We went into Chico today to do some shopping and I had a chance to return to my favorite coffee house, Cal Java, and have a small latte while reading the local 'alternative' newspaper. I don't know why it's called alternative, it's definitely better than the more established newspaper. Anyway, as I was reading, I came across an ad posted by the local ACLU; to wit;
We have become aware of what may be a pattern and practice by the Chico Police Department to arrest individuals on questionable or unbelievable charges, followed by transport to jail in Oroville with "charges' subsequently being dropped upon release from jail.
This unacceptable practice is commensurate with another apparently dangerous practice by the Butte County Sheriff, who upon your release, sometimes hours after your arrest, replaces your money with a check, and leaves you in the parking lot of the Oroville Jail, miles from services and without regard for your safety, to fend for yourself. If you have been subjected to this treatment, we want to hear from you!
The reader is then directed to the local ACLU website to fill out the needed form.
If this is happening, it's definitely dangerous. The county jail is out in the middle of nowhere! And there is certainly no place to cash a check out there. You might have to walk 5 miles or more to find a convenience store.
Anyway, I went to the website and read this account. Very disturbing!
Has there been a hearing of this case? Mister Wizard?
ReplyDeleteNot yet...that's why the ACLU is trying to gather any additional evidence
ReplyDelete