Most young women are not. The settlement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career, he said. ABC News noted that other officers arrived on the scene soon after. The film centers on a recent incident that made headlines around the world: In March 2019, Boulder police officer John Smyly confronted and, ultimately, pointed his gun at Zayd Atkinson, a Black man and a student at Naropa University who was picking up trash outside of his dorm as part of his work-study job. Youre on my property with a gun in your hand, threatening to shoot me because Im picking up trash, Atkinson said. Based on the investigation, the Boulder Police Department will start additional training on de-escalation efforts for officers. Stop!. Atkinson responded by showing the officer his school identification card and telling him that he lived there. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. {mosads}While the finding likely would have resulted in suspension or possibly termination, Officer Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, the statement said. After Atkinson said he did, Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. Chandler is a veteran of the Washington D.C. metro writing scene, working as a journalist, reporter, and culture critic. KQ)csp W,M=--I3&\(4lPb&[ Alumni Association City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. The city of Bouldersaid in a statement Thursday that officer John Smyly violated multiple department policies when heconfrontedZayd Atkinson, 26, in March. 1202 University Avenue, 459 UCB Stop!. Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. Carr said investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct. Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. All Rights Reserved. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to tase him. It's like Live PD, except actually live, and without the \"cops can do no wrong\" bias.music in this videoLove Is Blind (Instrumental Version) - Coma Svenssonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u78BBpHcz44Wasted Education - Blue Topazhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqmKzeeDj54 He will receive commensurate pay and benefits during that period and a single, lump sum payment for any accrued and unused vacation time when his employment officially ends Feb. 9. BOULDER, Colo. One of the Boulder police officers who confronted a black man as he was picking up trash in his yard has been found to be in violation of department policies and has resigned . When Zayde continues to refuse to be John Smyly's b****, Smyly brandished a fire arm to try to further intimidate his victim into compliance. Youre on my property with a gun in your hand, threatening to shoot me because Im picking up trash, the man said to the officer. In a statement released on Thursday, The city of Boulder announced that an investigation found that Smyly violated two police department policies: On body-camera footage the city released Thursday, Atkinson can be heard saying, Im a student, I live here Im doing my job.. The city was being "disingenuous with the public" and "using taxpayer dollars to pay this officer," he added. Boulder PD releases body camera footage, reports. To make matters worse, Smyly gets to chill at home with pay until Feb. 9 of next year while Atkinson says hes been plagued with anxiety by way of the trauma of the exchange. Smyly drew his Taser and followed Atkinson to the back of the building, repeatedly telling him to sit down on the ground and put the weapon down, referring to the trash tool. Smyly approached Atkinson on March 1 in front of the condo-style building, where he was using a metal tool with a claw at its base to put trash into a bucket, according to the new footage. 2 Followers, 0 Following, 1 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from John Smyly (@reformed_cop) And then you make it beautiful, you hope, so that lots of people are moved by it and want to engage with it. Smyly reportedly asked Atkinson if he was permitted to be at the location. Thats what youre gonna do officer? Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. View the profiles of people named John Smyly. As part of his resignation agreement, Smyly will officially end his employment with Boulder on Feb. 9, 2020 after using his accrued floating holiday leave, sick and permitted administrative leave. He has led this program for nine seasons, earning five bowl berths, and in 2018 guiding the team to its first appearance in the AP Top 25's final rankings in 22 years. DENVER (AP) A white Colorado police officer who pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a black man picking up trash around his dormitory resigned this week under an agreement that lets him collect $69,000 in salary despite violating department policies. Smyly later said he believed his stun gun would be ineffective in subduing Atkinson because of the heavy coat he was wearing at the time, according to the report. A white Colorado police officer who pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a black man picking up trash around his dormitory resigned this week . Authorities also released body camera footage from officers at the scene. Follow @dlchandler123 Watch: Police confront black man in his own yard. 400 0 obj <> endobj City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinson's race. Call and let them know that by hiring officers who have a history of racial profiling, they are contributing to the racist culture of policing. The city offered to settle with Atkinson for $125,000. Mr. Atkinson turned, took out his ear buds, and asked what was going on. Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, was picking up garbage outside of his residence when officer John Smyly approached. Mr Smyly called for backup because Mr Atkinson was "unwilling to put down a blunt object". DENVER (AP) A white Colorado police officer who pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a black man picking up trash around his dormitory resigned this week under an agreement that lets him collect $69,000 in salary despite violating department policies. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. Smyly, a 14-year vet with no history of . Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . Initially freelancing at iOne Digital in 2010, he officially joined the iOne team in 2017 where he currently works as a Senior Editor for Cassius Life and Hip-Hop Wired. After about eight minutes, more Boulder police officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. How many strikeouts did John Smiley have? If you know what department Smyly is working it, please email that information to realjamesfreeman@gmail.com, so I can publicly publish that information, warning potential new victims.ID Refusal by Boulder Colorado man, Zayde Atkinson results in threats and officer John Smyly brandishing a fire arm.email videos you want covered on this channel to Realjamesfreeman@gmail.com James Freeman does first amendment audits, cop watching, cop blocking, and more. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. We would immediately lose our jobs.". He is not allowed to be reinstated to the Boulder Police Department. Mr. Rathod is correct. }, 2000 ) } ); John Smyly, a former police officer in the city of Boulder, Colo., will not face harsh penalties after he racially profiled, harassed, and threatened a Black man doing a good deed in his community. @O $6(|a*P`t@dLYYo&$ ()lTA johhUCWLe8*%BsS@35,\4'Jaqm>$BlvR6 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Colorado police officer John Smyly who pulled his gun on Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University picking up trash in front of his apartment building, has resigned. 418 0 obj <>stream John Smiley had 1,284 strikeouts over his career. John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd . The city on Thursday announced the settlement but did not include the terms in a news release. Boulder Police Officer John Smyly was one of several cops who confronted student Zayd Atkinson as he gathered garbage in his yard on March 1. We've received your submission. Since Live PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING COP WATCHES. Boulder Police Department's investigation found Mr Smyly had violated the department's rules on police authority, public trust and conduct. Associated Press / May 17, 2019. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A white police officer who pulled out his gun during a heated confrontation with a black college student picking up trash outside his Colorado dorm is resigning and will continue to collect his paycheck for the next eight months, city officials said. John Smyly, a former police officer in the city of Boulder, Colo., will not face harsh penalties after he racially profiled, harassed, and threatened a Black man doing a good deed in his community . /9YmNx7|:900w40e =:(xe:`L01[ J @45aG1V !@ %ISB&=@I!IB=@w30=s We do not know the motive of the officer on why he approached this black man. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. Boulder is essentially saying were going to pay this officer and let him resign for threatening Zayds life, for racially profiling Zayd, said Atkinsons attorney, Siddhartha Rathod. I found this video of John Smyly, whom I met personally in Japan in 2003 and dont think hes a racist, reason why I decided to make this video. Officer John Smyly resigned Wednesday ahead of a planned administrative hearing into his confrontation involving Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson in March, CBS Denver reported. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. Mr Atkinson says in a video taken by a neighbour. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. What Smyly did should have incurred harsher charges but here we are. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Smyly is a 14-year department veteran was found in violation of two department policies. The man he tried to bully and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson, NEVER gave in. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in . Thats what youre gonna do, officer? He then told Atkinson that he was obstructing a police officer, a jailable offense. Smyly later told Atkinson that he was being detained for trespassing. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. "Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 in taxpayer money, giving him a year's paid vacation for what he did," Rathod said, adding that if any other citizen had done what Smyly did, they would be fired from their job and charged criminally. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. But an independent review of the confrontation found no impropriety in the procedures . 0 We do urge caution as this video could trigger some. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . John Smiley was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of the 1983 MLB June Amateur Draft from Perkiomen School (Pennsburg, PA). IE 11 is not supported. Privacy Legal & Trademarks Campus Map. Atkinsons behavior reportedly led Smyly to radio for backup because the resident was being uncooperative and unwilling to put down a blunt object, a police statement obtained by ABC News said. Officer quits after pulling gun on black college student picking up trash outside dorm. Smyly next asked for Atkinsons date of birth. 17, 2019 at 1:00 PM PDT. "If you or I did what Officer Smyly did to Zayd Atkinson, not only would we be immediately fired, we would be criminally prosecuted. Everyone really needs to open their eyes to all the truths of their community so we can fix it.. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. has worked in the past for MTV News, Billboard, and several other publications. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. Oyeneyin was handcuffed and detained in his own home after police responded to a burglar alarm in process. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. Now, the creators are fielding requests to screen the film in Boulder and beyond; theyre also creating accompanying study guides to help people understand and discuss the themes depicted in the film. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March 2019. "I need to verify who you are," Smyly says. Atkinson and BPD patrol officer John Smyly (and, subsequently, other responding officers) ("the Incident"). That footage only showed Zayd Atkinson holding a bucket and a tool for picking up trash as police officers surrounded him outside the dormitory for students at Naropa University, a liberal arts school associated with Buddhism. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the buildings rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there.After Atkinson said he did, Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. The investigation report said that while Mr Smyly had not used racial language during the incident and had "specifically" told them his actions were not based on Mr Atkinson's race, the student had disagreed. He is likely employed at a different police department at this time. In a statement, City Attorney Tom Carr said firing the officer, John Smyly, would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? On Thursday, the city announced the conclusion of an internal investigation, saying it found Smyly violated two department policies could not substantiate claims of racial bias. Mr Atkinson told local broadcaster CBS4 Denver he was glad Officer Smyly was "being held accountable for something but it seems like it's just bare minimum things". @dlchandler123. I didnt know what else to do besides, you know, to fight with my voice and to practice my rights, which were thoroughly being breached., THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. The body camera footage of Officer Smyly shows the exchange between go sour after Atkinson told him that he was a resident and offered to show him his access . hbbd```b``>"gk`G`vd "Y rdle`bd`u$300 * Cellphone footage shot by a neighbor showed Smyly holding his firearm amid the confrontation. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. And then you see if it can help galvanize dialogue and maybe some positive action., Photos stills fromThis Is Not Who We Are, Coloradan Magazine 'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.async=true;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); When demonstrators took to the streets to show support for Atkinson and protest racism, the filmmakers grabbed their cameras and got to work. 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