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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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| KEY TAKEAWAYS |
|---|
| Fleen Myles III was shot by a police officer after a traffic stop for a minor infraction. |
| The lawsuit alleges a history of police harassment against Black individuals by Shreveport Police. |
| The Shreveport Police Department is accused of systemic racism and excessive use of force. |
| Statistics indicate Black residents are over six times more likely to be shot by police. |
| The SPD allegedly failed to properly train officers, contributing to a culture of excessive force. |
| Community initiatives and reforms are urgently needed to address systemic policing issues. |
Shreveport Police Brutality: A Pattern of Excessive Force Against Black Residents
The Fatal Shooting of Fleen Myles III
On November 5, 2023, a Shreveport police officer named Maverick Caldwell II shot Fleen Myles III, a 33-year-old Black man. The incident began as a traffic stop due to a window tint violation and quickly turned deadly. Myles was ordered to show identification, although there was no reason to suspect him of wrongdoing. The situation escalated when Caldwell threatened to shoot Myles, even though he was unarmed and trying to comply (Lawsuit filed against Louisiana police a year after fatal shooting).
Racial Disparities in Police Shootings
During the foot chase, Caldwell used his Taser and shouted, “I’ll shoot you!” before following through on his threat. This tragic event highlights the dangerous reality Black individuals face during police encounters, even in normal situations (He Was Scared for His Life).
A History of Harassment and Targeting
According to Myles’ family, the lawsuit accuses the police of sinister motives. It claims the Shreveport Police Department targeted Myles for refusing to act as a confidential informant against his nephew. This allegation reveals a disturbing use of aggressive tactics and retaliation toward community members who do not comply (Lawsuit filed against Louisiana police a year after fatal shooting).
Systemic Issues Within the Shreveport Police Department
Statistics show the Shreveport Police Department has a troubling record of using excessive force, mostly against Black residents. Black individuals in Shreveport face a risk of being shot and killed by police more than six times higher than white residents. This clear disparity shows systemic racism in the department’s practices (He Was Scared for His Life).
Understanding Excessive Force and Its Implications
Excessive force occurs when police use more physical power than necessary to handle a situation or protect themselves and others. It is determined by whether an officer reasonably believed the amount of force used was needed for a legitimate purpose (FindLaw). Yet, there are no exact definitions for “reasonable belief” or “necessary,” leaving these terms open to interpretation by courts and juries.
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Courts use the “objective reasonableness” standard to assess excessive force claims. This means they consider if a reasonable officer in the same situation would have used similar force (Nolo). Therefore, the use of force must match the level of threat faced by the officer.
Sadly, disproportionate use of force often affects Black communities. Tackling a non-threatening person or using a Taser on someone who poses no danger is considered excessive (Excessive Force By Police Officers: A Complete Guide (2023)). This misuse of power undermines public trust in law enforcement.
The Role of Systemic Racism in Policing
Understanding Systemic Racism
Systemic Racism: Policies and practices in institutions that disadvantage certain groups. Unlike personal prejudice, it exists within social, economic, and political systems around us. Recognizing this form of racism is key to addressing the root causes of racial inequalities in policing and other areas.
Systemic racism in law enforcement manifests through policies and practices that unfairly target certain racial groups. For instance, stop-and-frisk policies and racial profiling lead to higher arrest rates and use of force against Black individuals (Excessive Use of Force By Police | Sivin, Miller, & Roche, LLP). This creates a cycle of mistrust and fear between communities and the police.
Moreover, studies show that Black people are more likely to be stopped, searched, and subjected to force compared to others. This highlights deep-rooted disparities in policing practices (Excessive Use of Force By Police | Sivin, Miller, & Roche, LLP). Addressing systemic racism is crucial for building fair and just law enforcement systems.
The Importance of De-escalation Techniques
De-escalation techniques are methods officers use to reduce tension and avoid using force. They focus on communication, empathy, and patience. By using verbal skills, officers can calm individuals and resolve situations peacefully (Excessive Force By Police Officers: A Complete Guide (2023)).
Police departments are adopting de-escalation training to help officers manage crises, especially when dealing with mental health issues. This training teaches them to recognize signs of distress and respond appropriately (Excessive Force By Police Officers: A Complete Guide (2023)). As a result, incidents can be resolved without harm.
Effective de-escalation involves understanding each situation from all perspectives. By minimizing the risk of physical confrontation, officers can build trust within the communities they serve (Excessive Use of Force By Police | Sivin, Miller, & Roche, LLP).
Moving Towards Community-Led Initiatives
Community-led initiatives empower residents to take part in shaping public safety policies. Programs developed by community members can address policing practices, enhance relations, and ensure that law enforcement meets the community’s needs (Excessive Force By Police Officers: A Complete Guide (2023)).
These initiatives might involve community policing programs where officers engage positively with residents. Building trust and addressing local concerns create a safer environment for everyone (Excessive Force By Police Officers: A Complete Guide (2023)).
Additionally, establishing civilian review boards can oversee police conduct and promote accountability. When communities have a voice in policing, transparency increases, and tensions decrease (Excessive Use of Force By Police | Sivin, Miller, & Roche, LLP).
Failure to Train and Accountability
Impact of Police Training on Use of Force
Comprehensive Training
Departments with more comprehensive training programs show lower rates of police violence.
Stricter Policies
Departments with stricter use-of-force policies experience reduced instances of excessive force.
The lawsuit challenges the SPD not only for officer misconduct but for fostering an environment where excessive force is tolerated. It alleges a failure to offer proper training to officers and implement good policies. Instead, the SPD is accused of encouraging unconstitutional force through its policies, creating a culture of impunity (He Was Scared for His Life).
A Pattern of Fatal Encounters
Myles’ death is not an isolated case but part of ongoing police violence against Black residents in Shreveport. The lawsuit points to other tragic cases, including:
- The shooting of unarmed Alonzo Bagley in January 2018 resulted in federal charges.
- The killing of Anthony Childs in February 2019 for a minor “sagging pants” offense.
These cases illustrate a recurring pattern of minor infractions turning into deadly incidents, particularly with Black individuals (Lawsuit filed against Louisiana police a year after fatal shooting).
Creating a Climate of Fear
The effects of these incidents and SPD’s practices create a fearful atmosphere for Shreveport’s Black residents. Attorney Bakari Sellers called it a “war zone” with the police as an “occupying army.” This method erodes trust and continues the cycle of violence (He Was Scared for His Life).
The Urgent Need for Systemic Change
The lawsuit filed by Myles’ family on November 4, 2024, calls for reform within the Shreveport Police Department. It demands officer accountability and questions the system promoting racial disparities.
Real change requires:
- An overhaul of training programs focused on de-escalation techniques and bias awareness.
- Strict accountability measures for officers using excessive force.
- Community-led efforts to redefine public safety in Black neighborhoods.
- Independent investigations into police shootings and misconduct claims.
- Reallocation of resources from military-style policing to community-based programs.
Conclusion: Dismantling Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement
The death of Fleen Myles III and the lawsuit highlight the urgent need to confront systemic racism in law enforcement. In this case, the excessive force, targeting, and lack of accountability are part of a national crisis.
As we tackle these issues, it’s vital to amplify those most affected by police violence and center their experiences in the fight for change. We can create a society that truly values Black lives through sustained effort, organizing, and rethinking public safety.
The journey is challenging, but justice demands a complete change in law enforcement. The memory of Fleen Myles III and others lost to police violence urges us to persist in this important fight for a better future.
FAQ
Q: What incident prompted the lawsuit against the Shreveport Police Department?
A: The lawsuit was filed following the fatal shooting of Fleen Myles III by Officer Maverick Caldwell II during a traffic stop on November 5, 2023, which escalated unnecessarily.
Q: What allegations are made against the Shreveport Police Department in the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit alleges that the SPD has a pattern of excessive force targeting Black residents, a failure to train officers adequately, and a culture that encourages unconstitutional use of force.
Q: How does the lawsuit describe the relationship between law enforcement and Black communities in Shreveport?
A: It highlights a pervasive climate of fear, comparing the SPD’s approach to that of an “occupying army,” which erodes community trust and perpetuates violence.
Q: What systemic changes are being demanded in response to these issues?
A: The call for reform includes better officer training, strict accountability measures, community-led safety initiatives, and independent investigations into police misconduct.
Q: Why is the case of Fleen Myles III significant in a broader context?
A: His death is part of a troubling trend of police violence against Black residents, revealing systemic racism in law enforcement practices that is reflective of a national crisis.
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.
