Anton Black press conference held to remember, discuss, and demand further change
MARYLAND – The Coalition for Justice for Anton Black gathered community members and supporters for a day of remembrance on Thursday evening. However, we’re told it isn’t just about remembering Anton Black, it’s about demanding further justice after the passing of Anton law. “We have to stop looking at each other as enemies in this situation but not look at each other as effective allies,” says Co-Founder of the coalition, Richard Potter.
It’s been three years since Anton Black died, at the hands of police and we’re told family members and supporters of Anton Black haven’t stopped fighting to make sure his death gets justice. “When the community’s constituents come together, we can change the course and the direction in which we know is in-just or inequitable,” says Potter.
The controversial law goes into effect October 1st, which would make investigations into police misconduct more transparent to the public. “Police encounter several situations but not all situations require us to die at the hands of law enforcement,” says Potter.
Potter tells 47 ABC, Black’s death could have been avoided if this law was already in place; referring to the past allegations of misconduct by an officer-involved. The law states, “records relating to an administrative or criminal investigation of misconduct by a police officer is not a personnel record.”
Those with the Maryland American Civil Liberties Union say this is critical in creating a better relationship between citizens, and police. “Where there is an erosion of community trust, you don’t have the community sharing information with the police and that’s critical for the police to be able to solve crime,” says Caylin Young, Director of Public Policy for the MD ACLU.
Those we spoke with tell us, this will allow for the public to have one more accountability measure to make sure the officers are doing their job appropriately. “We want to make sure that the laws are in place such that the state through its law enforcement is not participating and contributing to the death of black people in this state,” adds, Young.
]However, we’re told this is just the first step to create change in the justice system. “At the end of the day, we’re all human we all deserve the same dignity and respect, so treat us as that,” says Potter.
Now Anton law also enacts a certain no-knock search warrant to be approved in writing by a police supervisor and the State’s Attorney, which requires a certain no-knock search warrant to be executed between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Now it’s important to note, there was no misconduct found with the officers involved in Anton Black’s arrest.
However, the family is still moving forward with the lawsuit and have filed an opposition to the defendants’ file for motion, asking the court to dismiss the charges against police involved in the Anton Black case.
They are currently waiting for the judge to rule.
