No-Knock Raids Expose Systemic Racism in Mobile Police Practices

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Randall Adjessom was killed during a no-knock raid targeting his brother.
Medical assistance for Randall was delayed, worsening his injuries.
The lawsuit claims systemic excessive force by the Mobile Police Department.
Independent investigation highlighted racial biases affecting police behavior.
No-knock warrants raise significant legal and ethical concerns.
Systemic racism in policing demands urgent reforms to prevent future tragedies.

The Tragic Death of Randall Adjessom

In the early hours of November 13, 2023, a no-knock raid by Mobile police turned deadly. Sixteen-year-old Randall Adjessom was killed in his home during a bungled operation aimed at his older brother, Deangelo. The police were after Deangelo for suspected marijuana possession and distribution, but he didn’t even live there.

Randall thought the intruders were robbers and grabbed a gun to defend his home. When he realized it was the police, he tried to surrender but was shot four times. Sadly, Randall was denied quick medical help and lay wounded for nearly an hour before being taken to a nearby hospital. This delay likely contributed to his death.

A Pattern of Excessive Force Against People of Color

This tragic shooting is not isolated but part of a bigger trend of police violence affecting communities of color more than others. Randall’s mother filed a federal lawsuit, claiming the Mobile Police Department (MPD) has a history of unchecked excessive force, especially against young Black men and boys.

The lawsuit argues this culture of violence led to Randall’s death. It accuses MPD of ignoring citizens’ constitutional rights. An investigation by former federal prosecutor Kenyen Brown supports these claims, finding frequent misconduct among Mobile police officers.

Preconceived Notions and Racial Bias

Brown’s report showed officers thought the home’s residents were dangerous even without evidence of violent backgrounds. This likely came from racial bias and led to their aggressive actions. The findings suggest stereotypes about Black Americans run deep in the department, affecting officers’ decisions.

Questionable Legality of No-Knock Raids

The raid’s legality is also questioned because the warrant didn’t allow a no-knock entry. These warrants are scrutinized nationwide for their dangerous outcomes. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice changed its policy to limit no-knock warrants due to their risks.

The events leading to Randall’s death started on November 9, 2023, when Mobile police stopped Deangelo Adjessom. They found a small amount of marijuana, a firearm, and signs suggesting intent to distribute. This minor stop turned into a large-scale raid on a family home, resulting in the death of an innocent teenager.

Understanding No-Knock Raids and Their Risks

No-knock raids allow police to enter a home without announcing themselves. These raids aim to prevent suspects from destroying evidence or posing a threat. However, they come with high risks, especially for innocent occupants who may react defensively. The warrant used in the raid that killed Randall did not even authorize a no-knock entry (Cornell Law School). Yet, the police proceeded without warning, leading to a fatal misunderstanding.

The Warrior Mentality and Its Impact on Policing

Many officers adopt a “warrior mentality,” seeing themselves as soldiers in a battle. This mindset encourages aggression and suspicion toward civilians. Officers with this outlook are more likely to use force and less likely to engage in community-building. This approach can escalate situations that might otherwise be resolved peacefully (Policing and Society Journal).

Implicit Bias: The Hidden Influence

Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes that affect our understanding and actions. Police officers might unknowingly associate Black individuals with danger due to societal stereotypes. These biases can lead to disproportionate scrutiny and use of force against people of color (Policing and Society Journal). Recognizing and addressing implicit bias is essential to prevent unfair treatment.

Barriers to Accountability in Law Enforcement

A lack of effective accountability measures allows misconduct to persist. Many police departments lack independent oversight, making it hard to investigate complaints fairly. Without transparency, officers who use excessive force may face little consequence. Enhancing accountability requires independent review boards and clear disciplinary policies (National Police Foundation).

Systemic Racism in Policing: A National Crisis

The tragedy in Mobile highlights the systemic racism affecting policing across the United States. Black Americans are often unfairly targeted by police scrutiny and excessive force. They are killed at much higher rates by law enforcement compared to their white counterparts. This bias goes beyond individual officers and affects entire departments and the whole criminal justice system.

The “warrior mentality” often promoted in police training adds to these problems, creating a mindset that sees communities of color as threats. This attitude, along with unrecognized racial biases, creates a dangerous situation in every interaction between police and people of color.

Accountability and Reform: A Long Road Ahead

The lawsuit against the Mobile Police Department and the city of Mobile is a step toward accountability. However, real justice for Randall Adjessom and many other victims of police violence calls for major changes in law enforcement’s structure and culture in America.

Meaningful reform needs to tackle racial bias in policing at its roots. This includes overhauling training programs to focus on de-escalation and community engagement. It’s also important to enforce strict measures against officer misconduct and rethink the role of police in society.

Challenging the Foundation of Systemic Racism

The fatal shooting of Randall Adjessom is a tragic result of deep-rooted systemic racism in American policing. It shows the urgent need for major reform and reevaluating law enforcement’s role in our communities. As we face this crisis, we must challenge not only individual incidents of misconduct but also the very foundation of a system built on racial inequality and oppression.

The fight for justice for Randall and all victims of police violence is part of a bigger battle against systemic racism. It requires a strong commitment to dismantling oppressive structures and building a society where Black lives are valued. Through ongoing efforts and significant change, we can hope to create a future where tragedies like Randall’s death become rare and not part of the news.

FAQ

Q: What was the incident that led to Randall Adjessom’s death?
A: Randall Adjessom was fatally shot during a no-knock raid by Mobile police on November 13, 2023, mistakenly believing the police were intruders. The raid was aimed at his brother, Deangelo, who did not live there.

Q: What are the key accusations against the Mobile Police Department?
A: Randall’s mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging a culture of “unchecked excessive force” targeting young Black men, claiming the department’s conduct showed “deliberate indifference” to constitutional rights.

Q: How does racial bias play a role in this case?
A: An independent report revealed that officers had a “preconceived notion” of danger regarding the home’s occupants, influenced by racial stereotypes, contributing to their aggressive tactics.

Q: What is the current debate surrounding no-knock raids?
A: The legality of no-knock raids is being questioned, which can lead to tragic outcomes. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice limited their use, acknowledging these risks.

Q: What does the broader issue of policing in America involve?
A: The situation illustrates systemic racism within law enforcement, highlighting the disproportionate targeting of Black Americans, and emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive police reform.

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.