122 lines
4.9 KiB
Markdown
122 lines
4.9 KiB
Markdown
# Freedom From Police Violence
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!!! danger "Urgent: Ongoing Police Violence"
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As Albertans, we must acknowledge that police violence isn't just an American problem - it's happening right here, right now. Through our tax dollars, we are funding a system that disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples, black and brown folks, and vulnerable communities. This systemic violence threatens everyone's freedom, and we must take responsibility for changing it.
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!!! quote "Community Safety Wisdom"
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"Public safety means building communities where everyone feels safe, not just those with badges."
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[Call Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety](tel:7804159550){ .md-button }
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[Email Minister of Public Safety](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/police-accountability){ .md-button }
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[Call ASIRT (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team)](tel:7804274924){ .md-button }
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[Email ASIRT Director](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/asirt-investigation){ .md-button }
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## Why Do We Need Freedom From Police Violence?
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Because somehow we went from "protect and serve" to "command and control." Let's talk about why true freedom means addressing the ongoing impacts of police violence in Alberta.
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### Our Current "Public Safety" System
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!!! example "The Policing Experience Today"
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1. We call police for every social problem
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2. We militarize our police forces
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3. We ignore systemic racism
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4. We blame victims
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5. We call it "law and order"
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6. We repeat until someone calls it public safety
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## What Real Freedom From Police Violence Looks Like
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- Community safety (not just law enforcement)
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- Mental health first responders (not armed response)
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- Accountability (not just internal reviews)
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- Restorative justice (not just punishment)
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- Community oversight (not just police investigating police)
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### But What About Crime?!
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!!! info "Plot Twist"
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Public safety doesn't mean more police - it means addressing root causes and building stronger communities.
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## What Reformed Public Safety Looks Like
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- Community-led safety initiatives
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- Mental health crisis teams
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- Civilian oversight boards
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- De-escalation as standard practice
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- Cultural competency requirements
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- Restorative justice programs
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## The Economic Reality
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When we reduce policing:
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- Communities become safer
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- Mental health improves
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- Trust rebuilds
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- Resources get better allocated
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- Everyone benefits from community-centered safety
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!!! warning "Reality Check"
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Reform without systemic change is just oppression with better PR.
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!!! tip "Pro Freedom Tip"
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If we think police reform is too radical, let's remember that militarized policing was pretty radical too.
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## Resources and Support
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If you've experienced police violence:
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- Know your rights
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- Document everything
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- Seek legal support
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- Connect with advocacy groups
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- Access mental health support
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!!! warning "Emergency Situations"
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If you're in immediate danger, seek safety first. Document the incident when it's safe to do so.
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## Moving Forward
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Creating freedom from police violence requires systemic change and community engagement. It's about building a society where public safety means safety for everyone, not just some.
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!!! info "Get Involved"
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Join local organizations working on police accountability and community safety initiatives. Change happens when communities come together.
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Remember: Real freedom means freedom for everyone, and that includes freedom from the fear of those meant to protect us.
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---
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## Sources & Evidence
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### Police Oversight Changes
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- **ASIRT** (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team) is now part of the new **Police Review Commission** (restructured 2024)
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- The **Alberta Police Misconduct Database** documents concerning patterns in policing
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- Civilian oversight of police operations remains limited
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- Source: [Alberta Police Review Commission](https://www.alberta.ca/police-review-commission)
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- Source: [Alberta Police Misconduct Database](https://www.policemisconductdatabase.ca/)
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### Indigenous Overrepresentation
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- Indigenous people are **disproportionately affected** by policing practices in Alberta
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- Indigenous peoples remain overrepresented in police encounters and corrections
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- Indigenous women face significantly higher rates of violence
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- Source: [Statistics Canada - Indigenous corrections](https://www.statcan.gc.ca/)
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- Source: [MMIWG Final Report](https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/)
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### Mental Health Crisis Response
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- Mental health crisis calls are often handled by armed officers instead of appropriate crisis workers
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- Community-based safety alternatives remain underfunded
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- Investment in prevention programs lacking
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- Source: [Canadian Mental Health Association - Alberta](https://alberta.cmha.ca/)
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### Resources for Accountability
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- [Alberta Civil Liberties Association](https://www.aclrc.com/)
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- [Aboriginal Legal Services](https://www.aboriginallegal.ca/)
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- [Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association](https://www.ctla.ca/)
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