Chapter 5: Policing the Police (Skid Row)

Who is Malcolm?

Formerly incarcerated (13 yrs for bank robbery) → now leader of LACAN Community Watch

What changed Malcolm in prison?

Solitary confinement + mentorship → Black nationalist ideology

What does LACAN do?

Community group that monitors police + fights misconduct

Main idea of Chapter 5?

Residents don’t just avoid police → they actively monitor and challenge them

What happened in the Nelson Trial (2007)?

Video showed police beating elderly man → court sided with police (“therapeutic force”)

What is the Fitzgerald Injunction (2008)?

Court order limiting police power:

• No searches for minor offenses

• No asking about parole/probation

• Required training

Did LAPD follow the Fitzgerald Injunction?

No → officers weren’t even trained → shows systemic issue

What is Tony Lavan v. City of Los Angeles?

City destroyed homeless man’s property → ruled unconstitutional

What did the Lavan ruling require?

• Allow people to claim property

• Give notice

• Store items for 90 days

What is the “Sanford and Son” video?

Officers lied about returning property → dumped it + mocked residents

What are “cat and mouse games”?

Police mess with/watch Community Watch to avoid being recorded

Example of Malcolm tactic?

Tracks horse poop to find mounted police and film them

How do police trick residents?

Casual questions → get consent or self-incrimination

How does Community Watch respond to police Catching Them Slipping?

Uses same tactic → questions officers → expose violations

What happened when Stuart joined LACAN?

Police turned on him → harassment, intimidation, cut access

How is LACAN’s “cop wisdom” different?

• Others → avoid police

• LACAN → challenge police collectively

What changed after Lavan case?

• Less property destruction

• Body cameras introduced (2014)

• Some public services restored

What does this suggest?

Possible “uneasy truce” between police and residents

What are the key takeaways?

• Police misconduct is systemic

• Residents can fight back collectively

• Law + documentation = real change

• Power struggle between community vs. police