Man Dies In Jail Cell After Misdemeanor Pot Offense.
Today's story is part drug war, part police indifference and callousness, part police cover-up. It comes by way of a lawsuit filed by the family of Michael Saffioti.
Saffioti failed to make a court date on a misdemeanor charge for pot possession. In July of last year, he surrendered himself to Snohomish County, Washington authorities, who promptly jailed him. (The streets of Snohomish County were a little safer that day.) When it came time for breakfast the following morning, Saffioti is seen on video having a conversation with a guard while holding his tray. Presumably, he was inquiring about any dairy products in the meal. Saffioti had a severe allergy. He's then seen taking a few bites of some oatmeal. (You can watch the video here.)
But New York criminal defense attorney Scott Greenfield points out that this is about more than just staffing and funding.
This young mans death reflects the toxic mix of dehumanization, neglect and deceit. Inmates complain constantly about nearly every aspect of life in jail. The accommodations dont suit many, and there isnt much reason not to complain. The product is that complaints are ignored.
After all, to the guards, these arent people, but inmates. Thats what inmates do, complain. Do something about the complaints and theyll just be back complaining about something else tomorrow. Ignore them and theyll still be back, but its easier to just ignore them again tomorrow.
Link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/06/todays-drug-war-outrage-m_n_4225995.html
Original DU link by Newsjock:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021546844