Part Three: Shaping the Community in Response the Unlawful Arrest and Detention (Maplewood Constitution Course)
After going through an unlawful arrest and detention, it is easy to feel defeated by the system. (read part 1 here and part 2 here)
While I am frustrated that the prosecuting attorney has yet to sign off on my charges (so I’m technically STILL not charged, although I spent 5 hours in jail and had to post $750 bond), I am feeling very optimistic about finding a resolution – let me tell you why.
While in jail I learned that many of the women incarcerated do not understand their rights. They do not understand the Constitution or how our country was formed, nor do they understand the proper role of government or law enforcement. They have accepted police abuse and targeting as a fact of life. One girl, after arriving, said, “well I better kick back and enjoy a few free meals, I’m sure I’ll be here a few days”. Why were these women in jail? Most were unable to afford the property tax on their vehicles and were swooped up off the streets and incarcerated, the remainder were for other issues surrounding the use of a vehicle. None of them had hurt anyone or damaged/stolen any property. Doesn’t sound very free to me.
In response to the situation found in Maplewood, the Liberty Restoration Project is excited to announce that we are sponsoring a FREE four hour Constitution Course for the citizens of Maplewood. This course will be taught by Scott Wood who teaches Advanced Constitution courses for the Riverbend 912 group and will take place at the Maplewood Library on November 14th from noon to 4pm. You can RSVP here: http://maplewoodconstitutioncourse.eventbrite.com.
For the past 3 weeks we have gone door to door in the community of Maplewood handing out fliers for the course. We also have fliers up in 9 area businesses. The response from the community was overwhelmingly supportive. Not one person disagreed with our course of action, all stating that Maplewood Police have a reputation that is NOT favorable, although most folks we spoke to made sure to clarify they DO support fair law enforcement (so does LRP).
What action will I be taking personally?
1. I have received 4 minutes of the surveillance footage, and am picking up the rest today or tomorrow. I have also requested and received the Oath of Office of the arrest officer (he was a rookie, sworn in May 26, 2009).
2. I have filed a complaint against the city of Maplewood and the arresting officer – I have already met with Internal Affairs over this matter. My entire conversation is recorded, I will try to post soon.
3. I have filed a complaint against the city of Richmond Heights and the officer who treated me so poorly in jail, they have not responded yet.
4. I am working closely with Fox Channel 2’s investigative reporter – big things coming 
Stay Tuned.
5. I have found a first amendment attorney who is going to represent me pro-bono. Both offensive and defensive. Gear up.
If you want to help in anyway, feel free to get in touch
Catherine Bleish
executive director
Liberty Restoration Project
816.868.8806
Catherine@libertyrestorationproject.org
