20 Questions
What was the primary focus of Ferguson's law enforcement practices according to the U.S. Department of Justice investigation?
Revenue generation over public safety
How were police patrol assignments and schedules in Ferguson geared?
Toward enforcing municipal code for revenue
What was the basis for officer evaluations and promotions in Ferguson's police department?
Productivity measured by the number of citations issued
How were innocent movements, mental or physical illnesses, and free speech interpreted by officers in Ferguson?
As unlawful and disobedient
What method did the police use to disperse the crowds on Wednesday, August 13?
Smoke bombs, flash grenades, and tear gas
Who announced the takeover of policing from the St. Louis County Police in Ferguson?
Missouri’s Governor, Jay Nixon
What event led to heightened tensions in the community on Friday, August 15?
The release of a video showing Mr. Brown robbing a local store
What was the response of the grand jury investigating the killing of Mr. Michael Brown by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson?
They decided not to indict Officer Wilson
What was the reason for Officer Wilson shooting Michael Brown?
Brown charged towards Wilson, perceived as a threat
What occurred on August 10 and 11 in response to the shooting?
Rioting and looting by demonstrators and counter-protesters
Who took over the investigation from the Ferguson Police Department?
The St. Louis County Police Department
What was the outcome of the investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown?
The text does not mention the outcome of the investigation
What was the reason firefighters were unable to respond to burning buildings during the riots in Ferguson?
They were unable to respond due to gunfire
What was the outcome of the bills introduced into the Missouri legislature in the aftermath of the riots in Ferguson?
Both a and b
Who was appointed as the new police chief in Ferguson in early 2016?
Delrish Moss
What did President Obama's working group recommend regarding the distribution of military equipment to local law enforcement agencies?
Both a and b
What was the primary function of the Ferguson court system?
To compel payment of fines and fees to the city
What percentage of vehicle stops in Ferguson were of blacks?
85%
What led to the issuance of warrants for minor violations in Ferguson?
Failure to pay fines and fees
What was the reason for Michael Brown's encounter with Officer Darren Wilson?
Suspected involvement in a local market theft
Study Notes
- Ferguson court functioned primarily to compel payment of fines and fees to the city
- In 2013, court issued 9,000 warrants for minor violations, leading to incarceration
- Blacks were disproportionately affected: in Maplewood, MO, blacks were arrested at almost three times the rate of whites
- In Ferguson, one-and-a-half warrants were issued for every resident
- Failure to pay a $90 fee could result in a $100 warrant, incarceration fees, and towing fees
- Traffic stops were primarily for checking warrants, not traffic violations or contraband
- Clear and accurate information about charges and court procedures were not provided
- Unpaid fines and fees created crushing debts for those living in poverty
- In Ferguson, 85 percent of vehicle stops, 90 percent of citations, and 93 percent of arrests were of blacks
- In 2012-2014, 95 percent of "walking in the roadway" violations and 94 percent of "failure to comply" charges were given to blacks
- Nearly 90 percent of use of force by Ferguson officers was against blacks
- Michael Brown, an 18-year-old black man, was shot by Officer Darren Wilson in August 2014
- Encounter lasted about two minutes, occurred because Officer Wilson suspected involvement in a local market theft
- Brown resisted arrest, punched and grabbed Wilson, leading Wilson to fear for his safety
- Wilson attempted to use mace, baton, and Taser but could not reach them
- Brown gained control of Wilson's weapon, but it jammed twice, leading Wilson to fear for his life
- Brown and Wilson struggled, resulting in gunfire, with Brown fleeing the scene
- Wilson pursued Brown on foot, with the shooting occurring during the chase.
Test your knowledge of the encounter between Officer Wilson and Mr. Brown based on the provided excerpt.
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