Law Enforcement

In The Midst Of A City-Wide Shelter Crisis Redding Must Enforce Its Illegal Camping Ordinance Very Carefully. 

In 2021, the City of Redding declared a shelter crisis, saying the lack of local emergency housing created a threat to the safety of unhoused people. Recent efforts to keep Nur Pon Open Space clear of encampments are complicated by the risk of violating a 2018 federal court decision known as Martin v. Boise which prohibits citations for illegal camping unless there is adequate access to emergency shelter.

Sheriff And County Executives Announce Plan For $120 Million Facility; Critical Details are Still Scarce

The “hub and spoke” style facility would include rehabilitation services integrated within a large county detention facility. The plan is designed to provide increased accountability for those who are unhoused or facing mental health or substance use issues within the county, top leaders said. Supervisors were divided on the approach but expressed interest in learning more at future meetings.

Redding Police’s Use of Military Equipment, Including their Armored Vehicle, Could Change Under New State Law

AB 481 requires law enforcement to seek approval to continue using drones and other military equipment. It was developed in response to civil rights concerns during anti-police brutality protests. RPD's draft policy for how they’ll use military equipment was discussed at a sparsely attended community forum Thursday. The policy does not yet appear to include meaningful specifics that would protect civil rights.

Local Law Enforcement Documents Swept Up In Investigation Into January 6 Capitol Attack

Documents collected as part of the “January 6 Project” — research by D.C. based non-profit Property of the People — reveal more about how local law enforcement responded to a Redding protest against police brutality in June of 2020. According to the founder of Property for the People, they also raise questions about aggressive policing of progressive dissent.

2003 Sexual Harassment Allegations Failed to Trigger Title IX Protections at West Valley

A former student alleges months of harassment and an assault by a West Valley teacher and coach in 2003. An internal investigation into those allegations by the Anderson Union High School District, did not meet the standards of Title IX law. Local law enforcement documents show no evidence of an investigation after a report of the allegations was filed by Child Protective Services. The former student began speaking with Shasta Scout after allegations of sexual assault on the West Valley football team became public last year. Her story, and the public records Shasta Scout obtained, indicate important similarities.

The Council Talks: More Police for Redding?