Sandra Bland Case

876 Words2 Pages

Sandra Bland was born to a suburban Chicago family, where she was one of 5 sisters, graduated from Prarie View A&M where she joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, she had musical interest as well, served as a counselor during the summer, and volunteered for a senior citizen advocacy group. While Sandra Bland lived her life as a vibrant member of her community and family, she died alone; in a Texas holding cell after her recent arrest for making a turn without signaling. The details surrounding her death, and her arrest have been shrouded in mystery. And while the Waller County Police Department supplied surveillance footage to clear themselves of any wrongdoing, many inconsistencies led the public to believe that the footage, along …show more content…

It is a troubling incident, because according to the dash cam footage from the police vehicle used in the initial arrest, the entire situation stemmed from a routine traffic stop, that escalated into something much more serious. The following research will delve into the arrest procedures and policies that are practiced in police administrations, and how we can better balance the welfare of the perpetrator, as well as managing the safety and security of the general public. The time gap between arrest and booking is too large to neglect any emotional or physical ailments that would be amplified by all the things that go along with being arrested. Injury or death in police custody can be avoided if there is a concerted effort among law enforcement officials to ensure that strides are being made to correct these issues.

The Sandra Bland case, unfortunately, is not unique. Near the end of July, a teenager named Kindra Chapman was arrested in Homewood, Alabama and was subsequently found dead in her jail cell. The deaths of both Bland and Chapman have sparked the much needed debate on not only police brutality, but mental health issues in the black community. Footage of Bland’s arrest led to further questions on how she may have been received and treated during her time at the Waller County jail. We will go in depth and discuss what issue drove this seemingly …show more content…

In 2004, the counties DA, Oliver Kitzman, stepped down, amid allegations of racism. Black leaders in the community compared his departure to the Emancipation Proclamation, as Kitzman had become the symbol for the deep seeded racism within their community. Kitzman and other officials had been accused of using intimidation against people of color that included throwing rocks through windows, “routine trips” through predominantly black neighborhoods, and infringing on voter rights and practices. Due to this and other questionable decisions made by authorities, Waller County is still monitored by the Department of Justice to ensure that all eligible voters ballots are

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