Baltimore...What can I do?
Here are my solutions. Please add yours:
1. If you live in a low income neighborhood please take care and be alert no matter where you live in the US. The cops are going to be edgy. Keep your cameras handy.
2. If you don't live in a low income community, be aware that the cops are going to be clamping down on people of color everywhere. Keep your cellphone cameras handy in case you need to record a traffic stop or other altercation.
3. IN the upcoming days there will be community forums with the police in your community. If you have the opportunity to attend community meetings with the police, do so and ask the hard questions, the ones they don't expect...how are your officers trained to respond to people running when they see them...what are your poliices regarding use of force to subdue a suspect? Which neighborhoods and which people are you targeting? Why do you harass black youth?
4. Do what you can in your backyard. These problems have been around for a long time and they exist in every community in this country. Get involved. Be a pest. Request a meeting. be nosy and concerned. The cops will expect you to be concerned with your property and your safety. Show concern for the welfare of others. Even criminals. They will not know how to handle this but you will be contributing to a better society. you will be doing something. You will be doing something for Baltimore and for Freddie Gray and every unjust police torture and murder.