Berkeley to End Police Traffic Stops, Study Cutting Budget 50%

The council approved Mayor Jesse Arreguin's omnibus measure, which includes elements, such as creating a Department of Transportation that will make and enforce traffic stops, rather than utilize Berkeley police officers, hire a consultant to analyze police calls and responses, and determine which calls can be answered by non-police officers.

July 15, 2020

In a marathon virtual hearing that went well into Wednesday morning, the Berkeley (CA) City Council approved a package of police reforms.

The council approved Mayor Jesse Arreguin's omnibus measure, which includes elements, such as creating a Department of Transportation that will make and enforce traffic stops, rather than utilize Berkeley police officers, hire a consultant to analyze police calls and responses, and determine which calls can be answered by non-police officers, as well as setting a goal to reduce the police budget by 50%, KTVU reports.

The Berkeley City Council had recently approved a city budget that decreased police department spending by $9.2 million, or about 12% of the police budget.

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Deputies Rescue More Than 100 People from Flooded Tampa Assisted Living Facility

Video shared by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office appeared to show floodwaters at waist-height near the entryways of the assisted living facility, with roads to and from the facility completely underwater.

Portland Police Find Meth and Fentanyl in Bag Labeled “Definitely Not Drugs”

Also found in the suspected stolen vehicle was a loaded revolver, scales, and cash, Portland Police report on X.

Portland Police found these items Tuesday inside a suspected stolen vehicle. The driver and passenger were arrested.

Tampa Officers Evacuate 15 People from Tree-Damaged House During Hurricane Milton

Officers were able to get all occupants out of the home safely. They were transported to the closest shelter. One officer took the time to ensure the main power to the home was turned off before leaving.

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Hurricane-Spawned Tornado Destroys Florida Agency’s Vehicle Storage Building

St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson said on a Facebook livestream the facility was a 10,000 square-foot vehicle storage facility that was destroyed in a matter of seconds by what he called a "devastating tornado."

A tornado that was spawned by Hurrican Milton Wednesday destroyed a St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office storage building.

Florida Trooper Rescues Dog Left to Die in Hurricane

A trooper walked toward the dog, who was tied to a fence and standing in a deep puddle that reached the animal’s stomach. The dog growled but the trooper managed to untie him and took him to safety.

A Florida trooper found a dog tied to a fence in rising water just before Hurricane Milton hit the region.

National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger Drowns on Duty in Minnesota Lake

“Ranger Grossheim responded Sunday morning to a distress call from park visitors near Birch Cove Island. After taking a family of three aboard his National Park Service boat, the vessel overturned amid high winds and rough waters," NPS said.

National Park Service Ranger Kevin Grossheim died Sunday while trying to rescue a family in distress on a Minnesota lake. His boat capsized in rough waters. The family was rescued but Grossheim drowned.

Ferguson Officer Injured During August Protest Remains Unconscious, Family Encouraged by Progress

The man accused of shoving Brown, was indicted by a grand jury on Sept. 4 with first-degree assault in connection to a day of protesting to mark the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death.

Ferguson (Missouri) Police Officer Travis Brown suffered a brain injury when he was attacked during an August protest. He is medically unconscious but doctors are now weaning him off sedation.

Thousands of Texans Complain to FCC Over Early Morning Alarms on Their Phones After Shooting of Small Town Chief

The FCC says it’s received about 4,500 consumer complaints about the Texas Blue Alert as of Monday morning.

NYPD Sergeants’ Union Says Many Lower Ranking Officers Make More Money

“They feel as if they’ve been abandoned,” said SBA President Vincent Vallelong of the 1,243 sergeants currently making less than about 18,000 police officers.

Off-Duty Atlanta Officer Fatally Shot While Apparently Breaking into Home

According to deputies, after off-duty Investigator Aubree Horton entered the home, the homeowner opened fire, fatally shooting him. Investigators are treating the incident as an act of self-defense.

Atlanta Police Investigator Aubree Horton was shot and killed Friday. The off-duty officer was reportedly breaking into a home in his neighborhood. Officials believe he may have been under the influence of narcotics.

Illinois Man Killed After Opening Fire on Officers at End of Pursuit

Dashcam video from the scene shows the suspect, identified by authorities as Nicholas Novak, exited the vehicle with a shotgun, opened fire at a deputy from the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office and a Plano officer.

Screen shot from video jointly released by the Plano Police Department and Kendall County Sheriff's Office shows the suspect pointing shotgun at a deputy.

California Officer Stabbed, Suspect Killed Outside Station

The suspect produced a large knife and "unexpectedly and without warning" attacked the officer. "The officer retreated, backed away, drew his sidearm and went around the corner of the building.

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