TCB July 8, 2021 — Rules for cops by Triad City Beat

JULY 8-14, 2021

TRIAD-CITY-BEAT.COM

RULES FOR

COPS

How Triad law enforcement agencies view use of force BY SAYAKA MATSUOKA & NICOLE ZELNIKER | PAGE 5

heavy rebel returns PAGE 12

the total failure of the unc board of govs PAGE10

compostal service PAGE 11

JULY 8-14, 2021

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

The newsroom as classroom

ur newest staff writer Nicole Zelniker took a crack at the Heavy Rebel Weekender story by Brian Clarey for this issue. The Weekender, even in its most recent, diluted incarnation, is something to behold for a young reporter, bringing to mind the old newsroom saw: There are no new stories, only new reporters. I think I filed my first HRW piece for Triad Style or ESP around 2001. But it might have been In the Spotlight in 2003. Or maybe it was for Yes! Weekly in 2005. Whichever: Hers is better than any of the ones I filed, I think. Zelniker’s a seasoned writer, a published novelist with an Ivy League journalism degree and a bachelor’s from Guilford College, which checks off a lot of boxes around here. And she’s the first hire for Sayaka Matsuoka’s newsroom. The paper bears the imprint of our new(ish) managing editor more and more each week. As it happens, my own role shifts from active newsroom participant — though

I am indeed that — to coach, mentor, custodian of the arcane knowledge and standards of our profession. Now it’s me spitting out the old saws. Always do the math. Your mama says she loves you? Better check it out. More reporting is needed. Here’s how it happens: Once you break into this industry — no small feat there — you put your head down and get to work. You kind of know you’re not good yet, or you quickly realize it, so there’s nothing to do but get better, try harder, kill your bad habits and mercilessly dissect your work. You don’t even notice when the imposter’s syndrome disappears, usually after a few hundred pieces or a decade or so of regular newsroom work. And if you’ve walked the true path long enough, you have the tools and experience to ascertain the right thing to do. Things are changing in journalism, but there are longstanding tenets that, even in this time of uncertainty, give us a path toward the light. And it is still so exciting. Still so fulfilling. Still so honorable. If we’re doing it right.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

For too long, powerful people have expected the people they have mistreated and marginalized to sacrifice themselves to make things whole. -Nikole Hannah-Jones, pg. 10

1451 S. Elm-Eugene St. Box 24, Greensboro, NC 27406 Office: 336.256.9320 BUSINESS PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Brian Clarey brian@triad-city-beat.com

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Allen Broach allen@triad-city-beat.com

KEY ACCOUNTS

SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Michaela Ratliff michaela@triad-city-beat.com Nikki Miller-Ka niksnacksblog@gmail.com

EDITORIAL ADVISOR

OF COUNSEL

Jordan Green jordan@triad-city-beat.com

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR

ART ART DIRECTOR

STAFF WRITER

SALES SALES EXECUTIVE

Jonathan Jones

Sayaka Matsuoka sayaka@triad-city-beat.com Nicole Zelniker nicole@triad-city-beat.com

CHIEF CONTRIBUTOR

Robert Paquette robert@triad-city-beat.com

Drew Dix drew@triad-city-beat.com

Chris Rudd chris@triad-city-beat.com Carolyn de Berry, James Douglas, Matt Jones, Jordan Howse, Jen Sorensen, Clay Jones

COVERS

Cover layout by Robert Paquette

Coronavirus in the Triad: (As of Wednesday, July 7)

Documented COVID-19 diagnoses NC 1,016,262 (+2,573) Forsyth 37,053 (+25) Guilford County

As white people standing in solidarity with those working for racial equity in schools, in order that all children might have a quality k-12 educational experience, we want to recognize that work. Therefore, we write in recognition and appreciation of those facing the truth of our history without recrimination; of those ably leading in the face of unfair and unwarranted criticism; of those who steadfastly promote fact over fantasy and truth over political expediency; of those who recognize problems can only be solved when we acknowledge how they were created; of those who know false narratives that reject bringing into the light our collective history destroy community; of those who understand racial equity is good for everyone.

JULY 8-14, 2021

Racial Equity is Good for Everyone

47,776 (+109)

COVID-19 deaths

13,460 (+23)

Forsyth

422 (+1)

Guilford

711 (5 weeks no new deaths)

Documented recoveries NC

994,472 (As of June 28)

Forsyth

*no data*

Guilford

446,712 (+107)

Current cases NC

*no data*

Forsyth

*no data*

Guilford

352 (+2)

Hospitalizations (right now) NC

415 (+22)

Forsyth

*no data*

Guilford

*no data*

Vaccinations NC First Dose

4,807,614 (+56,242)

Fully vaccinated

4,520,202 (43%, +53,731)

Forsyth First Dose

184,618 (+2,061)

Fully vaccinated

173,889 (45%, +1,976)

Guilford First dose

262,743 (+2,979)

Fully vaccinated

248,001 (46%, +2,803)

THANK YOU GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS.

Thank you school leaders, Superintendent Sharon Contreras and Chairwoman Deena Hayes-Greene.

Alex Goldstein, Greensboro, NC Alice Franks, Psy.D, HSP-P, Greensboro, NC Alyson Baumgartner, PhD, Greensboro, NC Amelia Phillips Hale, Greensboro, NC Andria Dewson, Coral Springs, FL Anna Fesmire, Greensboro, NC Anthony Taylor, Greensboro, NC Betsy Harrington, Greensboro, NC Blaise Amendolace, Psy.D, Coral Springs, FL Brian Heller, Greensboro, NC C.H. Holcombe, Greensboro, NC Carl Dasse, PhD, Boca Raton, FL Carol Cothern, Greensboro, NC Cathy Hamilton, PhD, Greensboro, NC Cheryl Beeson, High Point, NC Cheryl Buehler, PhD, Greensboro, NC Christina Small, Greensboro, NC Christine Hoepfner, Greensboro, NC Claire Morse, PhD, Greensboro, NC Gary Kenton, Greensboro, NC Heather Siskind, Plantation, FL Jack Harrington, Esq., Greensboro, NC Jana Henderson, Greensboro, NC Janet Inmon, Greensboro, NC Jean Willoughby, Washington DC Jennifer Schaal, M.D., Greensboro, NC Joel Smith, Pembroke Pines, FL John de Beer, D.Min., Greensboro, NC John Moyle, Greensboro, NC

Julie Peeples, Greensboro, NC Karin Heller, Greensboro, NC Katherine Barron, LCSW, Greensboro, NC Kathleen Rice, M.D., Greensboro, NC Kathy Krahenbuhl, Durham, NC Kay Doost, PhD, Greensboro, NC Kyri Murdough, Ithaca, NY Larry Morse, PhD, Greensboro, NC Lizzie Biddle, Greensboro, NC Lois D. Baldwin, Greensboro, NC Louise Skillman, Greensboro, NC M. Gertrude Beal, Greensboro, NC Meg Stein, Durham, NC Patricia Gutzwiller, Greensboro, NC Rev. Brian Crisp, Raleigh, NC Rob Stephens, M.Div., Raleigh, NC Robin Lane Greensboro, NC Sarah S. Malino, PhD, Greensboro, NC Sue Gallagher, PhD, Hollywood, FL Suzanne Bundy, Lighthouse Point, FL Suzanne Plihcik, Greensboro, NC Thomas Plihcik, Subury, MA Thomas Spaulding, Tampa, FL Tim Lane, M.D., Greensboro, NC Tom Plihcik, Greensboro, NC Tricia de Beer, D.Min., Greensboro, NC Tricia Frye, Indianapolis, IN Walter Honaman, Esq., Hollywood, FL

UP FRONT | JULY 8-14, 2021

CITY LIFE JULY 8-11 by Michaela Ratliff

THURSDAY July 8

Drive-Thru Job Fair @ Hanes Mall (W-S) 10 a.m.

Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song @ Etc. (GSO) 9 p.m.

Artist in Residence Summer Workshop Series @ LeBauer Park (GSO) 2 p.m.

Grab a lawn chair and head to Etc. for a screening of Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, a revolutionary, blaxploitation film that pushed the boundaries in 1971 when it was released. Film is for mature audiences. Visit the event page on Facebook for more info.

Greensboro Downtown Parks is excited to announce a series of interactive dance workshops hosted by choreographer and Artist in Residence Alexandra Joye Warren. Participants will explore the themes of Space, Self and Community through site-specific choreography. Learn more at greensborodowntownparks.org.

From the comfort of your car, explore employment opportunities with FedEx, Lowes Foods and more. Find more information and a list of participating employers on Eventbrite.

Jazz and Poetry Experience @ XO Social Lounge (GSO) 7 p.m.

Head to XO Social Lounge for a night of live music, jazz and poetry hosted by Rose Amber. Tickets are purchased at the door. For more info, visit the event page on Facebook.

FRIDAY July 9

When the Revolution Comes @ Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts (W-S) 9 a.m.

The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County in partnership with Triad Cultural Arts is hosting a social justice exhibit by artist and photographer Owens Daniels. The exhibition features mixed-media works depicting scenes from the Black Lives Matter movement. When the Revolution Comes will be on display until Aug. 21. Visit the event page on Facebook more for information, and learn more about Daniels at owendaniels.com.

Potty Mouth Pottery Christmas in July Event @ Distractions (HP) 8 p.m.

According to Distractions, the holidays make people swear. That’s why they’re hosting an uncensored art event for adults. At the event, you only pay for the project you create. Seats are $6 and can be reserved on Distractions’ website.

SATURDAY July 10

The Grove Market @ 1901 McConell Road (GSO) 9 a.m.

SUNDAY July 11

Online Worship Service @ Green Street United Methodist Church (W-S) 11 a.m.

Green Street United Methodist Church, who welcomes individuals of every denomination, sexual orientation, gender identity and race/ethnicity, invites you to join worship services online at 11 a.m. or in person at 8:45 a.m. Join at greenstreetumc.org, YouTube or Facebook.

Each Saturday, find fresh produce and more at the Grove Market, an initiative supporting small farmers and small businesses in East Greensboro. EBT/SNAP benefits accepted. Visit letsbegufi.com for more information.

Jewels of Wrestling 4 & The Firestar Rumble @ Greensboro Sportsplex (GSO) 1 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of high-flying top rope action by Fire Star Pro Wrestling. Women’s pro wrestling begins at 1 p.m. with a meet and greet at 6. The Firestar Rumble begins at 7:30. Purchase tickets at fspwrestling.com.

Songwriters’ Random Round @ Doodad Farm (GSO) 6:30 p.m.

Visit Doodad Farm for an evening of music and fellowship. During this songwriters’ round, six local songwriters will perform original songs at random. Admission is free, but cash donations to the artists are suggested. For more info, visit the event page on Facebook.

Rules for cops: 8 Can’t Wait and use-of-force in Triad law enforcement by Sayaka Matsuoka and Nicole Zelniker

arcus Deon Smith. John Neville. Fred Cox Jr. As the world mourns the loss of George Floyd a year later, local activists are remembering and calling for accountability for the unarmed Black men who have been killed by law enforcement here in the Triad. After Floyd’s murder, both local and national supporters of police reform,

including former President Barack Obama, turned to the “8 Can’t Wait” campaign for answers. For the purposes of this article, Triad City Beat reached out to the Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, Winston-Salem Police Department, and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office to see whether or not they have

implemented any of the policies outlined in 8 Can’t Wait. The eight policies were outlined by Campaign Zero, national nonprofit that focuses on analyzing police practices around the country and identifying solutions to end police violence. Their recommendations are as follows:

1. A ban on chokeholds and strangleholds

2. Requiring officers to de-escalate situations by communicating, maintaining distance and eliminating the need to use force

3. Requiring officers to give a verbal warning before shooting

4. Requiring officers to exhaust all alternatives, including non-force and less lethal force options, before shooting

5. Requiring officers to intervene and stop excessive force used by other officers

6. A complete ban on shooting at moving vehicles

7. Requiring a use of force continuum that restricts the most severe types of force to the most extreme situations

8. Requiring officers to report each time they use force or threaten to use force against civilians

ccording to 8 Can’t Wait’s website, the Top 3 policies that have been enacted by cities in the country are the requirements for a use-of-force continuum and for a verbal warning before shooting, as well as a ban on chokeholds. The least-adopted policies are a ban on shooting at moving vehicles, a requirement to exhaust all alternatives before shooting and a requirement to have comprehensive reporting for use of force. According to data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are currently 48 bills in the NC state legislature that relate to law enforcement

agencies, eight of them pertaining directly to the use of force. A few of them such as HB 757 — which would ensure greater transparency around use of force by officers — and HB 536 — which requires officers to intervene and report excessive use of force — would make two of the 8 Can’t Wait’s proposals state law if passed. Both bills have stalled in committees. At the federal level, efforts to pass bipartisan police reform legislation have stalled in recent weeks. Earlier this year, Democrats drafted the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act which would establish a federal registry of

police misconduct, increase accountability for officers who commit misconduct, prohibit no-knock warrants in federal drug investigations, and mandate that federal officers use deadly force only as a last resort. The bill passed the Democratic-controlled House in March but has not yet been voted upon by the Senate. While the wait for police reform at the federal and state level continues, here’s how our local law enforcement agencies stack up when it comes to the 8 Can’t Wait policies.

JULY 8-14, 2021 | NEWS

NEWS

NEWS | JULY 8-14, 2021

GREENSBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT

1. Ban on chokeholds and strangleholds • • •

•

Implemented: Not really (see details) When: June 2020 by Chief Brian James Details: The department’s change to Directive 1.6.2 did not ban the outright use of strangleholds or chokeholds. Instead, the directive now states that officers are “prohibited from using chokeholds or any technique intended to restrict an individual’s airway, breathing or blood flow unless the officer reasonably believes a situation exists in which deadly force would be appropriate to protect himself.” Marcus Deon Smith was killed by police after being hogtied in 2018. TLDR: Officers can still use chokeholds at their discretion if they feel deadly force is necessary.

• •

•

7. Use-of-force continuum • • •

2. De-escalation • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: Since 2016 Details: According to a memo by Chief James on May 2021, “Greensboro police officers have long been encouraged to employ de-escalation techniques whenever possible. Since 2016, officers have received de-escalation training.” Directive 1.6.2 currently reads as follows, “An officer must continually assess the totality of the circumstances and escalate, de-escalate or completely cease any force utilized appropriately.” TLDR: Officers have been receiving de-escalation training since 2016.

•

• • •

Implemented: Kind of (see details) When: September 2020 by Chief Brian James Details: Updated Directive 1.6.2 reads as follows, “Where feasible, officers shall verbally warn a subject before the use of deadly force, the use of a Conducted Electrical Weapon, release of chemical munitions or release of police canine.” Compared to the model use-of-force policies outlined by the 8 Can’t Wait campaign, the GPD’s policy lacks this component: that officers “have a reasonable basis for believing that the warning was heard and understood by the individual to whom the warning is directed prior to using deadly force against the individual.” TLDR: Officers have to give a warning but there’s no requirement for making sure individuals heard the warning.

4. Exhausting all alternatives before shooting • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: June 2020 by Chief Brian James Details: While there has been language that says officers will use no more force than necessary since 1996, Directive 1.6.2 was updated in June 2020. The current directive reads as follows, “An officer’s decision to utilize any force in a situation is a response to the behavior of the subject(s) involved, and all relevant factors known to the officer. Officers will utilize the minimal amount of force necessary to overcome resistance and effect an arrest.” TLDR: Officers must use the least amount of force necessary arrest someone.

5. Requiring intervention • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: June 2020 by Chief Brian James Details: According to Directive 1.5.6, “at any time if an officer witnesses another officer use force in a manner which violates policy and training of the department, the officer shall intervene both verbally and physically if necessary to stop the force. Supervisory notification shall then be made by the officer as soon as possible so that appropriate investigations can begin.” TLDR: Officers must intervene and then report excessive force by other officers.

6. Ban on shooting at/from moving vehicles •

Implemented: Yes

Implemented: No When: N/A Details: While the GPD directives includes the policy that directs officers to exhaust all alternatives before shooting, it does not have an outline of which weapon to use in which instance. However, it does list the different weapons at the disposal of officers and in what types of situations they may be used. The directives also outline subject resistance levels from passive resistance to aggravated active aggression but tactics or weapons are not assigned to different resistance types. TLDR: A clear use-of-force continuum does not exist within the GPD manual.

8. Comprehensive reporting

3. Verbal warnings before shooting • • •

When: February 2020 by Chief Brian James Details: According to Directive 1.6.4, “officers will not fire any weapon from or at a moving vehicle except to counter an imminent threat of death of serious physical injury to the officer or another person and no other means are reasonably available at that time to avoid or eliminate danger.” Considerations for shooting include whether the person in the vehicle is using or threatening lethal force by means other than the vehicle; whether the vehicle is being used to strike a person and whether all other reasonable means of defense or escape have been used or are not practical. The use of deadly force must cease after the vehicle no longer presents an immediate threat. TLDR: Officers can’t shoot at or from vehicles unless there are no other options; they must stop shooting once the situation is in control.

•

Implemented: Yes When: Unknown Details: According to Directive 1.6.8, “whenever an employee uses force against another person, immediate notification of the employee’s supervisor is required. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to make a thorough investigation of the incident and to forward a report as required. The use-of-force report will be forwarded through the employee’s chain of command. Each member responsible for reviewing the report will review the report to ensure the investigation is complete and any findings are consistent with departmental procedure and applicable state statutes.” The directive also notes that an analysis of the use-of-force incidents will be conducted an a yearly basis which will be sent to the police chief. TLDR: Officers have to notify their supervisors when they use force; an investigation ensues, and a report is created. The reports are analyzed annually.

HIGH POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT

1. Ban on chokeholds and strangleholds • • • •

Implemented: Not really (see details) When: August 2020 Details: The department’s policy states that, “Any compression of the neck that restricts a person’s air flow is prohibited unless deadly force would be authorized. Chokeholds are prohibited unless deadly force is authorized.” TLDR: Officers can still use chokeholds if they think deadly force is necessary.

2. De-escalation • • •

Implemented: Yes When: Unknown Details: The department policy is as follows: “De-escalation will be the preferred method to incident resolution through voluntary offender compliance. Officers shall use de-escalation tactics and techniques when safe and in situations where time and circumstances reasonably permit. Officer safety will remain paramount and will not be compromised in an effort to de-escalate a situation. The immediacy of a threat will dictate whether de-escalation tactics

3. Verbal warnings before shooting • • •

•

Implemented: No (see details) When: Unknown Details: The manual does not state that officers must use verbal warnings before shooting. Instead, it says that “all verbal identification and commands are used as appropriate and necessary by the officer” and that “whenever possible and when such delay will not compromise the safety of the officer or another and will not result in the destruction of evidence, escape of a suspect or commission of a crime, an officer shall allow an individual time and opportunity to submit to verbal commands before force is used.” TLDR: The directives do not state in plain language that officers have to give verbal warning before shooting.

4. Exhausting all alternatives before shooting • • •

•

Implemented: No When: N/A Details: There is no plain language in the manual that states that officers should use the least amount of force possible before implementing deadly force. Instead, the manual reads as follows: “The [use of force] option used will be left to the sound discretion of the officer based on the actions of the subject.” There is a list of how officers can react based subject compliance, but “officer response options in each force level are not necessarily listed in order of use, need or preference.” TLDR: There is not requirement to exhaust all alternatives before using deadly force.

5. Requiring intervention • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: Unknown Details: The manual states that “any member who witnesses excessive force has a duty to physically intervene in an effort to stop the unreasonable action. The member must immediately report this activity to the appropriate commanding officer or the chief through official channels.” TLDR: Officers have to intervene and then report excessive force by other officers.

8. Comprehensive reporting • • • •

GUILFORD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

1. Ban on chokeholds and strangleholds • • •

•

Implemented: Kind of When: Unknown Details: According to the manual, officers can’t shoot at moving vehicles unless deadly force is being used against them or another person. Officers also have to move out of the way of the vehicle. However, the policy does not state that they should stop shooting once the situation is in control nor does it state that officers can’t shoot from moving vehicles as suggested by 8 Can’t Wait. TLDR: Officers can’t shoot at vehicles unless deadly force is being used by the occupants but lacks other details suggested by 8 Can’t Wait.

7. Use-of-force continuum • • •

•

Implemented: No When: N/A Details: While the HPD directives include compliance level for subjects and how officers can handle the situations, it does not clearly state that deadly force can only be used in certain situations. Rather, it states that “the [use of force] option used will be left to the sound discretion of the officer based on the actions of the subject.” There is a list of how officers can react based subject compliance, but “officer response options in each force level are not necessarily listed in order of use, need or preference.” TLDR: A clear use-of-force continuum does not exist within the HPD manual.

Implemented: Not really (see details) When: April 2021 Details: The department’s policy states that, “except when there is reason to believe the subject presents an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to a deputy, officer or another person, all GCSO deputies and officers are prohibited from using chokeholds, strangleholds and/or other vascular neck restraints that restrict the subject’s ability to breathe. TLDR: Officers can still use chokeholds if they think there is an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury.

2. De-escalation • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: April 2021 Details: Department Policy 13.1.3 is as follows: “An officer shall use deescalation techniques and other alternatives to higher levels of force consistent with his or her training whenever possible and appropriate before resorting to force and to reduce the need for force.” TLDR: Officers are required to de-escalate situations.

3. Verbal warning before shooting • • •

•

Implemented: No (see details) When: N/A Details: The manual does not state that officers must use verbal warnings before shooting. Instead, it says that “when reasonable… officers shall use advisements, warnings, verbal persuasion, and other tactics… in order to consider or deploy a greater variety of force options.” TLDR: The directives do not state in plain language that officers have to give verbal warning before shooting.

4. Exhausting all alternatives before shooting • • •

6. Ban on shooting at/from moving vehicles • • •

Implemented: Yes When: Unknown Details: The High Point department has a 13-point reporting policy that includes when, who and how to report use of force. TLDR: Officers have to notify their supervisors when they use force; an investigation ensues, and a report is created.

JULY 8-14, 2021 | NEWS

•

or techniques can be reasonably used.” Examples of de-escalation tactics outlined include verbal communication, body language, distance and seeking extra officers. TLDR: Officers are trained to de-escalate situations.

•

Implemented: No When: N/A Details: There is no plain language in the manual that states that officers should use the least amount of force possible before using deadly force. Instead, Directive 13.1.5 of the manual reads as follows: “Officers will only use reasonable force to accomplish lawful objectives and apply de-escalation techniques when possible. Officers are authorized to use whatever degree of force reasonably appears necessary….” TLDR: There is no requirement to exhaust all alternatives before using deadly force.

5. Requiring intervention • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: March 2021 Details: Section 1.5.2 of the manual states that “GCSO employees are required to intervene and notify appropriate supervisory authority if they observe another agency employee or public safety associate engage in any unreasonable use of force, or if they become aware of any violation of departmental policy, state or federal law, or local ordinance. TLDR: Officers have to intervene and then report unreasonable force or violation of policy or law by other officers.

6. Ban on shooting at/from moving vehicles •

Implemented: No

NEWS | JULY 8-14, 2021

• • •

When: N/A Details: There was no directive in the manual that indicated officers should not shoot at or from moving vehicles. TLDR: There is no rule dictating shooting at or from moving vehicles.

• •

7. Use-of-force continuum • • • •

Implemented: No When: N/A Details: The manual states that “an officer may move from any reasonable force option to another reasonable force option depending on the violator’s actions or other relevant factors. TLDR: The manual states that officers can choose reasonable use-of-force options in any form or order.

8. Comprehensive reporting • • •

•

6. Ban on shooting at/from moving vehicles • • •

Implemented: No When: April 2021 Details: The manual does not state that reports are required when officers use force. Instead, the report states that “after receiving notice of a use of force, the on-duty supervisor must determine whether a use of force report is required.” TLDR: Use of force report are not automatically required.

WINSTON-SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT

1. Ban on chokeholds and strangleholds • • •

•

Implemented: Not really (see details) When: 1998 Details: While the use of chokeholds is not stated in plain language as being banned, the policy states that neither chokeholds nor strangleholds are taught in Winston-Salem’s academy. However, their use of force policy states that “chokeholds are prohibited unless deadly force is authorized under the law. TLDR: The department says they don’t train to use chokeholds, but they don’t have a strict ban.

2. De-escalation • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: 1998 Details: According to a Facebook infographic by the department, officers receive annual training on de-escalation tactics. An info sheet outlining best practices for de-escalation includes components on mental health, crisis intervention, implicit bias, how to deal with children and community dissent. TLDR: Officers undergo yearly de-escalation training.

•

Implemented: Kind of When: 1998 Details: According to the police directives, “when practical, officers should issue a verbal warning prior to the use of deadly force.” Compared to the model use of force policies outlined by the 8 Can’t Wait campaign, the GPD’s policy lacks this component: that officers “have a reasonable basis for believing that the warning was heard and understood by the individual to whom the warning is directed prior to using deadly force against the individual.” TLDR: Officers have to give a warning but no requirement for making sure individuals heard the warning are included.

• • •

•

Implemented: No When: N/A Details: According to an analysis by Duke students, the department does not do this and their policy states that “officers may respond to a scene where there is an immediate need to utilize deadly force.” TLDR: There is no requirement to exhaust all alternatives before shooting.

•

Implemented: Yes

5. Requiring intervention

Implemented: Kind of When: 1998 Details: While the department provides guidelines as to how much force an officer can use in any given situation, it is not required. The directive reads as follows: “The Use of Force Continuum should be utilized as a guide rather than a specific path to use of force decisions. Officers may respond to a scene where there is an immediate need to utilize deadly force.” TLDR: There is a use of force continuum, but it is not mandatory.

8. Comprehensive reporting • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: 1997 Details: The department requires officers to “notify their immediate supervisor as soon as possible after an incident involving the use of the Penn Arms Launcher, MLR Launcher, OC, tear gas, baton, CEW, or use of a firearm on a citizen.” TLDR: The department requires reporting for use of force.

FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

1. Ban on chokeholds and strangleholds • • •

4. Exhausting all alternatives before shooting • • •

Implemented: Kind of When: 1998 Details: Police directives state that “an officer shall not discharge a firearm from a moving vehicle unless the officer reasonably believes no other means are practical to defend himself or other citizens from the use or imminent use of deadly force.” The policy also notes that officers should not fire at moving vehicles unless the use or imminent use of deadly force is being used against an officer or another person or “there exists an imminent risk of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or another person by an on-coming vehicle and no other means are available at that time to avoid or eliminate the danger because the vehicle is driving directly toward the officer or third person and there is no avenue of escape.” TLDR: Officers can’t shoot at vehicles unless deadly force is being used by the occupants but lacks other details suggested by 8 Can’t Wait like a requirement to stop shooting once the threat is over.

7. Use-of-force continuum

3. Verbal warnings before shooting • • •

When: 1994 Details: According to a “professional responsibility and philosophy of enforcement” document from 2010, “officers have a duty to intervene and report any and all inappropriate actions that they witness of another officer, including supervisors. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive use of force, misuse of authority, and unprofessional actions.” TLDR: Officers must intervene and report inappropriate actions of other officers.

•

Implemented: Not really (see details) When: Unknown Details: The FCSO’s use-of-force policy states that the department does not train in the use of chokeholds and therefore, officers “are prohibited from utilizing chokeholds except in those situations where the use of deadly force is allowed by law.” The policy defines chokeholds as “physical maneuvers that restrict an individual’s ability to breathe for the purposes of incapacitation.” TLDR: The department says they don’t train to use chokeholds, but they don’t have a strict ban.

2. De-escalation

•

Implemented: Yes When: Unknown Details: According to their use-of-force Directive 375.5.K, “an officer shall use de-escalation techniques and other alternatives to higher levels of force consistent with his or her training whenever possible and appropriate before resorting to force and to reduce the need for force.” TLDR: Officers “shall use de-escalation techniques…whenever possible and appropriate before resorting to force.“

3. Verbal warnings before shooting • • •

•

Implemented: Kind of When: 1998 Details: According to the police directives, “whenever possible and when such delay will not compromise the safety of the officer or another and will not result in the destruction of evidence, escape of a suspect, or commission of a crime, an officer shall allow an individual time and opportunity to submit to verbal commands before force is used.” Compared to the model use of force policies outlined by the 8 Can’t Wait campaign, the FCSO’s policy lacks this component: that officers “have a reasonable basis for believing that the warning was heard and understood by the individual to whom the warning is directed prior to using deadly force against the individual.” TLDR: Officers have to give a warning but no requirement for making sure individuals heard the warning are included.

4. Exhausting all alternatives before shooting • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: Unknown Details: According to their use-of-force Directive 375.5.K, “an officer shall use de-escalation techniques and other alternatives to higher levels of force consistent with his or her training whenever possible and appropriate before resorting to force and to reduce the need for force.” TLDR: Officers “shall use… other alternatives to higher levels of force…whenever possible and appropriate before resorting to force.“

5. Requiring intervention • • •

•

Implemented: Yes When: Unkonwn Details: The department policy states that “any staff member present and observing another staff member using excessive force that is clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances shall, when it is safe and reasonable to do so and by any means necessary, intervene to stop the use of excessive force.” The policy also states that officers shall notify their supervisors. TLDR: Officers must intervene and report inappropriate actions of other officers.

6. Ban on shooting at/from moving vehicles • • • •

Implemented: No When: N/A Details: There is no directive that bans shooting at or from moving vehicles. TLDR: No such directive exists.

• • •

Implemented: Kind of When: Unknown Details: The department uses a “Use-of-Force Circle” to train officers on which kind of force to use in situations but states in their policy that it “is not intended to suggest a graduated sequence of options; officers shall exercise individual judgment in determining the appropriate minimum use-of-force option to employ in a given situation.” TLDR: There is a use of force continuum, but it is not mandatory.

7. Use-of-force continuum

•

8. Comprehensive reporting • • •

Implemented: Yes When: Unknown Details: The department requires officers to report any use-of-force to supervisors. “The incident must be thoroughly documented in an incident report by the primary officer... unless an extension is granted by the Sheriff or designee.” The Professional Standards Division “shall submit a comprehensive Use-ofForce Analysis… for review on an annual basis or as directed by the Sheriff.”

Is 8 Can’t Wait Enough?

n the wake of George Floyd’s murder last year, national calls for police reform coalesced around eight specific policies that law enforcement agencies could implement to begin departmental change. Now, more than a year later, many in the community view 8 Can’t Wait as a start, but not the end goal. “It feels like a good start,” said Kay Brown, a member of the Greensboro Criminal Justice Advisory Commission. “These are the eight that couldn’t wait, but what it’s supposed to be moving us toward is, in my opinion, an abolition mindset.” Brown, as a member of the GCJAC, reviews police procedures and data to come up with recommendations for the police department. She said that the eight policies put forth by 8 Can’t Wait are the bare minimum. In fact, a Harvard Civil Liberties Law Review article from June 2020 states that many of the policies outlined in the 8 Can’t Wait have already been enacted in major police departments. Even our analysis of local law enforcement departments found that many of the policies were already in place prior to 2020, or that they had been partially implemented. Because of this, Brown said that there are other policies that should be considered by local law enforcement. For example, in the last year, GCJAC has brought forth two recommendations to city council. In early 2020, the commission sent a recommendation for written consent for police searches, and in October 2020 they issued a recommendation to cease probable-cause searches based on the smell of marijuana because it is indistinguishable from the smell of smokeable hemp, which is legal. To this date, neither policy has been adopted by the police department. The other criticism put forth by activists and community members like Brown is that the current police procedures were put in place by the current police chief, Brian James, and that if another chief were to take his place, they would have the authority to get rid of any policies or procedures without consulting city council. Because of that, Brown and others are pushing for city council to pass ordinances that would codify many of the policies into municipal law, something that is rare across the country. “I’m wanting our municipalities to take stronger stances on these guidelines,” Brown said. “So if we’re not shooting in moving vehicles, it shouldn’t change with the discretion of the police chief, it should be something we decide as a community.” Lastly, Brown said that while the implementation of many of the policies in the last year in Greensboro have been positive, that she would like to see data that reflects what impact the policies have had on the community. “Do the changes that we have made have enough meat on them that they would count?,” Brown asked. “Is it working? Is it not working? Were there positive consequences? Negative consequences? At this point, that’s not known.” Another fact to consider is whether officers are held accountable for not following the directives. According to TCB’s analysis many of the policies in place use subjective language such as “shall” and “when appropriate.” The Harvard article argues that this is the most fallible part of the 8 Can’t Wait proposal. “We cannot control for prejudiced officers, bad-tempered officers, or the very real possibility that an officer may simply break the rules, as Derek Chauvin did in Minneapolis,” the article states. To combat some of these issues, Brown said she hopes to have conversations with Chief James about these things in the next few months as part of GCJAC. Transparency is key to maintaining trust with the community, she said. “It would be disheartening for people to have been out protesting asking for reform and accountability and then a year and half goes by and we still feel like things haven’t been done,” she said. “Then it doesn’t feel like Greensboro is living up to the standards that we have set for ourselves.” GCJAC meets every month.

JULY 8-14, 2021 | NEWS

• • •

Learn more at greensboro-nc.gov/departments/legislative/greensboro-criminal-justice-advisorycommission.

OPINION | JULY 8-14, 2021

OPINION EDITORIAL

The UNC Board of Governors, a national disgrace

Claytoonz by Clay Jones

t’s no secret how politicized the Walter Hussman, a $25 million donor for UNC Board of Governors and whom the school is named, and to the Board Trustees have become, unspoken stance of white supremacy populated by a two-thirds majority that, make no mistake, foreshadows the of lickspittles, brazen operatives, donordeath knell of this once-great university class imbeciles and wealthy insurrectionsystem and this once great state. They ists who share a deep disconnect to actual acquiesced only when confronted with university life and those who live it. their racism and ineptitude. And they Remember, these are the folks who absolutely blew it. tried to give $2.5 million to the confederSome Black professors have since ate organization that tried to protect the resigned their posts at UNC-Chapel Hill. statue of Silent Sam on the UNC-Chapel And on Tuesday, Nikole Hannah-Jones Hill campus, a deal so shady it was vacated became one of them. She turned down in court. the fellowship, choosing But in their treatment of instead to grace Howard UniThey have Nikole Hannah-Jones, they versity with her presence as a have proven that their interKnight Fellow, e=styablishing proven that ests lie in direct opposition to their interests a journalism school at the the UNC System in general, HBCU with Ta-Nehisi Coates. lie in direct and Chapel Hill in particular. Her published statement Hannah-Jones, you recall, is opposition to is something to behold. As the most important journalusual, she says it better than UNC. ist working today: creator of any of us could: the 1619 Project; winner of “For too long, powerful numerous journalism awards including a people have expected the people they Peabody and a Pulitzer, as well as a Mahave mistreated and marginalized to sacricArthur Genius Grant; a veteran reporter fice themselves to make things whole. The with decades in the business including an burden of working for racial justice is laid internship at the High Point Enterprise; an on the very people bearing the brunt of alumna of the UNC journalism school for the injustice, and not the powerful people which she won her Knight Fellowship. who maintain it. I say to you: I refuse.” But unlike every other Knight fellow, Perhaps, in the end, the dopes who she was not awarded tenure until a vote hijacked the UNC System got what they taken by the trustees five months too late. wanted. And as usual, everyone else in the Instead, they bowed to pressure from state loses.

claytoonz.com

by Sayaka Matsuoka

rittany Peters and Richard Raggi want your trash. Most of it, anyway. The two are the owners of Sun and Soil Farm based out of Madison, a four-acre homestead where they grow veggies, raise chickens, make tea blends and harvest berries. But lately they’ve ventured into a new realm of business: composting. Composting services like CompostNow have existed in the Triangle area for years, but nothing of the sort is available around here. Peters and Raggi’s new venture is the only commercial composting business in the Triad. “We know the struggle of wanting to do the right thing,” Peters says. “Of not wanting to put things in the landfill but not having other options.” Currently, the couple hawks their produce at the Corner Farmer’s Market in Greensboro every Saturday morning and at King Farmer’s Market in Stokes County. They occasionally sell their harvests at Deep Roots Market, where Peters works, if they have leftover stuff. And while they haven’t been growing crops for very long, they’ve been practicing the age-old art of turning their food trash into earthy, nutrient-rich treasure for years. And now, they’re using their expertise and their farm to offer the service to Greensboro customers. “We figured, we’re at the farmer’s market already,” Peters says. “We can help provide other people with this service.” Peters and Raggi met about a decade ago in Chicago. At the time, Peters’ love of gardening was just starting to blossom, evidenced by the numerous veggies growing in five-gallon buckets on their tiny apartment patio. “We grew some terrible carrots,” Peters says. “Like five peas. But we caught the bug and decided we had to move.” Five years ago, the two made the move to North Carolina after scoping out locations in the country that are ripe for farming. They eventually settled in Madison and started growing for themselves. Then, during quarantine, Raggi lost his

Culture

job and decided to spend his time out in the soil. Peters says the garden was really her passion project in the beginning, and that only one bed had been for him. Everything changed when Raggi built a greenhouse and took on more and more of the growing. He started with kale, watermelon and tomatoes, tagging along with a friend to a local farmer’s market where he was able to sell some of the fruits of his labor. “I kind of just got into our head that if we really tried, we could grow enough for ourselves and to sell,” Raggi says. “It has always grown organically. Being able to spend all day every day doing it and SAYAKA MATSUOKA not feeling like work made it posBrittany Peters and Richard Raggi moved to North Carolina five years ago to start Sun and sible for me.” One of the most important parts Soil Farm in Madison. of farming is the need for quality, nutrient-rich soil. For that, the couple processes their own food scraps into compost, but it’s really not enough to service their whole garden. That’s when the idea of starting a composting service took seed. “We paid for a service in Chicago,” Peters explains. “They would give you a five-gallon bucket and then I would bike my bucket to the food co-op every week. So, it’s not our idea at all, we just copied it because there’s no service in Greensboro.” The idea is pretty simple. Customers pay a one-time fee of $15 to enroll in the program. They get a five-gallon bucket which they fill up with their food scraps and other trash. Then, they bring it back to SAYAKA MATSUOKA the farmer’s market when it’s full. To swap their Sun and Soil Farm’s composting service is the only known commercial composting business bucket out for a in the Triad. clean one is just a few bucks. line. In the future, the couple says they hope others copy this “We have about 10 customers right idea. They envision partnering with local businesses to help now and we started a month ago,” Raggi divert waste too, but they’re still a small operation so they’re says. “The ones that are doing it are really taking things one bucket at a time. excited about it because most of them “Us and other people should be starting these programs to have lived in cities where composting was divert this waste and put it to work instead of just sending it an option, so they’ve been waiting for to the landfill,” Peters says. “It’s such a valuable amenity.” something like this.” For Raggi, composting acts as a naturally symbiotic pairing Peters says for now, they’re happy to to his love of farming. help divert any waste they can, and the extra compost helps “Every molecule of food was taken out of the ground sometheir garden grow. Raggi says that because the compost is where, so it needs to make its way back somehow,” he says. fresh, it’s higher quality than anything they can buy in bulk on-

JULY 8-14, 2021 | CULTURE

Sun and Soil Farm turns food trash into loamy treasure with their new composting service

To learn more about Sun and Soil Farm, visit them on Instagram at @ sunandsoilfarm or at the Corner Market every Saturday morning.

CULTURE | JULY 8-14, 2021

Celebrating for the hell of it: Heavy Rebel Weekender draws out the misfits for July 4th weekend

by Nicole Zeniker

eavy Rebel Weekender is like five events packed into one. The annual festival landed in downtown Winston-Salem this past weekend, commandeering several blocks. Branded this year as the Downtown Getdown, the event featured many of the usual HRW staples: a car show, live performances from local bands featuring rockabilly to punk and everything in between, vendors from the community and, later in the evening, a burlesque show at the Wiggle Room for those over 21 years of age. Young parents walking down the street passed biker gangs without a second glance. As the sun shone and the temperature climbed, an increasingly eclectic group of people came together to bask in the spirit of Heavy Rebel, which seemed to be about celebrating for celebration’s sake. When asked about the car show, Dave Quick, the organizer of Heavy Rebel Weekender, seemed to drive the point home. Why not a car show if that’s what people enjoy? “We’ve done a car show every year since 2001,” said Quick. “It’s just our tradition. We always had a car show on Saturday. We weren’t able to do it last year, but a car show is automatically NICOLE ZELNIKER distanced, if you’re worried. Everybody likes a car show.” Heavy Rebel Weekender, downtown Winston-Salem’s annual Fourth of July bacchanal, came back after a pandemic hiatus, After last year’s cancellation, regurebranded as the Downtown Getdown. lar attendees say the event is smaller than it has been in years past, though sold handmade leather products as part of the Not OK Corral. car show. The front opened so that HRW-ers could see the still packed. Organizers said they didn’t Both of them wore black leather vests themselves. mechanics under the hood. know whether they would be able to Their store sells everything from knife sheaths and gun holLineberry is another veteran of Heavy Rebel Weekender, and host Heavy Rebel Weekender this year sters to bondage items like spiked bras, chokers and harnesses. a musician himself. until much later than they would norThey make belts, bags and wallets. All sorts of passersby, from “It’s lots of fun with the music,” he said. “It’s just a place to mally announce it to the public. drunken leather-clad friends to families with young children be in Winston-Salem.” “I was just glad to see everyone havstopped to examine the display as they spoke with Scott and Even down by Lineberry’s GMC, attendees could hear the ing a good time,” said Pino. live music from a rotation of bands back behind the MillenQuick, whose band They’ve been a part of the event in the nium Center. Ben Noblet from Tan and Sober Gentleman, one Snake River Canyon also past, both as part of bands and in the car of the bands from this year’s lineup, says his group has played played at the event. show. for Heavy Rebel Weekender before, including at last year’s Because of the delay, “It was more last-minute compared to past smaller, virtual event. many regular attendyears, but it’s a good turnout,” said Pino. Still, like the rest of the bands, Tan and Sober Gentleman ees were not sure if The car show itself, the central event, had not played many in-person gigs since the pandemic hit in it would happen at spanned several blocks and blocked off March 2020. -poppa t. lineberry all. Some, like vendor several streets. There were cars that seemed “We started playing again in mid-May, so it’s been about Rachel Scott, were to come straight from a black-and-white film six weeks,” said Noblet. “It’s good to be back, don’t get me thrilled when they at from the 1920s, several painted neon colors wrong. There’s no better way to kick it off than Heavy Rebel. It last learned it was officially happening like blue or yellow and others still with sculls or flame prints. feels like we found our people; it’s all the roughest people with this year. A few cars had open doors so event attendees could check out the best of intentions.” “It’s a better turnout than I thought the insides. it would be honestly,” said Scott, who A few blocks down from the vendors, Poppa T Lineberry, a along with her partner, Andrew Pino, Winston-Salem musician, brought his brown 1941 GMC to the

‘it’s just the place to be in winston-salem.’

Culture

JULY 8-14, 2021 | SHOT IN THE TRIAD

SHOT IN THE TRIAD

North Davie Street, Greensboro

CAROLYN DE BERRY

This year’s Fun Fourth Festival featured a Freedom Fest laser show instead of fireworks in downtown Greensboro.

PUZZLES | JULY 8-14, 2021

CROSSWORD ‘Get It Together’—it’s a tie game.

Across

by Matt Jones

1 Italian pies, if you’re a Scrabble player (and trapped in the 1980s) 4 Backtalk 8 Fastener with a slotted head 13 Kappa preceder 15 Hardly any 16 TV intro music 17 Election Day day (abbr.) 18 Scruff of the neck 19 Gulf of Aden country 20 Disinfected / Completely wasted attempt to make angry? 23 Hospital section 24 “Star Wars” character who kills Jabba © 2021 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) 25 Yodeler’s mountain 26 Jigsaw puzzle starting point, often 27 Furious state 29 1970s guerrilla org. 31 Positively 33 Catch a wave 35 Toy racer on a track 38 Electric car company 40 Yes, in France 41 Total prize money 45 Blogger’s personal bio section Answers from last issue 48 Floating harbor marker 11 Come into existence 49 Bed grower 12 Proceeded 52 ___ Paulo, Brazil 14 “... long ___ both shall live” 54 “Catch ya later!” 21 Ice, in a Berlin bar 55 Bowling alley rental 22 Huge, story-wise 56 Group with the #1 hit “Butter” 27 Suffix for art or humor 59 Abbr. on a letter to Spain 28 Regret deeply 61 Like some coffee or tea 30 Surname of three baseball brothers 62 Stabilizing, with “up” / Got out a piece of jewelry? 32 A few Z’s 66 Horse noise 34 Drinking vessel at Renaissance Fairs 68 Japanese sashes / Imperfect geometric shape? 69 “Is that ___ or nay?” 36 Gay and lesbian lifestyle magazine 70 English royal house after York 37 Curry and Rice, for two 71 Delhi garment 39 Homer’s father, on “The Simpsons” 72 Sleep in a tent 42 Omar Khayyam’s poetry collection 73 Bridge measurements 43 ___ latte 74 Biblical garden 44 Needle opening 75 Foot feature 46 Spheres Down 47 Enters carefully 1 Trouble spots for teens 49 Fire-striking stones 2 August, in Paris 50 Tie, as sneakers 3 Pittsburgh players 51 Flatware company named after a New York tribe 4 Some beachwear 53 Airport code for O’Hare 5 To the ends of the earth 57 “___ Were the Days” 6 Old photo tinge 58 “It’s ___ it’s good” 7 Hunky-dory 60 ___Fone Wireless (prepaid mobile phone provider) 8 Pig pen 63 Down to the ___ 9 Angelic figure / Ate the spice mix before 64 Lost fish in a Pixar film preparing the meat? 65 Open-mouthed stare 10 Did a cover of 67 Divs. of days

SUDOKU

If you read

then you know...

Triad City Beat — If you know, you know

(editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

To get in front of the best readers in the Triad, contact Chris or Drew

Answers from previous publication.

chris@triad-city-beat.com drew@triad-city-beat.com

FOOD+DRINK THE RETURN OF THE TRIAD’S BEST DINING GUIDE To get in front of the hungriest readers in the Triad, contact Drew. drew@triad-city-beat.com

Little Light Bread & Soup Co.

Scratch-made soup and bread for everyone - regardless of ability to pay. Seasonal Italian menu available for dine-in and takeout.

3205 Yanceyville Street Greensboro, NC. 27405

littlelighttriad.com