In a documentary filmmaking class during her junior year at CU, Katrina Miller (Jour07) made a short movie about her friend, a Black student whod received a racially charged letter threatening her to step down from her post as student body president. Smyly, who had been on paid leave since the tense encounter, was found in violation of two department policies but resigned his post before the end of the citys disciplinary process. Atkinson can be seen holding a bucket and a metal trash grabber. We've received your submission. "That means you can do whatever you want and break the law and get away with it.". May 16, 2019, 9:54 PM. Film is the tool you can use to help other people say what they need to say, said Strong. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . Simon and Sally Glass say findings vindicate their belief that their son was murdered by Clear Creek County sheriff's deputies. 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 Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof.Smyly next asked for Atkinsons date of birth. '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'); 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 . Police body camera footage released Thursday provided a full video account of the tense encounter, which had gained national attention based on video shot by someone inside a student dormitory at Naropa University, a liberal arts school associated with Buddhism in the city of Boulder. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . The Boulder County Sheriff complaint line - 303-441-1759 D.L. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. "That just pisses me off that my tax money is going there to this guy to hang out for a year after breaking the law and breaching my rights," Atkinson said. Since Live PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING COP WATCHES. Atkinson refused then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. {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. This is a clamp.. 17, 2019 at 1:00 PM PDT. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. It was a frightening experience. When demonstrators took to the . The confrontation between Smyly and Atkinsonsparked massive backlash in the community. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with . 2 Followers, 0 Following, 1 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from John Smyly (@reformed_cop) Mr. Rathod is correct. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The city said that an investigation did not find evidence of racial profiling. Its a facilitation. The city offered to settle with Atkinson for $125,000. The film "This Is Not Who We Are" includes the testimonials of several black Boulder . John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson near his home in Boulder. Atkinson provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. A white Colorado police officer caught on video pulling a gun on a black man who was picking up trash outside his home has resigned, officials said Thursday. Friday, March 13, 2020 (Updated Monday, March 16) The city of Boulder is offering a $125,000 settlement to Zayd Atkinson, the black Naropa student who was confronted by armed police officers last year while picking up trash outside his home. Stop!. Youre on my property with a gun in your hand, threatening to shoot me because Im picking up trash, Atkinson said. 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. He said he has had trouble sleeping since and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him.My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said.Carr, the city attorney, said the resignation agreement allowed the city to provide the community information more quickly, and it transitioned Officer Smyly out of a law enforcement career. The citys bargaining agreement with police officers requires an appeal for any disciplinary action and could have allowed Smyly to return to duty, he added.City officials said the investigation could not prove that Smyly acted because of Atkinsons race. Smyly attempted to detain Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, asking him to prove he lived on the property. Millers video didnt make it out of the classroom (though her peers did give her a standing ovation), but Miller never forgot the pride and passion she felt drawing attention to injustice. We would immediately lose our jobs.. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. According to the new video footage, 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. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. Atkinson's attorney, Denver-based civil rights attorney Siddhartha Rathod, said that Boulder was using taxpayer dollars to reward Smyly for racially profiling his client and putting Atkinson in fear for his life. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. A white Colorado police officer who confronted 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. Carr said investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct. DENVER 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 . endstream endobj 401 0 obj <. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Chandler is a veteran of the Washington D.C. metro writing scene, working as a journalist, reporter, and culture critic. All Rights Reserved. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police . And then you make it beautiful, you hope, so that lots of people are moved by it and want to engage with it. 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. He will be on the city payroll until February 2020. Officer Smyly got his attention and asked him to stop. Youre gonna shoot a resident on his property for picking up trash?, Smyly drew his gun when the two men reached the back of the building, an investigative summary said. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. 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. Facebook gives people the power to share. City Attorney Tom Carr said the exchange between Smyly and Atkinson does not represent the professionalism of the department. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, The Associated Press reports he will earn benefits and a salary during this time, The officer "did not have authority to detain Mr Atkinson", the department wrote in their report, US police accused of beating black officer, Bank calls police over black man's cheque, Mr Atkinson told local broadcaster CBS4 Denver, The student's lawyer, Siddhartha Rathod, told local newspaper the Denver Post that he was disappointed Mr Smyly had not been fired, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Explosive found in check-in luggage at US airport, Fungus case forces Jack Daniels to halt construction, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart, Dozens of girls treated after new Iran poisonings, Havana Syndrome unlikely to have hostile cause - US. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! View the profiles of people named John Smyly. May 17, 2019, 6:17 AM PDT. But none of those officers, including Smyly, pointed their weapons at Atkinson, the report found. 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. Judge says Starbucks committed egregious and widespread labor violations Zero-calorie sweetener popular in keto diets linked to strokes, heart attacks, Trumps polling strength causes heartburn for Senate GOP, Senate group wades into tough talks on Social Security, China, Belarus call for cease-fire, negotiations in Ukraine. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong.Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Smyly reportedly asked Atkinson if he was permitted to be at the location. Follow @dlchandler123 John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd . BOULDER, Colo. -- New video shows the heated encounter that went viral back in March -- a black man confronted by a Boulder police officer while picking up trash in his own yard. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Famous Women Caught With Busted Up Feet [Photos], LL Cool J Explains The Meaning Of Pink Cookies In A Plastic Bag On Drink Champs, Toxic Avengers: Blueface Leaks Alleged Texts From Lil Baby To Chrisean Rock, 15 Music Stars Who Had Disturbing Relationships With Their Entourages [Photos], Twitter Reacts To Will Smith Joking About Chris Rock Slap In New Tik Tok Video, Brandon Smiley Laid To Rest Over The Weekend, Rickey Smiley Shares Photos & Videos, BET Uncut Is Not Coming Back; Here's Its 15 Wildest Videos Anyway, Finger Struggle: Celebrities With Crazy Looking Hands [Photos]. When he refuses to ID the way the cop wants him to, John Smyly escalates the situation. Atkinson and BPD patrol officer John Smyly (and, subsequently, other responding officers) ("the Incident"). John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. The independent review, conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, Bob Troyer, will soon be released by the city. 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. Colorado police confront man picking up trash on his lawn. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. In a settlement, Smyly lost his gig but still will collect $69,000 in salary and wont see a blemish on his work record. These four House Republicans broke with the GOP to oppose inflation estimates McCarthy, GOP pump brakes on release of Jan. 6 footage to Tucker Carlson. John Smiley was a Pitcher. John Smiley had 1,284 strikeouts over his career. Smylys resignation comes more than two months after he and other officers confronted Atkinson,a student at Naropa University, at the patio area of his apartment, according to ABC News. A white Colorado police officer has resigned after being caught on video drawing his gun on a black man who said he was picking up trash at his property. Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Mr. Atkinson turned, took out his ear buds, and asked what was going on. D.L. 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. Authorities also released body camera footage from officers at the scene. The incident happened on March 1 on the 2300 block of Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder. Officer Smyly . Most young men are single. It can be a great influencer, and Ive always known that there are certain issues in the world I want to address and the best medium to do that, for me, was film.. During the incident the man gave officers his university ID and said repeatedly that he lived and worked at the shared occupancy building. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. The shepherd boy, the wolf and the threat to Israeli democracy. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. Embattled NC sheriff resigns again before DA details accusations against him in court. Though National Geographic may have named Boulder the happiest city in America in 2017, that description is more true for some residents than others, the filmmakers argue. An attorney for Atkinson called the agreement with the city of Boulder ridiculous., Boulder is essentially saying, 'Were going to pay this officer and let him resign for threatening Zayds life, for racially profiling Zayd,' attorney Siddhartha Rathod said. 400 0 obj <> endobj Atkinsons attorney, meanwhile, said he was upset that Smyly is allowed to stay on the citys payroll for more than eight months. The man he tried to bully and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson, NEVER gave in. All Rights Reserved. Advertisement. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. The Boulder City Council has also created a task force to study police oversight. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. Smyly drew his stun gun 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. Drought, dry grass and gusting winds lead to wildfire. Video shows Smyly approaching Atkinson in a partially enclosed patio area behind a private property sign, prompting the officer to ask if the man had a right to be there. "If you or I did what Officer Smyly did to Zayd Atkinson, not only would we be immediately fired, we would be criminally prosecuted. TwoFeather. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. Youre gonna shoot a resident on his property for picking up trash?, An investigative summary said Smyly drew his gun when the two men reached the back of the building. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. KATHLEEN FOODY. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March 2019. 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. 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. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. Join Facebook to connect with John Smyly and others you may know. When demonstrators took to the streets to show support for Atkinson and protest racism, the filmmakers grabbed their cameras and got to work. Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. Boulder officials conducted an investigation of the March incident of officer John Smyly confronting Zayd Atkinson outside his home. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. D.L. John Smiley was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of the 1983 MLB June Amateur Draft from Perkiomen School (Pennsburg, PA). Based on the investigation, the Boulder Police Department will start additional training on de-escalation efforts for officers. He said Boulder either lacks the ability or will to root out racism from this police department. Atkinson then started to walk away and continue picking up trash after Smyly asked for his address and date of birth, leading Smyly to radio for help. The officer, John Smyly, was identified Thursday as the 14-year department veteran seen in a 16-minute video posted to YouTube after confronting Zayd Atkinson outside a Naropa University dorm in . Privacy Legal & Trademarks Campus Map. By Breanna . But an independent review of the confrontation found no impropriety in the procedures . 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 . John Smyly, the Boulder, Colorado, officer who initiated contact with Zayd Atkinson that resulted in a tense interaction where several officers drew their guns, was allowed to resign. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . 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