FW: Stop Policing Poverty (Feb 16, 6:30)

> Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:32:54 -0800
> To:
> From: eternity@islandnet.com
> Subject: Stop Policing Poverty (Feb 16, 6:30)
>
> From: research@vipirg.ca
>
> > please forward <
>
> The Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group (VIPIRG) recently
> produced research showing that the practice of social profiling by
> the Victoria police is creating an unsafe environment for people in
> the street community. Findings showed that targeted policing of the
> street community results in disproportionate ticketing for minor
> offenses and frequent police harassment. The police themselves admit
> that they don't have training or skills needed to deal with the
> social issues prevalent among populations of urban poor people and
> yet they spend an enormous amount of time patrolling the 900 block of
> Pandora street,wasting millions of dollars in public money to hand
> out fines for loitering, trespassing and other non-criminal offenses.
> This is ridiculous!
>
> Its time for us to set things straight and make this a safer
> community for everyone.
>
> ================================================
> End Policing of Poverty - Campaign Launch
> 6:30, Thursday Feb. 16
> Central Library Meeting Room, 735 Broughton St.
> Bus tickets, food and child care will be provided.
> ================================================
> VIPIRG needs your help to build this campaign! Join us for a
> discussion with panelists Hilary Marks, Gordon O'Connor, Mark
> Willson, and Ben Isitt, followed by a facilitated campaign strategy
> session to share ideas on how to eliminate discriminatory bylaws and
> promote social programs instead of more police violence.
>
> See you there.
>
>