An attorney for the family of Tommy McGlothen, a black man who died while in the custody of Shreveport police believes the officers involved should be fired and charged with murder. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
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A resolution calling for more study into policing practices leads to a tense argument in a House Committee. Matt Doyle has more.
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During the regular session, lawmakers passed criminal justice reform measures that advocates say will cut down on recidivism. One bill allows parolees to check in with their officers virtually. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says this saves parolees from taking off from work to meet their parole officer.
That bill, HB 77, was brought by Eunice Representative Patrick Devillier.
Another bill requires the Department of Corrections to issue ID cards to those leaving prison. Erspamer says the ID is tailor-made to help those recently released find employment.
SB 354 was brought by Covington Senator Patrick McMath.
Erspamer also highlighted a resolution continuing a commission dedicated to studying criminal justice system funding. He says right now much of the funds come from fines and fees on poor people…
That resolution was brought by Houma Representative Tanner Magee. The commission was first formed in 2019.
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New Orleans moves into phase two of economic reopening on Saturday. CEO of New Orleans and Company, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau, Mark Romig says the easing of regulations will increase maximum capacity from 25 to 50-percent at restaurants and museums
Romig says Bourbon Street will see a little more life as bars that do not have a food permit will reopen.
A New Orleans staple will not return during the second phase, but Romig says we’ll eventually see live music again in the city.
Cut 8 (06) “…and concert halls.”
Harrah’s Casino will also reopen at 25% capacity.
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A lawyer representing the family of Thomas McGlothen, a 44-year-old black man who died in police custody, says the four police officers shown in a video beating him, should be fired and charged with murder. The four officers are on leave, but attorney James Carter says their badges should have been stripped immediately
McGlothen died April 6th, but a Shreveport TV station released the video of his encounter with police this week. Caddo Parish Coroner Doctor Todd Thoma says McGlothen died from excited delirium, a sudden death of individuals who are combative and in an agitated state. Carter calls that junk science
The coroner says McGlothen’s death could have been preventable if officers reacted to his medical condition. Carter says that’s enough proof the responding cops should be fired…
Carter says McGlothen suffered from mental illness. The corner’s report says the injuries sustained from police tasing and hitting him did not result in his death.
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The House Governmental Affairs Committee argued today over a resolution to create a 19-member panel to study policing policies. The legislation referenced the killing of George Floyd as a reason for establishing the study group. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson took issue with that…
But New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the response to Floyd’s killing has been historic, and its the impetus behind a nationwide interest in policing policy.
The resolution mentioned the killing of black men by white police officers and questioned the treatment of minorities by law enforcement. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton called it racist.
But resolution sponsor Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says people should instead be insulted by ongoing issues of police brutality.
The resolution ultimately passed the House Governmental Affairs Committee but was amended to remove any mention of George Floyd. It moves to the House floor.