For once I'll let others do the vast majority of the talking for me. The series below has been available since October, but was first brought to my attention by The Young Turks just the other day. I haven't found any diaries about it here, so thought I would write one quickly. If someone else covered it, then kindly ignore me.
Brave New Films has filmed a series focusing on solutions to our over-policed, over-criminalized cities. They found three so far: Alternative programs for mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness. Not only are these programs more humane, they save a LOT of money. As one of the directors says, "It's a no-brainer. Why wouldn't you do it?" So maybe we should consider each of these programs for our own communities. Brave New Films is encouraging community screenings and providing videos and information for those screenings, I believe for free. See http://www.bravenewfilms.org/... if you're interested.
I'm excited about passing these along because these are workable solutions for the actions of police toward people most in need of help and least in need of jail. These solutions cost less money than most current methods, so potential resistance should be minimal. We bemoan excessive force and police brutality, and some cops will never change, and if you're going to shoot when you don't know what you're shooting at then I can't help you; but we at least have a chance when cops are properly trained and have resources other than jail cells. So watch the videos below the orange movie ticket if you'd like to see a few potential solutions. If you don't have time to watch all the Brave New Films trailers, then watch the first video of The Young Turks, who summarize all three. If you do have time, though, I found them to be pretty amazing, and then you probably won't need the TYT video. The Brave New Films videos brought tears to my eyes, actually. OK, I'll shut up now and let the videos carry the day. I'll return to my own voice tomorrow.
Here's the Young Turks summary of Over-Criminalized:
Homeless in Salt Lake City:
Mentally ill in San Antonio:
Substance abuse in Seattle: