Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Electronic Frontier Foundation (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

EFF Sues Police Standards Agency to Obtain Use of Force Training Materials

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


Police Group Abusing Copyright Law to Withhold Documents, Violate Public Records Act

Woodland, California—The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) sued the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to obtain materials showing how police are trained in the use of force, after the organization cited third-party copyright interests to illegally withhold them from the public.

The lawsuit, filed under California’s Public Records Act (PRA), seeks a court order forcing POST to make public unredacted copies of outlines for a number of police training courses, including training on use of force. As the country struggles to process the many painful-to-watch examples of extensive and deadly use of force by police, Californians have a right to know what officers are being trained to do, and how they are being trained. The complaint was filed yesterday in the Superior Court of California, Yolo County.

California lawmakers recognized the need for more transparency in law enforcement by passing SB 978, which took effect last year. The law requires POST and local law enforcement agencies to publish, in a conspicuous space on their websites, training manuals and other materials about policies and practices.

“POST is unlawfully hiding this material,” said EFF Staff Attorney Cara Gagliano. “SB 978 is clear—police must allow the public to see its training manuals. Doing so helps educate the community about what to expect and how to behave during police encounters, and helps to hold police accountable when they don’t comply with their training.”

As part of a 2020 review of POST’s compliance with the law, EFF discovered that the use of force training materials were not on its website. EFF requested the documents under the PRA and was sent copies of documents listing use of force training providers and certification dates. The only substantive documents it received were heavily redacted copies of the course outlines, with just the subject headings visible.

POST said it would not make public the material because the California Peace Officers Association (CPOA), which created the training manuals, had made a copyright claim over the materials and requested they not be published on a public website. POST agreed, citing compliance with federal copyright law.

But SB 978 mandates that POST must publish training manuals if the materials would be available to the public under the PRA, which does not contain any exception for copyrighted material. What’s more, the PRA says state agencies can’t allow “other parties” to control whether information subject to the law can be disclosed.

“Copyright law is not a valid excuse for POST to evade its obligation under the law to make training materials public,” said Gagliano. “Police and the organizations that create their training manuals are not above the law.”

For the complaint:
https://www.eff.org/document/eff-v-post-complaint

For more on digital rights and the Black-led movement against police violence:
https://www.eff.org/issues/digital-rights-and-black-led-movement-against-police-violence

Contact: 
Cara
Gagliano
Staff Attorney


Source: https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-sues-police-standards-agency-obtain-use-force-training-materials


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.