uniform, then that causes an9 emotion in here, an emotion who does this10 guy think he is? How can he say that?11 Because he's not one of privilege. But12 when this happens to not -- you may say13 it doesn't happen every day. Cops don't14 go down the street beating people. If it15 happens to one and those in leadership16 don't stand for justice when that one17 happens, then it becomes okay. Then it18 becomes okay. And when you hear it and19 you don't move on it when it happens,20 then you have allowed that to occur.21 But if I call y'all names and22 curse y'all and everything and y'all feel23 that energy towards me like F him or24 whatever you're saying in your head, but25 286 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 when this happens to a human being, an2 individual and you don't step up and3 handle your business, that shows there's4 a disconnect.5 I'm not saying anything is6 wrong with these individuals. I'm just7 saying that there's a disconnect that we8 don't address this issue as soon as it9 happens. And we know it's a hierarchy.10 If the Mayor was to put the pressure on11 the Commissioner, would it happen? I12 don't know. I don't think it would if he13 was to put pressure on. If the14 Commissioner was to put the pressure on15 those under him, would it happen? I16 don't know. If the Councilman will say,17 Our people in our district are not going18 to follow you, Mayor Nutter, if you don't19 handle this immediately, would he change?20 I don't know. He probably would, because21 I know he wants to get in office. Maybe22 he feel as though he's doing some good.23 I don't know where people's minds at, but24 what I'm saying is, there is a disconnect25 287 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 and there's weak leadership. The people2 won't stand for justice, not stand when3 it happens to ten people when cops start4 shooting people in the middle of the5 street or the people start shooting at6 the cops. No. As soon as you hear about7 it, check it, and then it won't happen8 again.9 So that's all I wanted to say.10 And, Curtis, Councilman Curtis asked11 about something that we could do, and I12 think I have an answer that would in my13 heart I would believe absolutely cancel14 out 90 percent of the corruption in the15 Police Department. And we know it's more16 corruption to be handled, but let's start17 with the City's finest. Not that y'all18 aren't fine, by the way.19
You have20 to talk into the mike. I couldn't21 hear -- when you turn, I can't hear.22
Well,23 the City's finest. I just wanted to let24 them know, I do think they're fine.25 288 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 And that would be to have lie2 detectors test to the police officers,3 not in the courtroom. We'll give y'all4 some leeway. We'll do it at the station,5 you and your boss. You brought this6 charge on this person, you said this7 happened, take this test. If it doesn't8 stick, we won't even go through with the9 process. We'll throw it out. But why10 won't they do that? Because they won't11 stand for justice, because they know12 every person they lock up brings funds to13 the system.14 (Applause.)15
Y'all16 know it -- if 90 percent of the cases got17 thrown out, that mean no court dates, no18 lawyers getting paid, no bills getting19 paid. That's hundreds of millions of20 dollars that the City loses. So people21 in positions of leadership choose not to22 stand for something they know can cancel23 out the injustices, because they fear24 loss of their position, because you know25 289 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 if you mess with the finances of the2 City, they will get you out the way3 quick.4 So that's what's happening.5 And, like I said, if that simple thing6 was to happen, a lie detector test, if7 those chumps that did that to my sister8 took that lie detector test right then9 and there, she wouldn't have these10 trumped-up charges that now she has to11 fight. Now she has to get a lawyer. She12 got kids to feed. They going to school.13 So all because the people in the14 positions have not ensured by any means15 necessary that there is justice. And if16 it doesn't happen from the top, it will17 happen from the bottom.18 Thank you.19
Thank20 you. Thank you for testifying.21 (Applause.)22
Thank23 both of you for coming in and testifying.24 I'm very sorry to hear about your sister.25 290 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 I had no knowledge.2
Can I just say3 one more thing? And I'm sorry to go4 over, but I wanted to add to what5 Hannibal said about something that we can6 implement, and what I noticed -- I went7 to a school in a small town, and we knew8 the police officers because they lived in9 our area, and I think that it is a bad10 policy to have the police officers live11 outside of the area in which they serve,12 because they come in and they beat us up13 and then they go home. They would not14 beat up Ms. Smith down the street. They15 would know that Naima Jones has five16 children and she can't carry them all on17 her back while she's transporting18 groceries. They would know these things.19 So I think that the disconnect20 is because they can come into our21 communities, have no connect with us and22 then leave and do these things. So I23 think that -- and if they did live in our24 communities, I'm pretty sure Officer25 291 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Philip Spraggs, Jr. would not have done2 that to Naima and went across the street3 into his home, because that would have --4 he would fear, he would fear the people5 that live around him. Now, we don't know6 where he lives at, but I'm sure he7 wouldn't do that to his neighbor.8 So I think that that is9 something that we need to look into those10 policies that you -- I know they have to11 live in the City, but I think they should12 live in the community in which they13 serve.14
Harris18 Daniels, Karen Miller, Frank Hoechne.19 (No response.)20
Okay. So21 we're going to just keep moving.22 Christine Harrity, Sultan Ashley-Shaw,23 Ernest Ford, Abdullah Ravalia.24 (Witness speaking from25 292 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 audience.)2
Abdullah3 what?4 (Witness speaking from5 audience.)6
All7 right. Whatever. Come on up, Abdullah.8 We can discuss last names later.9 (Witnesses approached witness10 table.)11
So tell12 me who you are so I can mark you off on13 the list.14
Okay.17 What's your name, sir, with the hat?18 Take your hat off.19
Ernest21 Ford.22 And, Abdullah, how do you spell23 your last name?24
It's Abdul,25 293 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 A-B-D-U-L, A. R-A-Z-A-A-Q.2
-- of13 spelling your last name.14 Identify yourself for the15 record, pull the mike up so we can hear16 you. And I'll restate the rules here.17 We have a three-minute -- we have three18 minutes to give your testimony, and we19 cannot get into like particulars20 regarding a case that's currently under21 investigation. And we still have a lot22 of people on the list, so that's why we23 got to really try to stick to this, to24 the rules, to the time.25 294 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1
Thank you,2 Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and the3 Public Safety Committee. I also want to4 thank the people that went before me,5 particularly Commissioner Ramsey, who I6 have a great deal of respect for and his7 team, Deputy Commissioner Fox and the8 rest of the police officers.9 I also want to say that when a10 police officer is slain, not only is it a11 loss to the Police Department, it's a12 loss to the entire Philadelphia13 community, and I hope that that's14 completely understood.15 I want to bring attention to16 September 30th, 2008 when Officer17 McDonald had his funeral. Well, the18 funeral was held for Officer McDonald,19 who was unfortunately slain by a person20 in North Philadelphia. And traditionally21 in the black community whenever an22 officer is slain, most families tell23 their boys to stay out of harm's way and24 to stay inside. However, on this date,25 295 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Jeffrey McCray had a court date and I had2 lent him a pink motor scooter to come3 down to the Criminal Justice Center to go4 to court. And he took care of his5 business at the Center and came back to6 the neighborhood, and two officers7 mistakenly thought -- they mistakenly8 called in the wrong license plate9 numbers. The scooter was licensed,10 insured and all that legal stuff. They11 mistakenly called in the wrong license12 plate and mistook this scooter for a13 stolen Harley Davidson, and they came up14 to Jeffrey McCray and he was in a15 position of surrender, hands up, on the16 ground, the whole procedure that17 Commissioner Ramsey talked about and the18 others when the police officer -- you19 know, a position of surrender.20 Two police officers beat him so21 bad that the community called 911 on the22 police, which is on record. 911 was23 called on the police, and they beat him24 until other police officers got there and25 296 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 pulled them off of Jeffrey McCray.2 We called the station, and they3 assured us that this was a mistake, that4 the police were overwhelmed with grief5 because of the funeral of Officer6 McDonald and that everything would be7 squashed. However, everything was not8 squashed. Everything that the police did9 to Jeffrey McCray on that date, including10 beating him with batons, they turned it11 around and said that he beat them.12 Although seven witnesses, which we have13 video of seven witnesses, who testified14 that the police did actually beat him for15 no reason at all. This man had no reason16 to have a grudge. He was coming from17 court and was completely happy, just18 trying to make his way home.19 I think that more needs to be20 done when officers are slain. That's an21 unfortunate event, and some type of22 counseling or something. And also when23 police make mistakes, they need to admit24 to it and not turn the charges that they25 297 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 have against themselves against the2 victim. And that's what happened. This3 victim, this guy is in jail now on other4 charges. He had to wind up pleaing to5 this, when he was actually victimized by6 the police. And I hope that Commissioner7 Ramsey will take the time to look up this8 case and see that the police were9 actually called on themselves and they10 did actually beat a man for no reason at11 all, except that I believe they were12 mournful and they don't know where to go13 with the energy when one of their14 officers are slain. They look at it as15 us against the community, when we're all16 in it together. When a police officer is17 slain, everybody mourns, not just the18 police. And we should not be brutalized19 because the police are having a bad day,20 and we should not be in fear of our lives21 or the lives of our sons because an22 officer is slain.23 Thank you.24
Thank25 298 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 you. July 2008, correct?2
No. This was3 September 30th, 2008, the same day of the4 funeral of Officer McDonald in North5 Philadelphia.6
All7 right. Thank you, Ms. Harrity.8 Who is going to go next?9 Either one.10
I'll go next. I11 just want to say I know that I'm standing12 on sacrifices and the foundation of our13 ancestors. I'm not here because somebody14 personally beat me. I'm here because me15 being an African in this country, I'm16 stuck with the fact that there is -- I17 can't even tell you how many times this18 happens that we're brutalized.19 Everybody -- I wrote something down. I'm20 not even going to say it.21 We're tap dancing around the22 issue. Us Africans that are left in this23 country to deal with something that we24 could never connect to are stuck with25 299 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 facing racism and white supremacy.2 I am in no way encouraging3 prejudice. I am saying that we are the4 only ones that are being targeted.5 Disproportionately we're being targeted.6 Our women are being targeted, as you just7 heard that sister say. I wish I was8 there, because I would have intervened.9 Now, what does that say? The officer10 never identified himself to the sister,11 which means they didn't follow the12 protocol.13 Now, does this happen with all14 officers? Not at all. I have15 fortunately been given the due respect.16 Why? Maybe because at an early age I was17 incarcerated for something that I didn't18 do and I did 16 months in Glen Mills for19 something that I didn't do. Then turned20 right around and did 90 days up Cornwell21 Heights for something that I didn't do.22 Why? Because the people that said I did23 it were white. Why? Because I was black24 and I had no resources.25 300 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Now I'm 41 years old. I have2 my own non-profit organization, my own3 business, a good father, a good citizen4 in my community. I have not one felony,5 but I find countless amounts of black men6 that look like me with felonies before7 they 21. Why is that? Because the8 system that is elusive on racism and9 white supremacy has bent itself on10 destroying black boys.11 The bottom line is, they want12 to come into our community where the13 resources are minimal and they want to14 make the penalties maximum.15 How can we deal with the16 problem? First of all, no one should be17 bought. What I'm finding is, when there18 are people such as the Councilman like19 Mr. Jones and yourself or others that are20 of African background, they pull you in,21 and before you know it, your voice22 becomes their voice, because we are23 respectfully accepting any solution or24 resolution to the problem.25 301 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Now, let's be real. If in fact2 the disproportionate amount of police3 brutality happened on the Main Line, you4 would have been come up with a solution.5 But as the blood continues to spill in a6 black community, nobody seems to care.7 Now, I know I only got three8 minutes, but I'm going to say this: Why9 is there an extensive amount of foot10 patrol in Southwest Philadelphia? Why is11 there not this amount of foot patrol in12 West Philly where I live in the Cobbs13 Creek section? Why isn't this in South14 Philadelphia where I grew up? Why isn't15 this in North Philadelphia section,16 otherwise -- other than the area that17 right now is being gentrified by Temple?18 Why? I don't know, but the point I'm19 making is this: I'm not going to wait20 for something to happen to me. I'm not21 going to wait for something to happen to22 one of my children or my loved ones. I'm23 here to speak for the voice of the24 voiceless. And the reality is, let's25 302 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 stop tap dancing around the issue.2 That's why I mentioned it and that's the3 bottom line. Racism and white supremacy,4 it's a systemic issue. If you really5 want to address it, let's address that.6 (Applause.)7
My name is Ernest8 Ford. I was born in Port-au-Prince,9 Haiti in 1960, March 6, 1960. I came10 here in the United States on January the11 27, 1973. I've been a law-abiding12 citizen all my life. As a matter of13 fact, I received an award from the14 Governor of the state, Governor Ed15 Rendell, telling me how my work in this16 community and Commonwealth benefit the17 whole Commonwealth. And how he knew, I18 don't know. But on July 2nd of 2005, a19 year after I received that commendation,20 I was brutalized by uniform police at the21 request of Civil Affairs or unCivil22 Affairs officers who were supposed to23 guard a demonstration. was choked to death by Philadelphia2 Police in West Philly. In this book here that I have5 written -- and it's not a money-making6 scheme. 8 In my country, I used to hear9 about how Papa Doc and Baby Doc were10 ruthless, but here in America when I see11 these boys here, they remind me of Papa12 Doc and Baby Doc and return to my13 (unintelligible). They are in a14 (unintelligible) army. They're not here15 to serve and protect the poor. 17 I'm going to close with this:18 I was beaten during a demonstration19 against police terrorism, because the20 police, days prior to the demonstration,21 choked Shawon Coachman (ph) to death. I22 don't know the man, never seen him23 before. 1 than glad. 5 Basically what shocked me and6 disappointed me the most was when I got7 to the prison, I saw five European8 officers. I won't call them white,9 because they're not white. Five European10 officers in -- not in uniforms. They11 were in T-shirts saying Mumia murdered12 Faulkner. 20 So basically it's wrong. 1 did. 4 I visited him seven times. This man5 don't need to be in prison. This man6 need to be released. 8 As a foreigner looking in, I9 don't like what I'm seeing. You black10 people are helping the oppression of your11 own people. 13 Stand up for your people. Don't14 apologize for oppression. 16 Every day when I drive my17 school bus around the City, I see all18 them vacant houses North Philly, 20th and19 Dauphin. I see people eating out of20 trash cans. That's wrong. You got some21 kind of power. 4 Mr. Rubin "Hurricane" Carter served 205 years in prison. Then they come to find6 out the man was innocent. 7 We going to have to stand up8 for what's right. Like I said, this book9 here will show you how criminal these10 police officers are. I got over there on11 that table all the collections of acts12 committed by Philadelphia Police, crimes13 committed by Philadelphia Police,14 especially the one that said he shot15 himself in the shoulder. Now, how can16 you expect these people to protect you17 when he shot himself in his own shoulder18 and claimed some imaginary person shot19 him? Do you know what that community20 went through? Do you know when the SWAT21 team got into that community, anybody22 that looks like the person they describe23 is in trouble? 24 So, like I said, it's wrong. 1 to have to take this seriously. This is2 not a game. 6 So, my brothers, I'm glad that7 you put this together, but think about8 it. There are -- it's a real crime. Our9 people are being hurt, and Europeans10 don't care. As a matter of fact, they11 love what's going on. Ask any European12 if police terrorism is wrong. They going13 to tell you --14
Thank19 you.20 Are there any questions for21 these witnesses?22 (No response.)23
No. We24 want to thank you for coming in. We25 308 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 really appreciate it.2
What's going to7 happen with the complaints that we8 brought to the Committee's attention?9
Okay.14 Well, earlier we did talk about the15 follow-through process. Once this is16 over, we have a stenographer here that's17 doing notes of testimony. We will read18 that, pull out, and figure out next19 steps.20 Now, if there is a case, as we21 stated earlier, if the case is under22 investigation --23
It's not under24 investigation. September 30th, 2008 was25 309 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 two years ago, as you know, but the2 problem is, sometimes when the police3 beat someone else up, that person,4 especially if they have a record -- and5 the person I'm talking about is not a6 real good guy. However, he never hit a7 police officer, and they reversed the8 charges onto him as if he assaulted an9 officer. I heard someone else say that10 too, that their sister is being charged11 with assault and their case is pending.12 This person is in prison on a13 high level because they are looked at as14 a person that assaulted a police officer15 when they never assaulted this police16 officer.17
There's18 one thing to deal with testimony today19 that's of a legal nature and others that20 are just a suggestion for policy, et21 cetera. So we really have to -- there's22 some things we can do and there's other23 things we may need to refer somewhere24 else.25 310 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1
His name is6 Jeffrey McCray, and I talked to the7 Commissioner some years ago, but the case8 was pending. This is the first9 opportunity that I've had since --10 Internal Affairs, in my opinion, is a11 joke, because they did all the12 intimidation of the witnesses to make the13 witnesses drop out, including14 discouraging a complaint.15
Police district18 around 25th and Thompson. I don't know19 the numbers.20
Well, I'm21 not sure either. I'll just put down --22
I mean, can the25 311 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Commissioner -- who does something about2 this? I've never heard back from3 Internal Affairs.4 And one other thing that I5 failed to mention was also that the6 police are going around stealing things7 from regular civilians. Not all police,8 but you do have police that go through9 these legal searches and while they're10 doing these searches, they steal things.11
Well,12 we've heard some of that. There was an13 article in this week's Sunday paper14 regarding something similar, very15 similar. But we are going to do next16 steps. Okay?17
And we19 have your phone number, we have your20 contact number?21
But we24 have yours? Because you're on the25 312 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 witness list, so we must have it.2
Not to drag9 a lot of comment, and I tried to show10 some discipline not to say something11 every time someone said something so that12 we -- with respect for those people who13 have had such patience to wait for their14 voice to be heard, but I do want to say15 something.16 There will be follow-up from17 this, and I know that there are people18 both in this Council that are taking this19 very seriously. I know there are people20 from this Administration, every time21 something is said that they are following22 up on this. And I understand there's a23 lot of frustration out there because a24 lot has not been done in the cause of25 313 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 justice. But in the cause of justice,2 let me say this -- and I understand the3 emotion that's attached when people are4 victimized, but it is not a black thing.5 It is not a white thing. It is a right6 and wrong thing. And as human beings, we7 all have the God-given right to be8 treated humanely, and that's what this is9 about. That's what this is about.10 Because there are people that do care in11 this body about what's going on. They12 sit there, and they're not sitting here13 just for window dressing. They're going14 to do something about this. And I want15 everyone to understand that right is16 right, wrong is wrong, and we're going to17 do something about it. That's the bottom18 line.19 I listened to all of these20 testimonies, and I take it to heart,21 because I got kids. I got kids and --22 (Someone yelling from23 audience.)24
Wait a25 314 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 minute. I want to finish my point. I2 want to finish my point.3 (Someone yelling from4 audience.)5
I would like6 to finish my point, sir, because I7 listened to you. But I listened to you,8 my friend, and that's only respect among9 human beings.10 (Someone yelling from11 audience.)12
All right.13 But I want to finish my point.14 Just because we are elected15 officials, don't think we're immune.16 That's not true. In my driveway, in my17 driveway in back of my house, there was a18 victim of brutality, and God knows it was19 his plan that I wasn't home at the time,20 because had I been home, it have been two21 of us. It have been two of us, because I22 am my brother's keeper, and that's the23 way I was raised and that's the way I24 will be and that's the way I am as an25 315 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 elected official.2 So I just want to say right is3 right, wrong is wrong. It's not black4 and white.5 Thank you, Madam Chair.6 (People yelling from audience.)7
The next8 panel -- excuse me. Daniela Goode,9 Sabrina Williams and Timothy Goode.10 (Ms. Fisher yelling from11 audience.)12
Miss, sit13 down. Your name is on the list. I told14 you like two hours ago, and we're going15 to get to you very soon.16 (Witnesses approached witness17 table.)18
Robert19 Roberts. Is Robert Roberts here?20 (No response.)21
Because22 we're trying to do three.23 Rosita Burton?24 (No response.)25 316 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1
Okay.17 Come on up to the table.18 (Witness approached witness19 table.)20
Good afternoon. My21 name is Pamela Goode. My husband is22 sitting to my left. 1 was murdered by an officer by the name of2 Anthony Avery from the 39th Police3 District. 10 My son's name was Timothy11 Goode. He was 24 years old, never been12 in trouble, graduated valedictorian of13 his class. However, there's a different14 story with the gentleman that murdered my15 son. 19 Not only those things that we have to be20 enlightened to, but within the last two21 and a half years, we have four young22 African American men that have been23 murdered at the hands of a 39th Police24 District officer. 4 In saying and listening to5 previous testimonies in reference to6 Commissioner Ramsey, I was at a town7 meeting after this happened to my son at8 South Philadelphia High School, and it9 disturbed me and seemed to rowel up the10 officers that were there that by any11 means necessary, a criminal will be12 caught. I took it as any means necessary13 means he may not make it to court, in14 which the officer that killed my son,15 that was his objective. He wasn't going16 to let T make it to court for whatever17 alleged activity -- and I say18 "alleged" -- that he said my son was19 conducting on that evening. 5 My son was not a violent6 person, never been in a fight a day in7 his life. I've never had any problems8 out of my son at all. But we never9 talked about -- there was record10 pertaining to my son's background, but11 I've never heard anything about Anthony12 Avery. 20 That's our goal. I believe in that. I21 believe in that. 1 loved ones -- T was my only son. My only2 son. 8 We're helping to raise my9 grandson now, but yet this gentleman here10 has had a tainted record of being an11 officer. Maybe if he had been taken off12 the streets for a while and had therapy,13 because whenever you unholster your gun14 and put the nozzle up to the head of an15 unarmed person, where that young man's16 sister had to get in between Avery and17 that boy to keep that man from shooting18 her brother, that gentleman had a19 problem. He had a problem. And I20 honestly believe that if he was taken off21 the force for doing such a disservice22 behind the badge, maybe my son would be23 alive right now. 1 I'm also asking that in the2 same respect that the night that my son3 was murdered, not just T was killed that4 night, but Trevar Cephas was killed that5 night as well. So we had two young men6 that were killed by the Philadelphia7 Police Department in one evening. 10 Also, in 2009, we had a young11 man by the name of William Panas that was12 murdered, a Caucasian young man, by a13 civil service police officer, Frank14 Tepper. And I'm wondering that to this15 day, Anthony Avery still has not been16 reprimanded, charged, anything. I have17 not heard anything from the Police18 Department pertaining to my son's case,19 but yet Frank Tepper is sitting behind20 bars now. He murdered William Panas in21 November and was charged in January. 1 do and taunt the African American2 community, which he has said on several3 occasions that what he has done to my4 son, he would do to them. 6 Investigate this allegation against this7 man. 8 I raised my son to be a9 respectable young man. Never once did I10 ever have to -- now -- and I'll be honest11 with you. If I thought that my son was12 deliberately out to execute that man that13 evening or his life was in threat, I14 wouldn't be sitting here right now,15 because then you'd have an eye for an16 eye. That was not the case. My son was17 running from that man to avoid trouble,18 and he pulled out his revolver and he19 shot my son twice in his back, severed20 his spine, his liver. Had he lived, he21 wouldn't have been any more good. Not22 just to mention just my son. I'm not23 just here for my boy, but what about the24 other young people? Ellison and Robin Fortune. Why aren't2 they behind bars? And I send my sympathies to that boy's5 family, to William Panas' family. 9 So with me, it's not a white10 and a black issue.
When you lose a11 child, it hurts just like if you was12 white, black, Chinese, Puerto Rican. It13 doesn't matter. 15 I'm in this place today on my16 birthday. This is a day that we spend17 together. It's a hurt every time a18 birthday come around that I don't have my19 child. 22 T would have been an excellent23 father. What kind of father is Anthony24 Avery? What kind of son is he? 1 mother honestly sit before anybody and2 testify that she has a God-fearing son,3 that she has one that has good merit? I4 can. 5 Not one. Not one. And it even hurt me6 to my heart that when you go onto the7 Internet and you read blogs that people8 put on when they don't know the whole9 truth -- and to those that don't know, T10 was Wilson Goode's great nephew. 13 Not a thing. Not a thing. But you'll14 hear that his family didn't raise him,15 his family -- you don't know anything16 about me and my husband. We are17 hard-working people. I've been a18 secretary for the School District for 1819 years. My husband is a labor foreman for20 Housing Authority. We are hard-working21 people. 2 He wasn't an ignorant person. )9
Along with Chauncey10 Ellison and Robin Fortune. Why aren't11 they behind bars? Lawrence Allen mother12 is grieving too. All right, they've been13 fired, but why they not in jail? If the14 shoe was on the other foot and Avery was15 shot twice in the back, we wouldn't be16 sitting here now. I'd be going to visit17 my son in jail. Anthony Avery's mother18 need to be visiting him in prison.19 None of these things would20 bring back my child, but I want justice.21 We want justice and we want it now. It's22 going on three years. Three years, and23 we don't have an answer. We know that24 the person that killed our child because25 326 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 he's an officer, he's not in prison.2 There's something wrong with that3 picture. There's something wrong with4 that picture.5
Thank6 you, Ms. Goode.7 Mr. Goode, are you going to8 testify?9
I just wanted to10 say that everybody basically said11 everything that go on, and the Councilman12 said it's a right and a wrong, and I'm13 sure people got conscience and hopefully14 one day we could come in the right and15 the wrong way we're going on in the City16 and I guess a whole lot of other places,17 because there's a whole lot of people18 that go through these things and their19 life never going to be the same because20 of the things that happened. And I'm21 sure that a lot of people know what22 happened that night wasn't right, but23 because it was a police officer that did24 it, there's nothing being done about it.25 327 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Hopefully somebody just get down and find2 the answers, just hopefully.3 That's all I have to say.4
Thank5 you.6 Catherine Fisher. Ms. Fisher,7 you're next.8
Pull the10 microphone up to you and identify11 yourself for the record. Thank you.12
Hello. My name is13 Catherine Fisher and I've lived in my14 home in the Far Northeast for 34 years.15 For the last year, I've had to leave my16 home because of the crime and corruption17 that's tied in with the police in that18 district. And my street is a cul-de-sac,19 which had been relatively quiet until the20 immigrant mob moved in. They do not want21 me living there. They want another22 family of their nationality so they can23 carry on with their nefarious activities.24 Am I talking or are you25 328 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 talking, sir?2
No,3 ma'am. You are. He has to tell me4 things every now and then, so you just go5 on and proceed.6
Okay. These7 people have vandalized my house and my8 car, and they have broken in. They have9 stolen things. Worst of all, they have10 threatened me. I've lost my husband and11 my daughter and I'm alone, so I am easy12 prey for them. And, I mean, the whole13 street, except for a couple on the14 corner, who is afraid to get involved,15 are these people. And I turned to the16 police in the 7th District for help, and17 all I got were false promises. For18 example, the community relations officer,19 they would repaint the -- I have to put20 my reading glasses on. I'm sorry.21 The section of my handicap box22 which had been painted for me by the23 City, these criminals had painted over24 that section.25 329 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 No matter what happened to me,2 the 7th will turn their heads the other3 way and eventually would call me a pain4 in the neck and labeled me as crazy.5 That was their favorite thing to do.6 I'm alone. I'm a single woman7 now. I don't have my daughter. And8 these people are on the payroll of -- I9 mean, the cops -- are on the payroll of10 the immigrant mob. This sounds11 outlandish, and it is.12 Can I ask why two people left13 from the panel?14
I think that's20 kind of, A, rude and, two, invalidating.21 This is serious.22
And the other guy.25 330 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1
Well, I2 don't think he was feeling too well. He3 was sitting up here coughing and4 sneezing, and I think he --5
Well,10 he's an employee. He works for me, and11 there's different things he has to do.12 He can't stay seated all day long.13 Please proceed with your testimony.14
Well, the point is15 that the cops are on the payroll of the16 immigrant mob. Okay? This sounds --17 what I said is, this sounds outlandish,18 and it is, but it's true. They have done19 things against me for the mob that are20 incredible, and when I went to make a21 complaint at the 7th District, I was22 patronized by one officer. And then23 coming out of the other room was an24 officer named Oller, who is a huge guy25 331 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 with a pair of handcuffs coming toward2 me, yelling at me to leave or else. And3 he was running after me that he was going4 to handcuff me for making a complaint. I5 mean, is this normal?6 As I said, the police are7 supposed to protect us.8 I'll pay attention to that the9 way everyone else has.10 So anyway -- I'm not kidding.11 But anyway, he starts coming12 toward me with the handcuffs and he kept13 coming toward me, and I left for my own14 safety.15 Most of the district treated me16 disrespectfully and went so far as to17 carry out directives given to them by the18 mob. I even went to a captain's meeting,19 and when I spoke about the problems, I20 was hushed up by the captain and told to21 call him. I tried many times to call him22 and each time was rebuffed. The23 community relations officers there are24 only there to collect a paycheck and25 332 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 that's it. They do nothing for anybody.2 That is why the Inquirer had a3 demographic study of 60,000 people4 leaving the area, and that was one and a5 half years ago. There was a travel agent6 who was harassed by these people, telling7 her that if they didn't hire one of them,8 that she would be in trouble, and they9 kept coming in and coming in until she10 finally moved out of the City.11 There was a 55-year-old man --12 I'm sorry. There was a man who lived in13 his home 55 years on Haldeman Avenue and14 he had to leave. He said he could not15 take it anymore. That's 55 years16 residence.17 And I could go on with the18 stories, like my friend who they had a19 house two doors down, the same immigrant20 mob, and -- I'm really getting21 distracted. I truly am.22 (Someone yelling from23 audience.)24
Thank you.25 333 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Anyway, this friend of mine,2 her husband is a mailman and he saw the3 cop come up to the door of this immigrant4 who is distributing drugs and he came out5 with a bag of it. And, I mean, she said6 to her husband, maybe we should report7 this, and they did. Nothing was done.8 And, I mean, this is serious. You know,9 it really is.10 So I was going to say that I11 realize it is nothing in comparison to12 what this woman has gone through, but I13 am alone and I am easy prey for14 criminals, these criminals, these15 immigrant monsters who have moved into my16 neighborhood. They have brought their17 kids up to hate the Americans. They are18 nothing but criminals and, I mean, I19 can't even live there anymore. So I'm20 almost homeless. I'm living with someone21 right now, and I have been for a year.22 But my home, I've been there for almost23 35 years, and this is unfair. I've lived24 in Philly all my life, you know.25 334 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 And, I mean -- so when I went2 to the captain's meeting and he hushed me3 up, I told him -- I tried to call him.4 He told me to call him. I tried many5 times to call him, and each time was6 rebuffed. He referred me to a community7 relations officer, who did nothing. And8 our neighborhood has been taken over by9 these miscreants and there are drugs and10 body trafficking everywhere.11 The Mayor's Office has ignored12 the entire situation. Because we are in13 the Northeast, we don't seem to get14 recognized. And, I mean, I cannot move15 back to my home, because I am in danger.16 I was threatened during the summer when I17 did come back.18 COUNCILWOMAN MILLER:19 Ms. Fisher?20
There's something24 that's most important.25 335 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1
No. You don't8 have this, and this is the most important9 thing.10
Well, you11 keep repeating. I mean, some of the12 testimony you keep repeating. So if this13 is important, please say it.14
I am not the only15 one who has repeated things. But I16 wanted to tell you this. This really is17 a matter of security as these people, the18 immigrants, are dangerous. They are19 draining the treasury as they get checks20 for everyone in the family and then they21 change their names, even by one letter,22 to keep getting money from our23 government. Do these people come here24 because our President wants to play25 336 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 footsies with the country?2 I believe these immigrants are3 from institutions, either mental or4 penal.5 I feel like I have not even6 been listened to. I really do. Like7 it's been made a big joke, because this8 is not about anyone getting beaten up.9 Not yet anyway. This is horrible. It10 has meant nothing, has it, that I've come11 here? Have I wasted my day? Have I12 wasted my time?13
Well, you14 have to determine whether you've wasted15 your time or not. I can't determine16 that.17
-- like23 anyone else's.24 Does any member of the25 337 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Committee have any questions for2 Ms. Fisher?3 (No response.)4
Okay.5 All right. Thank you. Thank you,6 Ms. Fisher. I believe we do have your7 information.8 (Applause.)9
Sincerely,10 I'm sorry for your loss. Your testimony11 touched me deeply.12
I just wanted to20 just --21 (Witness speaking without22 microphone.)23
I'm sorry. It's24 just so ironic that within a two year's25 338 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 time, four people have lost their lives2 from one police district, and it's in a3 minority neighborhood. Where else does4 something of this caliber happen? And it5 should draw grave concern. This should6 really draw grave concern.7 You know, I thank you for8 holding a public hearing today, and I do9 pray that testimony has not fallen on10 deaf ears and that something is done.11 And we have filed complaints with the12 Police Advisory Commission, and they were13 real courteous in helping us and things,14 but, like I said, this is now going on15 three years and we still have not -- this16 issue -- when you talk to the Police17 Department, it's still under18 investigation. Well, how much more19 investigating can we do here? It's now20 time to take a stand and arrest this man.21 Investigation is over. Anthony Avery22 murdered my son, cold-blooded murder, two23 gunshots to the back. He needs to be in24 jail. He needs to be in jail.25 339 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Thank you.2 (Applause.)3
Thank4 you. Thank you for your testimony. And,5 no, it hasn't fell on deaf ears.6
Ms.10 Fisher, you have to speak into the mike.11 I can't hear you.12
This Officer Oller13 who ran after me with the handcuff14 because I went in to make a complaint, is15 anything going to be done about him?16
Well, I17 can't answer that, you know, right this18 moment.19
Because I22 am -- his supervisors are sitting behind23 you, not up here. But I can't answer24 that.25 340 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1
Well, we4 do know that it was Police District 7 and5 we know that you've been going there off6 and on numerous times.7
You can10 actually talk to Deputy Commissioner Fox11 or Deputy Commissioner Johnson,12 Ms. Fisher.13
Thank18 you. Thank you for coming in.19 We have Akil Parker, Lloyd20 Logan, Michael Jones.21 Sir, what's your name?22
Do we24 have Lloyd Logan and Michael Jones?25 341 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 (Witnesses approached witness2 table.)3
Helen4 Carter, Susan Gess, Blessing Sabir.5 (Witnesses approached witness6 table.)7
Can you8 tell me your name so I can mark you off?9 Ma'am, what's your name?10 I know yours.11
Blessing13 Sabir, okay. Susan Gess is in the red14 sweater.15
Lloyd18 Logan. Michael Jones.19 I'm going to repeat, we are at20 a three-minute limit. I have been21 letting people go over. However, we do22 have more people on the list and I'm23 going to have to be tighter on time.24 Okay?25 342 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 So make sure the mike is up so2 we can hear you and identify yourself for3 the record and proceed with your4 testimony. Thank you.5
15 5401, for egregious abuse of power and16 disregard of the constitutional rights of17 myself and a child in the Philadelphia18 community. I am a mathematics teacher at19 Delaware Valley Charter High School,20 DVCHS, and attended a football game in21 support of my students on the evening of22 September 24th, 2010. Following the game23 played at Benjamin L. 7 Officer Anderson first8 approached a small crowd near me in a9 very disrespectful and intimidating10 manner, reminiscent of a Nazi Germany11 Gestapo, and told these innocent,12 non-threatening teenagers to move and get13 out of here. He then proceeded to take14 out his nightstick and, unprovoked,15 placed it on the thigh of a small-built16 female in order to guide her along. The17 only reason she hadn't moved is because18 she was in the middle of a telephone19 conversation and hadn't processed his20 request as of yet. 22 Is Officer Anderson employed as23 a cowboy? 3 When I witnessed this abuse of4 her human rights, an abhorrent example of5 child abuse, I exercised my duty to6 question the officer. 9 The officer immediately became10 aggressive and hostile with me. 15 Initially, there was a fence16 separating us and he proceeded to say17 that he will continue this conversation18 with me face to face. When he approached19 my personal space in a very barbaric20 attempt to intimidate me, it became21 apparent that he had no desire to further22 engage me in any type of civilized23 conversation. spectator. He was clearly communicating to5 me that he felt justified in this abusive6 power and I would have no means of7 recourse. 9 At this point, several10 colleagues intervened and urged me to11 simply exit while Officer Andrews (sic)12 continued to try and intimate me with a13 barrage of insults and disrespectful14 phrases. I wonder, is that protocol? 7 Officer Anderson violated the Eighth8 Amendment rights of myself and this young9 lady. Is it not unusual punishment to10 even touch a human being with a11 nightstick, especially when he or she is12 conducting one's self in a peaceful13 manner? Doesn't the Fourth Amendment14 guarantee a person's right to be safe in15 his or her person? 4 We also must consider the5 psychological torment involved with6 putting a nightstick in someone's7 personal space or their person. Was this8 officer upholding the mission of the9 Police Department? 10 What service was provided here to my11 student and myself? 14
Excuse15 me, Mr. Parker. Have you -- in the16 beginning you said you have not filed.17
All19 right. Well, I need to call on the next20 person.21
All24 right. Go on. Thirty seconds, okay.25 348 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1
What service was2 provided here to my student and myself?3 Or was he able to just satisfy a shallow4 and fragile ego by exerting authority5 over two people?6 Integrity is defined as7 adherence to moral and ethical principles8 and soundness of moral character. Is it9 moral and ethical to put a stick on the10 leg of a young girl as if she was a farm11 animal? Is it moral and ethical to hit12 me with the same stick as if I too were a13 farm animal?14 Emotional child abuse,15 including belittling and humiliation16 tactics, has long-term deleterious17 effects. As a teacher, I am required by18 law to report this type of abuse. This19 is the major impetus for this letter.20 This abuse of African American21 youth is the norm within our22 neighborhoods and communities and has23 debilitating long-term effects that24 contribute to the same anti-social25 349 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 behaviors that the Police Department is2 charged with regulating.3 Why is your department4 perpetuating and increasing the problems5 of the community by abusing the children6 so regularly and with callous disregard7 for their humanity? When is the8 Philadelphia Police Department going to9 cease to act as soldiers and occupy10 territory and commence to be egalitarian11 in their practices by protecting and12 serving everyone with humanitarian13 respect? And if your department wants to14 protect the wealthy, the educated and the15 propertied residents of Philadelphia,16 along with the business interest they17 support, while waging war against the18 African American community, just be19 honest and candid about it.20
I am Blessing24 Sabir, but as I sit here, I represent25 350 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 Askia Sabur, I represent Tanya Yates, I2 represent Sister Naima Shabazz. And I3 say that because I am a law-abiding4 citizen. I've been raised in5 Philadelphia my entire life, and just in6 the past three months, these names that I7 name here today, I know of many cases,8 but today I can speak directly to the9 character, as these gentlemen in uniform10 got up here and spoke about the character11 of their departments and things like12 that. Well, I can speak directly to the13 character of the names that I mentioned.14 And I want to start with Askia Sabur, a15 friend of mine's from Head Start, pre-K16 and kindergarten on up. You know, we17 were the only Muslims in our classroom.18 Askia -- I just want to speak19 to their characters, and I don't want to20 sit here and talk about -- we already21 know what's going on in the police22 district, but I want you to know about23 the characters of the people who families24 came to represent them today from an25 351 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 outside person looking in.2 Askia is a brother that is an3 asset to our community that you will find4 at rallies when we had stop and go's too5 close to our elementary schools. It was6 our parents that had us out there from7 yay high to fight back against crime in8 our own communities. And to see a tape9 of people who we were raised to respect10 beating, beating a man that I didn't know11 at the time was a friend of mine's, Askia12 Sabur, just knowing that that was13 horrible, pasting it to my Facebook page14 to later find out from his family that15 this is a brother who belongs to a16 brother who upholds this community for 2917 years and counting. I can only speak18 about the ones that I have witnessed.19 To go on to Tanya Yates, which20 is a neighbor, this young lady, she's21 younger than us, so I don't really know22 her on a personal level as I may know23 Askia, but they come from a great family24 of culture, embracing the culture, giving25 352 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 back, teaching us about our roots, about2 black Indians and just how we should be3 able to uphold our communities and become4 assets.5 When I speak about Sister Naima6 Sabur, -- I'm sorry; Naima Shabazz, Jones7 now, this is a good sister. I go to --8 the vocal coach that I frequent, she9 brings her children there. She comes10 with those four beautiful girls that love11 to sing. And I came to her only because12 I heard about it. I didn't know it was13 her until I got there.14 And I do, I see a lack of15 coverage of media partaking in these16 events and showing how the community is17 getting involved.18 But, again, to Sister Naima,19 she has raised five beautiful children.20 She's very active in their lives. She's21 a woman that if you need a job, you can22 holler at her, because she might know23 some information to give you.24 So I just want to make you25 353 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 mindful of the backgrounds of some of2 these stories that we are hearing today.3 And I'm going to -- I'm going to file out4 and let somebody borrow my rollover5 minutes of one.6 (Applause.)7
14 I was born August 10th, 1941 at15 20th and Dauphin Street that my father16 and myself and brothers from Gratersford17 put there as a community center. 22 I was branded to be a very,23 very intelligent black man, too smart to24 be a black man. 1 Cherokee Moore, that our creator is not a2 respect to the people. 10 I go to school, you know,11 intelligent. People in my community know12 that I'm really a smart guy and so they13 help me, and I make it. Some kind of way14 I survive, and people have told me that15 angels have came and ministered to me,16 but I won't even go there. 18 In 1958, I joined United States19 Marine Corps, 17 years old out of Simon20 Gratz High School. I never been called a21 nigger until I got down Parris Island,22 South Carolina under the influence of an23 infamous Sergeant Franks. Nine men in my24 battalion died. 3 My mother -- my father died in4 '96. Very conveniently, Philadelphia5 Police Department locked me up the day6 before my father's funeral. Now, I came7 along with Bill Gray. My first lawyer8 when I first got in any kind of trouble9 was Garfield Levy. Robert C. 10 was one of my lawyers at one time. Cecil11 B. 12 My mother died Valentine's Day13 of 2004. May 30th of 2004, I'm standing14 at 16th and Dauphin Street where I grew15 up at around the corner from Nick's16 Funeral Parlor talking to, unbeknowing to17 me, a guard that I had studied with, been18 in and out of prison, named Sullivan,19 Michael Williams, Jewell Williams'20 brother. 22 Bottom line is, they asked me was I23 intoxicated. 2 So I said, Would you please get3 out of my face, went in my pocket and4 showed them my ID. 11 These are the cops that sort of -- am I12 still -- have I woke up yet? 14 But I stand here today or sit15 here today only by the grace of God to be16 alive on this planet. 19 And, again, Philadelphia Police, you20 know, in my opinion, they're21 unconstitutional. I mean, they're22 children of God. 1 call vigilante or whatever, you know. I2 mean, back in the day we call them the3 man, but why can't us men just stand up4 and be the men that we were created to5 be? And let's face it, we don't need no6 Police Department. 12 I came forward and said that a13 power came to this earth to rob it of its14 material, its gold, its silver, its15 wealth, and that this monetary system is16 not one, in that the word of God is the17 monetary system. And I'll be repeating18 myself to say that integrity, honesty and19 truth that even the police manifest in20 their way -- not all of them are that21 way, but what I said here today is the22 honest to God truth. I was too smart to23 be a black man in 1941. 1 mentality and I suffered again more at2 the hands of Philadelphia -- at that3 time, there was no real black police,4 except for a few. 9
I just want to make13 one comment. Askia's wife was here and14 she asked me to mention to you guys --15 she had to leave. She wanted me to16 mention to you guys that she thought that17 that was a great idea, as do I, for us to18 have another meeting. Can we get a date19 today? When can we get a date for --20
Call my25 359 12/14/10 - PUBLIC SAFETY - BILL 100722, ETC.1 office in about a week or so.2