Hi there,

As we demand justice for Breonna Taylor–the Black woman gunned down in her own home by police who came to the wrong address–let’s not forget our opportunity to bring justice to our own community. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing a few stories with you about what we can do to make Berkeley a more equitable community. And it starts with an end to police torture. But, as a new and disturbing op-ed shows, our mayor has supported some of the most violent tactics used by police, including the use of spit hoods.

The use of spit hoods achieved national controversy because of the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester. Daniel begged and pleaded for his life, only to be slowly suffocated by the use of a device that Amnesty International has called “a cruel and dangerous form of restraint.” Yet when confronted with disturbing video footage of the Berkeley PD’s use of spit hoods -- which have been banned in cities across the nation and are disproportionately deployed against communities of color -- our Mayor bowed to conservative elements of the Berkeley police department, enabling them when a strong leader would have demanded decency and accountability.

He was wrong then, and he is still wrong today. 

Unlike our mayor, I have been a principled supporter of police reform for over 20 years. As an attorney, I have defended victims of police misconduct. Indeed, I have been on the other side of police misconduct myself. I was arrested for the first time 15+ years ago, when a Chicago police officer slammed my face into the concrete during a peaceful protest. (The charges were dismissed). I am committed to achieving an end to police brutality, including the use of cruel devices such as spit hoods. 

But to achieve that goal, we need your help. Can we count on your support?

- Wayne