Unmasking Police Abuse in Kansas City Through Bermeeka Mitchell’s Case

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Bermeeka Mitchell was unlawfully detained and assaulted for recording police.
Officer Blayne Newton has a troubling history of abuse and fatal incidents.
The Kansas City Police Department has not disciplined Newton despite evidence.
Mitchell’s lawsuit resulted in a $65,000 settlement for her unlawful detainment.
Newton’s conduct raises concerns about systemic racism in law enforcement.
Increased accountability measures are necessary for police reform.

Kansas City Police Officer’s History of Abuse Exposed

In a surprising revelation about police behavior, Kansas City Police Officer Blayne Newton’s abusive past has been exposed after a recent settlement with a Black woman he unlawfully detained. This case shows the systemic racism and lack of accountability in law enforcement across the United States.

Unlawful Detainment and Assault at Walmart

On September 11, 2022, Bermeeka Mitchell faced a troubling encounter with Officer Blayne Newton inside a Kansas City Walmart. Mitchell started live streaming on Facebook from the parking lot after noticing police arresting a Black woman accused of shoplifting. Knowing her right to film police in public, Mitchell continued recording inside the store.

A plainclothes security guard quickly confronted Mitchell, demanding she stop recording, claiming it violated “private property” rules. Threatening her with trespassing arrest, the situation escalated when Officer Newton handcuffed Mitchell and took her phone to stop the livestream. This clear violation of Mitchell’s First Amendment rights shows the disregard for civil rights in law enforcement. (Atlanta Black Star).

Blayne Newton’s Troubling History of Police Brutality

Officer Newton’s actions towards Mitchell are part of a disturbing pattern of violence against Black individuals. Since joining the Kansas City Police Department in 2017, he has been involved in the shooting deaths of three people. One case concerned Donnie Sanders, fatally shot during a traffic stop. (Justia Law).

Newton’s brutality isn’t limited to fatal encounters. In a shocking incident, he pressed his knee on a pregnant Black woman’s back, similar to the George Floyd tragedy. This cruel act against a vulnerable person shows Newton’s lack of respect for life and dignity. (Kansas City Defender).

Additionally, Newton was one of three officers involved in tasering a Black teenage boy, leading to a $325,000 settlement. This incident further shows the ongoing issue of police violence against Black youth and the burden it places on taxpayers. (Atlanta Black Star).

Kansas City Police Department’s Failure to Address Misconduct

Even with Newton’s documented history of violence and abuse, the Kansas City Police Department has not taken clear disciplinary actions against him. This lack of accountability sends a chilling message: that officers can act without being punished, even when harming Black community members.

The department’s inaction raises questions about its dedication to protecting and serving all citizens equally. It also highlights the urgent need for police reforms and outside oversight to hold officers accountable.

Understanding Systemic Racism in Policing

Systemic racism refers to the deep-rooted discrimination ingrained in society’s institutions. It goes beyond individual attitudes and is embedded in laws and policies that unfairly target people of color (Systemic And Structural Racism: Definitions, Examples … – PubMed). This form of racism affects every aspect of life, including policing practices.

Examples of systemic racism include biased policing, residential segregation, and unfair sentencing of men and boys of color (Systemic And Structural Racism: Definitions, Examples … – PubMed). These practices create adverse health and social consequences for affected communities. Recognizing systemic racism is a crucial step toward dismantling it.

The case of Officer Newton exemplifies how systemic racism operates within law enforcement. His repeated acts of violence against Black individuals are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern. Without addressing these systemic issues, such misconduct will likely continue unchecked.

The Importance of First Amendment Rights in Holding Police Accountable

Recording police officers in public is a constitutional right recognized by many courts. This right allows citizens to document law enforcement activities, promoting transparency and accountability (Right to record government officials in public Archives). In Mitchell’s case, her attempt to exercise this right resulted in unlawful detention.

The right to record includes both video and audio recording, as long as it does not interfere with police duties (Right to record government officials in public Archives). Courts in various jurisdictions have upheld this right, emphasizing its role in ensuring governmental transparency.

When Officer Newton seized Mitchell’s phone and terminated her livestream, he violated her First Amendment rights. Such actions undermine public trust and hinder efforts to hold law enforcement accountable. Protecting this right is essential for a functioning democracy.

The Role of Civilian Oversight in Ensuring Accountability

Civilian oversight mechanisms are vital in holding police departments accountable to the communities they serve. These entities can investigate complaints, review policies, and make recommendations to improve policing practices (XI. Civilian Oversight – Assessing the Evidence – Foleon).

Civilian oversight boards can conduct independent investigations and hold hearings. They also gather public input and monitor department policies (XI. Civilian Oversight – Assessing the Evidence – Foleon). These actions help ensure that police departments address misconduct effectively.

Implementing robust civilian oversight can prevent incidents like those involving Officer Newton. Holding officers accountable promotes justice and restores community trust.

The Financial Impact of Police Misconduct on Communities

Settlements resulting from police misconduct can strain municipal budgets. Funds used to pay legal fees and compensation divert resources from essential public services. Over time, these costs add up and impact the entire community.

The $65,000 settlement awarded to Mitchell and previous settlements related to Newton’s actions reflect a significant financial burden. This money could have supported education, healthcare, or infrastructure improvements. Taxpayers ultimately bear the cost of unchecked police misconduct.

Addressing police misconduct proactively can reduce these financial strains. By holding officers accountable and implementing reforms, municipalities can allocate resources more effectively.

Bermeeka Mitchell’s Legal Victory and Its Implications

After her stressful encounter with Officer Newton, Bermeeka Mitchell took legal action. In February 2024, she sued Newton, accusing him of assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Kansas City’s Office of Community Complaints supported her claims of excessive force in May 2023.

Mitchell’s legal fight led to a $65,000 settlement in December 2024. Although this compensation acknowledges her rights were violated, it doesn’t resolve the underlying problems that enabled the incident.

The settlement is a clear reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and accountability in police misconduct cases. It also shows the financial costs that unchecked police brutality imposes on cities and taxpayers.

FAQ

Q: Who is Officer Blayne Newton?
A: Officer Blayne Newton is a Kansas City Police Officer implicated in numerous incidents of police misconduct, including the unlawful detainment and assault of Bermeeka Mitchell in September 2022.

Q: What happened during Bermeeka Mitchell’s encounter with Officer Newton?
A: Mitchell was recording police arresting a Black woman at Walmart when Officer Newton handcuffed her, seized her phone, and terminated her livestream, violating her First Amendment rights.

Q: Has Officer Newton faced any disciplinary action?
A: Despite his documented history of violent incidents, the Kansas City Police Department has not taken disciplinary action against Officer Newton, raising concerns about accountability within the department.

Q: What was the outcome of Bermeeka Mitchell’s legal case?
A: Bermeeka Mitchell filed a lawsuit against Officer Newton, which led to a $65,000 settlement awarded to her in December 2024 for the violation of her rights.

Q: What do the incidents involving Officer Newton signify about the police system?
A: These incidents reflect systemic issues of racism and a lack of accountability in American law enforcement, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive police reform.

Q: How can citizens contribute to police reform?
A: Citizens can document instances of police misconduct, advocate for systemic changes, and push for robust oversight mechanisms to hold officers accountable for their actions.

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.