A vivid, cinematic scene featuring a close-up of a Black man with a bruised cheek and a bloodied chin, his expression conveying a mix of hurt and resilience. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting the contours of his face against a blurred backdrop of a dimly lit urban street in Pittsburgh, suggesting a somber mood. In the background, faint outlines of police vehicles can be seen, creating an atmosphere of tension. The image encapsulates the theme of struggle against systemic racism and police brutality. Text overlay:
The recent arrests of Devlon Pridgen and Morgan Daniels highlight systemic police brutality against Black citizens in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania demanding urgent action Image generated by DALL E

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Demanding Police Accountability Amidst Rising Police Brutality

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Devlon Pridgen was subjected to excessive force during his arrest in Pittsburgh.
Pridgen suffered physical injuries but was not charged with any crime.
Activists are demanding transparency and accountability from the police.
Morgan Daniels was arrested and charged with crimes after unclear circumstances.
The Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus is advocating for the dismissal of Daniels’ charges.
The incidents highlight ongoing systemic racism and the urgent need for policing reform.

Police Brutality in Pittsburgh: A Troubling Issue Revealed

The recent arrests of Devlon Pridgen and Morgan Daniels in Pittsburgh have exposed deep issues of police brutality and racial bias. These incidents show Black Americans’ ongoing fight for fairness and equality.

Racial Disparities in Policing & Police Violence Against Black People

Racial Disparities in Policing

Black Arrest Rate vs. White (2016)

2.12×

In 2016, Black people were arrested at a rate 2.12 times that of white people for “drug abuse,” an increase of about 61% since 1980.

Police Violence Against Black People

Documented Incidents in Last 5 Years

1,377

In just the past five years, there have been at least 1,377 documented incidents of police officers shooting and killing Black people.

Excessive Force: The Harsh Truth of Pittsburgh Policing

On December 29, 2024, Devlon Pridgen, a Black man, suffered at the hands of Pittsburgh police. They claimed to arrest him, but it turned into a violent attack. Several officers pinned Pridgen to the ground, hitting him repeatedly while he was unarmed and not fighting back.

The Pittsburgh NAACP and the Black Political Empowerment Project openly criticized the officers’ actions, calling them "far more aggressive than necessary." This assessment condemns both the officers and the culture behind such actions. (Atlanta Black Star).

Photos showed Pridgen’s injuries, including bruises and a bloodied chin, highlighting the needless violence he faced. These images remind us of the risk Black people endure from those meant to protect them.

The True Cost of Police Brutality

This incident's impact goes beyond physical harm. William Anderson, the Allegheny Democratic Black Caucus Chair, pointed out that Pridgen was emotionally hurt, too, as he is a father of eight. This shows how police violence can tear apart families and communities.

Pridgen faced no charges, highlighting the randomness of arrests driven by violence. If there was no crime, why was force needed? This shows a deeper problem where Black individuals are unfairly targeted and harmed.

Pittsburgh Police: A Pattern of Abuse?

The arrest of Morgan Daniels on December 31, 2024, adds to the concerns about Pittsburgh Police. Unlike Pridgen, Daniels was charged with multiple offenses, but the reasons behind her charges remain unclear.

The Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus demands the charges against Daniels be dropped, accusing the police of using charges to defend their aggression. This suggests a pattern of violence first and justification after.

Calling for Accountability Amidst Injustice

Local activists and leaders demand transparency and accountability when reacting to these incidents. The NAACP and Black Political Empowerment Project’s demand for an investigation shows their refusal to let such cruelty go unchecked.

These calls for action signal more than a response to single events. They urge for change in a system that has long hurt Black communities. Insisting on transparency goes beyond these cases; it seeks to reveal widespread issues in American policing.

Systemic Racism: The Root of Police Brutality

The events in Pittsburgh aren't rare; they're symptoms of racism that run deep. The excessive force against Black individuals shows the ingrained biases in law enforcement.

This systemic racism is evident in the different ways Pridgen and Daniels were treated compared to white individuals. The tendency to see them as criminals, quickly using force and then justifying it, are signs of a system that oppresses Black communities.

Understanding Police Brutality and Excessive Force

Police brutality is when officers use more force than necessary against individuals or groups. This misuse of power is a serious violation of civil rights. It can include various forms of violence like beatings, shootings, or improper restraints. Sometimes, officers use force even when no threat is present. This behavior is especially dangerous when it's influenced by racial bias. (Wikipedia - Police Brutality)

What Is Excessive Force?

Excessive Force Icon

Excessive Force: When police use more violence than needed in a situation. This can involve improper restraints, unwarranted use of tasers, or prohibited techniques like chokeholds. Such actions can cause serious injuries or even death, impacting not just individuals but entire communities.

The Impact on Families and Communities

Police violence doesn't just affect the individuals involved. It has a ripple effect on families and communities. When someone is hurt or killed, their family faces emotional and financial hardships. Children lose parents, and households lose income. Moreover, communities experience increased tension and mistrust toward law enforcement. This erosion of trust makes it harder to maintain safe and supportive neighborhoods. (Harvard Gazette - Solving Racial Disparities in Policing)

Additionally, the stress and trauma from these incidents can lead to long-term mental health issues. The fear of interacting with police can become a daily reality for many. Therefore, understanding the broader impact is crucial for addressing the problem effectively.

Community-Based Solutions as a Path Forward

Instead of relying solely on traditional policing, many advocate for community-based solutions. These involve investing in programs that address the root causes of crime, like poverty and lack of education. For instance, mental health services and crisis intervention teams can respond to emergencies where police might not be the best option. By focusing on prevention and support, communities can build safer environments. (Defund the Police - Alternatives to Police Services)

Moreover, reallocating funds from police departments to these community programs is often referred to as defunding the police. This doesn't mean eliminating police but shifting resources to services that can better meet community needs. Changes like these can help reduce instances of police brutality and systemic racism.

A Call to Action: Collective Organizing for Change

Community action is essential to making meaningful progress. Organizing protests, engaging in local government, and supporting grassroots programs can drive change. Successful initiatives often involve community members coming together to advocate for policy changes. Participation in decision-making ensures that reforms address the people's real concerns. (Harvard Gazette - Solving Racial Disparities in Policing)

Furthermore, staying informed and involved helps maintain momentum toward justice. Every voice matters, and collective efforts can lead to a system where everyone's rights are respected. So, it's important to continue pushing for accountability and community-centered solutions.

The Path Forward: Dismantling Instead of Reforming

These Pittsburgh incidents stress the urgent need for significant changes in policing. Reforms have failed to fix racism and violence. A new vision for public safety is necessary, one that doesn't rely on current policing methods.

  1. Defunding and demilitarizing police departments
  2. Investing in community-based solutions for public safety
  3. Implementing strong accountability measures for law enforcement
  4. Addressing the causes of crime through social and economic justice initiatives

The brutality in Pittsburgh reminds us that the fight for Black lives is ongoing. These are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of racial bias and police violence in our nation.

FAQ

Q: What recent events have highlighted police brutality in Pittsburgh?
A: The arrests of Devlon Pridgen and Morgan Daniels have exposed systemic issues of police brutality and racism within law enforcement in Pittsburgh.

Q: What happened to Devlon Pridgen during his arrest?
A: Devlon Pridgen was subjected to excessive force by multiple police officers, resulting in physical injuries despite being unarmed and not resisting arrest.

Q: How have local organizations responded to these incidents?
A: Organizations like the Pittsburgh NAACP and the Black Political Empowerment Project have called for accountability and transparency in the wake of these brutal arrests.

Q: What does the absence of charges against Pridgen indicate?
A: The lack of charges against Pridgen suggests the arbitrary nature of violent arrests, raising questions about the justification for the excessive force used.

Q: What are the proposed changes to address police brutality?
A: Suggested measures include defunding and demilitarizing police departments, investing in community-based solutions, and implementing stringent accountability for law enforcement.

Q: What larger issue does the situation in Pittsburgh represent?
A: The events in Pittsburgh reflect a broader pattern of systemic racism and police violence in America, demanding urgent action and long-term change.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.