Archive for May, 2010

By now many of you have probably heard of the unfortunate and tragic event that resulted in the death of a 7-year-old Detroit girl, Aiyana Stanley Jones. This horrific tragedy is now making headlines nationwide and the city of Detroit is starting to feel the pressure.

The shooting took place during a raid of a home in search of a murder suspect. The details remain unclear as what to exactly happen, but it is believed the girl was shot by one of the participating officers.

Not much is certain at this point as to what exactly happened to cause the officer’s gun to be fired. The Detroit Police Department has turned over the investigation to the Michigan State Police.

There is contradicting evidence between the media and authorities, which has continued to grab the attention of people across the country. This is on top of, well known attorney, Geoffrey Fieger’s involvement who is representing the girl’s family and has filed a civil suit. Fieger filed lawsuits both in U.S. District Court and Wayne County Circuit Court which accused the Detroit Police Department for civil rights violations, gross negligence, and conspiracy to hide the facts of the tragedy.

We know this is a touchy subject, but want to know your thoughts on what took and is taken place surrounding this unfortunate event. There have been a lot of shootings lately in Detroit, involving both civilians and police officers as the victims.

How do you feel this should be handled as law enforcement professionals? What could, or should have been done to prevent this tragedy from happening? We invite all comments on this subject, but please remember to be respectful to the situation.

We want to send our condolences to the family of the Aiyana Stanley Jones and are terribly sorry for your loss.

Complete coverage of this event can be found in detail on the Detroit Free Press website.

Last month POAM wrote a blog covering the Hutaree Michigan Militia raids. Since then all 9 members have been incarcerated awaiting their trial. It was on Monday (May 3^rd) that U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts ordered the release of the Hutaree freed on bond. Despite the objections from federal officers, Roberts believes the Hutaree members have the right to venomous and hateful speech and this is protected by the first amendment.

Let us keep in mind that this is the same group of nine people that are awaiting trial for being charged with seditious conspiracy, attempting to use weapons of mass destruction and possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. On top of this, there is also evidence linked to a devised plan to engage a war on government and law enforcement officials.

Based on the public’s interest of her decision made on Monday, Roberts has delayed the release until Wednesday, May 5^th. She has given prosecutors until 5 p.m. May 5^th to tell her whether or not their will be an appeal on her original decision.

“The United States is correct that it need not wait until people are killed before it arrests conspirators,” Roberts said in her decision. “But, the defendants are also correct: Their right to engage in hate-filled, venomous speech is a right that deserves First Amendment protection.”

If the militia members are released, Judge Roberts has imposed two-dozen bond restrictions that would limit each individual from going back out and starting this all over. To start, each individual will be on house arrest and be required to live an electronic monitoring and curfew. The members will also be required to hand over any and all firearms and permits that go with it. Also they have to turn over all of their firearms and permits that go with them. They are also not allowed to have any contact with co-defendants or other militia groups. Still, does that justify the fact of ruling for their release? We will find out at 5 pm today (May 5^th) of what the decision will be. What are some of your guys’ thoughts on the topic? Please feel free to share your comments with us, we appreciate your feedback.