Detroit Greens a local of the Green Party of Michigan

Will Copeland is a local coordinator for the US Social Forum

Dear Attorney General Holder,
askdoj@usdoj.gov

The recent horrifying death of Aiyana Stanley Jones in Detroit at the hands of a paramilitary fugitive apprehension team of the Detroit Police Department has saddened, pained and angered many of us who work for peace in the city. The furtherance of this horror was reflected with the presence of the producers of A&E “First 48″ television program as they tagged along as an incendiary grenade was thrown into the home of a sleeping family that included children.

This uptick in violence by local police agencies has been fostered by money from various U.S. Justice Department programs. The life of 7-year-old Aiyana Jones was snuffed out as producers sought sensational video, and as Detroit Police Department officers charged the door, according to family members, in a quasi “no-knock” fashion.

Similar acts of military incursions are occuring throughout this country. We feel that this most recent death signals a needed change in policy to save the lives of citizens and law enforcement officers alike. Please, I am writing you to lead the Justice Department in an investigation as to policing policies and the use of police force in neighborhoods and communities.

The Detroit Police Department has been under two Federal Consent decrees for “Use of Force” and “Issues of Confinement” since 2003, and they are still not in compliance.

Attorney General Holder, people throughout the world are watching. They want to know if you will make a bold effort for humanity and peace, or whether you will acquiesce in the face of this great human tragedy. We sincerely hope that you will act decisively to investigate this horrific tragedy.

Sincerely,

William Copeland

Redford, MI

Article on
http://adriennemareebrown.net/blog/?p=1423