Force

New Hawaii Law Requires Transparency and Accountability in Police Use of Force

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HONOLULU, HAWAII – A new law took effect on January 1st, requiring all police agencies in Hawaii to have accessible written policies on the use of force. This legislation, known as Act 190, also allows these policies and related training to be presented as evidence in legal proceedings. The law mandates that law enforcement officers report instances of excessive force by their colleagues and receive training aimed at reducing the use of excessive force. Act 190 was signed into law by Governor Josh Green in July of the previous year. The bill, Senate Bill 151, … Read more

Unveiling the Mystery: Cloquet Shooting Raises Questions as New Gun Safety Laws Enter Force

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CLOQUET, Minn. – The motive behind a recent shooting in Cloquet, Minnesota remains unknown as new gun safety laws take effect. Authorities are still investigating the shooting incident, which occurred on Monday. Details regarding the identities of those involved, the firearm used, and the motive behind the shooting have not been disclosed. The local police department is working diligently to gather information and uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. The shooting has fueled discussions surrounding gun safety laws. With the recent implementation of new legislation, there is increased focus on preventing incidents like this. The … Read more

Salem Man Awarded Over $3 Million in Damages for False Arrest and Excessive Force by Police Officer

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SALEM, Oregon – A jury has awarded more than $3 million in damages to a Salem man who was wrongly accused of car theft and subjected to excessive force by a police officer. The eight-member jury found that Salem Officer David S. Baker violated Christopher Garza’s civil rights and committed battery and false arrest. The city of Salem has been ordered to pay $2 million in punitive damages, $1 million in non-economic damages, and $150,000 in economic damages. Garza, who is of Native American and Latino descent, was working on a broken car in the … Read more

Oregon Man Awarded Over $3.1 Million in Landmark Case Against Police Officer’s Excessive Force and False Arrest

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SALEM, Oregon – In a recent verdict, a jury in Oregon awarded Christopher Garza over $3.1 million after he was falsely accused of attempting to steal a car he was fixing and allegedly subjected to excessive force during his arrest. The jury’s decision included a punitive damages award of more than $3 million for false arrest, battery, and the use of excessive force. These events took place in 2021 at a tire store in Salem. According to the lawsuit filed by Garza, the incident occurred on September 17, 2021, when Salem Officer David Baker allegedly … Read more