December 25th 2023.
On December 19th, Black Lives Matter and the Community Coalition of South Los Angeles announced they had filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department. The lawsuit is part of an effort to address the longstanding issue of police violence during traffic stops.
Leslie Johnson, a representative of the Community Coalition, spoke at the announcement outside LAPD headquarters, saying that the case provides an opportunity to challenge the LAPD’s unconstitutional policy of conducting violent and traumatic traffic stops.
Rebecca Brown, the attorney representing Black Lives Matter and the Community Coalition, cited LAPD statistics, claiming that three-quarters of stops involving suspected stolen vehicles do not involve stolen vehicles. She also referred to a 2014 ruling by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that found the LAPD’s tactics violated the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment.
Chief Michel Moore defended the department’s practices, arguing that they are constitutional and aimed at ensuring the safety of everyone involved. He said, “As this is a matter of ongoing litigation, we will respond to these allegations in the appropriate setting.”
The lawsuit was filed in response to a February 2020 incident involving Sheilanne “Shona” Sen and Shibani Balsaver. Sen spoke about the traumatic encounter, saying, “I was sure I was going to die.” She continued, “I was treated as less than human that day. I was made to feel that my life had no value.”
Sen's experience serves to highlight the need for reform and accountability within the LAPD. The lawsuit seeks to address broader issues related to police conduct during traffic stops, in order to ensure a safe and just environment for all.
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