All across the country and around southern California, an epidemic of police violence and misconduct is a growing problem. In St. Petersburg, FL, the police killing of a Black motorist led to several days of rebellion. In Pittsburgh, PA, thousands have marched to protest the police killing of Jonny Gammage, cousin of Pgh. Steelers star Ray Seals, and the failure of the criminal justice system to hold the police perpetrators to account. In Ventura County, half a dozen families are currently suing the police for the deaths of loved ones in custody. In the Inland Empire, hundreds of sheriff's deputies are facing the loss of their ability to carry firearms because of prior convictions for domestic abuse. In L.A., while the reforms proposed in the wake of the beating of Rodney King have yet to be carried out, the LAPD has repeatedly been held responsible for discrimination against Black, Latino and female officers.

People Against Racist Terror (PART) is putting together a community coalition against police brutality, racism and abuse, in order to convene a community gathering against police brutality on March 15, an international day of action. We want to build an effective network of community groups, families of victims, legal workers and political activists, and to stimulate the growth of community based COP-Watch efforts and educational campaigns. The Gathering will include activists from other cities that have developed successful COP-Watch groups.

For more information, call People Against Racist Terror (PART) 310-288-5003. P.O. Box 1055, Culver City CA 90232;

email <mnovickttt@igc.apc.org>

This information is passed along for non-profit research purposes only.