CONTACT
Buting ,Williams & Stilling ,S.C. | A Criminal Defense Law Firm

Call Today for a FREE Consultation

262-923-8761

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT

Will ACLU’s new smartphone app reduce civil rights violations?

On Behalf of | Nov 13, 2015 | Criminal Defense

We have written several posts over the last couple years about incidents in which police officers seemingly overstepped their authority and violated the civil rights of suspects. Many of these interactions involved African-American suspects and were ultimately fatal.

The problems of racial profiling and civil rights abuses happen everywhere in America, including here in Wisconsin. And the problem is not new. So why has it not received this much media attention in the past? Civil rights advocates say that evidence of police misconduct is now much easier to collect thanks to cellphone video cameras and other recording devices.

Law enforcement agencies around the country are considering proposals to put body cameras on police officers, but many issues of privacy and accountability are still being debated. In the meantime, groups like the American Civil Liberties Union are trying to make it easier for average people to document police misconduct as it happens.

This week, the ACLU announced the release of a free new smartphone app called “Mobile Justice.” According to news sources, it has four important features:

  1. A recording feature to allow individuals to record police interactions and send the video files directly and immediately to the local chapter of the ACLU
  2. A reporting feature that allows individuals to give a more detailed account of a police interaction, which is then immediately sent to the local ACLU chapter
  3. An option allowing Mobile Justice users to alert other MJ users in the area to come and serve as witnesses to an interaction with law enforcement
  4. A feature informing individuals of their rights during police interactions

At first blush, the Mobile Justice app seems both promising and potentially problematic. On one hand, it may better preserve evidence of police misconduct, because police officers won’t be able to get rid of videos by confiscating or destroying an observer’s cellphone. The video files will already be in the cloud.

On the other hand, average citizens need to be very careful how they use the MJ app during encounters with police. If a user answers the call to be a witness, they need to observe without getting in the way. Otherwise, they could face criminal charges or could potentially be harmed if the situation escalates.

If a user of the MJ app is the suspect in a law enforcement interaction, they need to communicate with police and reach for their phone slowly. The potential consequences of failing to do so are obvious.

While the Mobile Justice app will not be a cure-all for civil rights violations, it should at least put police on notice that their actions can now be observed and scrutinized.

Archives

FindLaw Network

“I just want to say thank you for the outstanding work you have done for him and let you know how much we appreciate the time and attention you gave to his case. We are obviously overjoyed by today’s dismissal!” (Child pornography case dismissed after motion to suppress was granted)”

“After having had time to exhale, we thank each one of you and all the others who contributed to the exemplary Supreme Court presentation. We are proud of your efforts on our behalf and, equally important, on behalf of the many present and future defendants statewide.” (Client’s comment after Supreme Court oral argument)

“Thank you. Thank you. I am so pleased to hear that we won. It doesn’t seem that it was even a close call. I appreciate your efforts.” (Oconto County defendant after Buting, Williams & Stilling got his prison sentence overturned in the court of appeals) ”

“Your time and advice was appreciated more than words can express at a time when we really needed someone to guide us.” (Client)

“The outcome was amazing, one unavailable even under identical circumstances in probably 98 percent of federal courtrooms around the country. Separate and apart from the outcome, though, I am supremely impressed by your efforts on your client’s behalf. Your comments in support of the requested sentence were perfect in tone and, having now reviewed the extensive sentencing memorandum you filed, your work in that regard was exemplary as well. Your client was certainly fortunate to have you as his attorney.” (Local federal court attorney present at a sentencing)

“I can’t thank you enough, not only for all of the tireless work that you and your staff put into my case, but for telling me what I needed to hear, at a time when I absolutely had to hear it. I consider myself blessed for everything turning out the way it did, especially since I blindly picked you out of a phone book! You helped me, my family and friends in many more ways than the money ever could.” (Child pornography client)

“I think you will find that in any circles where Kathy’s name is raised, people will always respond positively and identify her as an extremely hardworking, knowledgeable and ethical lawyer who is timely and effective with any endeavor she takes on. These circles would include colleagues, friends, prosecutors, judges, professors and others who have crossed paths with Kathy. They would also include the many lawyers like me who have referred numerous cases to Kathy, invariably with positive feedback from the clients regarding her knowledge of their case, empathy, professionalism and fair-mindedness in addressing their concerns.” (Fellow attorney)

“Thank you for giving [our son] back to us. Wonderful work!” (Family of client accused of armed robbery after charges were dismissed)

“Yes, His perfect time and perfect place, you were a part of this plan. I almost didn’t hire you, but I took a step of faith trusting Him and look what happened? Praise God. Our Lord put you in your vocation for a reason, continue to help those He brings your way. May He bless you in ALL you do!” (Client who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in a northwestern Wisconsin county. He was released from prison after attorneys got his conviction reversed.)

“I really cannot thank you enough for your past help. You really know your stuff. It is actually funny when I think about my other past attorney’s knowledge and then when I talk with you. It’s like night and day. You’re like a walking book of knowledge with a purpose-driven life. Thanks.” (Brown County client of attorney Buting)

“A year later and I still believe your defense is the single best example of lawyering I have ever seen.” (Television reporter commenting on attorney Buting’s defense of Steven Avery)

“You have a certain brilliance that makes me sure that when you talk, it is good information and I am in good hands. You tell it to me like it is even when the things you say are not always the things that I would like to hear. You keep it REAL!!!” (Brown County client)

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel like this was one of the biggest blessings that happened in my life. I put this along with my children being born healthy and when I survived that horrific shooting. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I couldn’t ask for better lawyers. I want to say thank you to everybody at your firm. I owe you more than the fee you so rightfully deserve. … You gave me back hope. Thank you, man! Out of my 36 years … I have never seen such kindness before. I don’t know what I did to deserve this; I’m very thankful nonetheless. Thank you for giving me hope again. Thank you for your generosity. There are still some really good people around.” (Federal criminal appeal client)

“There is no other attorney I’ve ever even heard of I’d rather have as chief counsel and leader of my defense/appeals than Jerome Buting. You’re the best. Period.” (Dane County client)

“Your advice and counsel were greatly appreciated. We appreciate you taking the time on your Sunday and evenings to help us. We are SO happy about the results! Thanks again.” (Waukesha County client)

“Thank you again … for everything. Five and one-half years of commitment, so many ups and downs and an outcome like that. You did a GREAT job.” (Waukesha County felony drug offense client)