Police Brutality and Racial Bias Exposed in Deontae Faison Case

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Deontae Faison was tasered multiple times for expired tags on a car he didn’t own.
The lawsuit alleges racial bias in how Faison was treated compared to a white friend.
Using a Taser on someone in water is against police policy and risks serious harm.
Officers are accused of turning off body cameras and disposing of evidence to cover up their actions.
A federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the police for violations of Faison’s rights.
This incident highlights systemic racism and the need for comprehensive police reform.

Police Brutality: The Unjustified Tasering of Deontae Faison

In an alarming display of police violence and racial bias, Deontae Faison, a 35-year-old Black father, faced a horrifying incident that again exposed racism within law enforcement. On April 5, 2024, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, Faison’s life changed after East Bay Regional Parks officer Jonathan Knea used a taser on him over expired vehicle tags that weren’t even his.

The Incident: Reminder of Racial Profiling

The events of that day remind us of ongoing racial profiling in our society. Faison was enjoying a day at the shoreline with a white friend when unwarranted police aggression targeted him. The lawsuit following this incident claims Faison was singled out and treated unfairly, while his white friend, the car’s actual owner, faced no questioning or threats from the police.

This clear difference in treatment reveals the harmful nature of racial bias in law enforcement. It uncovers the sad reality that Black individuals are often seen as guilty until proven otherwise, unlike their white peers who receive the benefit of the doubt.

Taser Use: Violation of Policy and Rights

Officer Knea’s choice to use his taser on Faison was not needed and violated district rules and manufacturer guidelines. The lawsuit states that Knea repeatedly tasered Faison, even while he was in the water—an action forbidden due to increased risk of harm.

Manufacturer warnings against using tasers in water are clear. Still, Officer Knea showed little regard for Faison’s life, deploying the taser as Faison struggled in the water for over 30 minutes before becoming unresponsive. This reckless use of force highlights the undervaluing of Black lives in the justice system.

Cover-Up: The Blue Wall of Silence

If the violent act wasn’t enough, the lawsuit suggests a police attempt to conceal their actions. It alleges officers turned off body cameras, hid evidence, and filed false reports, if true, a serious breach of public trust.

Destroying Faison’s clothes with taser prongs still attached is particularly incriminating. This not only wiped out evidence but also raises questions about the investigation’s integrity. False claims, like officers fearing Faison might be armed, show a readiness to invent stories to justify excessive force.

Legal Action: Seeking Accountability

In response to this abuse of power, a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against the East Bay Regional Park District, Alameda County, and Officer Knea. It alleges Faison’s Fourth Amendment rights were violated, along with battery, false imprisonment, and negligence.

This legal step is more than a pursuit of justice; it’s a challenge to a system allowing such abuse. It’s a call for accountability in a system that often protects officers from consequences.

The Aftermath: Community Pain

The effects of this incident reach beyond Faison and his family. It has caused distress in the community, renewing fears and distrust of law enforcement among Black residents. Trauma from such events passes through generations, reinforcing the belief that Black lives seem unimportant to those meant to protect them.

Systemic Racism: The Root Problem

This incident is not isolated but a symptom of entrenched racism in our society. It reflects a culture of policing that sees Black individuals as threats, leading to unjust force.

Faison being tasered over expired tags on a car not his reveals the readiness of some officers to escalate cases involving Black people. It’s a firm reminder of the urgent need for major police reform.

The Fourth Amendment: Protecting Citizens from Unreasonable Force

The Fourth Amendment safeguards individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Additionally, it requires that law enforcement actions be reasonable and justified (Understanding Use of Force).

In Faison’s case, the excessive use of a taser raises grave concerns about Fourth Amendment violations. Furthermore, officers must have probable cause and use force proportionate to the threat posed (Understanding Use of Force).

Moreover, the lack of probable cause and the failure to de-escalate the situation highlight a disregard for Faison’s constitutional rights. This misuse of power undermines public trust in law enforcement.

Breaking the Blue Wall of Silence

The “Blue Wall of Silence” refers to the unwritten code among police officers not to report misconduct by their peers. Consequently, this code prevents accountability and allows abuses of power to continue unchecked (Strikes and Kicks – Use of Force Directive No. 2).

In Faison’s case, allegations of officers turning off body cameras and disposing of evidence suggest an attempt to cover up their actions. Such behavior deepens mistrust in the justice system.

However, breaking this code is essential for fostering transparency and rebuilding community trust. Policies that encourage officers to report misconduct and protect whistleblowers are vital.

Community Impact and the Call for Accountability

Incidents like Faison’s not only harm the individuals involved but also fracture entire communities. Furthermore, they instill fear and erode confidence in those sworn to protect the public.

The community’s pain is palpable, and the demand for accountability grows louder. Therefore, holding officers responsible for their actions is essential for healing and preventing future injustices (Understanding Use of Force).

Furthermore, calls for reform are intensifying. Advocates urge for changes such as better training, stricter policies on use of force, and improved oversight mechanisms (Strikes and Kicks – Use of Force Directive No. 2).

Ultimately, communities hope that addressing these systemic issues will lead to a transformation in policing that prioritizes justice and equality for all.

Taser Use: Policies and Risks

Tasers are tools designed to subdue individuals with electrical charges. However, they have specific guidelines for safe and appropriate use (208 TASER Device Guidelines).

Officers should use a taser when necessary and after providing a clear warning. Additionally, they must assess the situation to ensure it’s

A Call to Action: Ending Systemic Racism

The tasering of Deontae Faison demands action. Superficial fixes or diversity training are insufficient. Instead, we need to rethink public safety and end structures that maintain law enforcement racial inequality.

We must push for policies holding officers responsible, ensure transparent probes into misconduct, and aim for public safety serving all community members, regardless of race.

Conclusion: Fight for Justice Continues

As we wait for the federal civil rights lawsuit’s outcome, we must not forget the larger struggle for racial justice. Deontae Faison’s case reminds us of ongoing work in this fight.

We must stay alert, keep speaking truth, and not stop working to eliminate the racism troubling our society. The fight for Deontae Faison’s justice is a fight for all who have suffered from a biased system. We cannot afford to lose this battle.

FAQ

Q: Who is Deontae Faison?
A: Deontae Faison is a 35-year-old Black father of two who was subjected to police brutality in an incident involving excessive taser use by an officer.

Q: What happened during the incident involving Deontae Faison?
A: On April 5, 2024, while enjoying a day at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Faison was tasered by officer Jonathan Knea over expired vehicle tags that did not belong to him.

Q: Why was the tasering of Deontae Faison unjustified?
A: The tasering was deemed unjustified as it was a violation of district policy and manufacturer guidelines, especially since Faison was in water, posing heightened risks of injury or death.

Q: What legal action was taken after the incident?
A: A federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against the East Bay Regional Park District, Alameda County, and Officer Knea, alleging violations of Faison’s Fourth Amendment rights, battery, and negligence.

Q: What are the broader implications of this incident?
A: This incident highlights systemic racism within law enforcement, showing how Black individuals are disproportionately targeted and treated unjustly, reinforcing the urgent need for police reform.

Q: What does the community need to do following this event?
A: The community is urged to demand accountability, support comprehensive police reforms, and continue the fight against systemic racism to ensure justice and safety for all.

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.