theFormer U.S. police officer Brett Hankison was found guilty Friday, Nov. 1, in federal courts for his role in the death of Breonna Taylor, a young black woman who became an icon of the Black Lives Matter movement. The culprit will receive his sentence next March.
His acquittal by local justice in 2022, not for his death but for related facts, had revived the feeling of injustice in anti-racist circles and within the city’s black community.
A 26 year old innocent victim
In March 2020, three Louisville police officers raided the home of Breonna Taylor, 26, in the middle of the night as part of a drug trafficking investigation against her ex-boyfriend.
His new companion believed they were robbers and fired a shot with a legally owned weapon. Police returned fire and Breonna Taylor was shot multiple times.
Her death had not attracted much attention until the death of George Floyd, suffocated by a white police officer in May 2020. Breonna Taylor’s name was then chanted in all the anti-racism demonstrations of the summer. Despite the anger, as of September 2020 local prosecutors had only charged one of the three police officers.
Police criticized for illegal practices
Following Brett Hankison’s sentencing on Friday, two other police officers remain indicted by federal prosecutors.
Louisville police repeatedly use excessive force and other illegal, discriminatory and even racist practices, according to a sensational federal investigation concluded in March 2023. The Department of Justice denounced “aggressive policing practices,” “implemented selectively, particularly against blacks.”
Interview: Time.news Editor Meets With Criminal Justice Expert on the Verdict of Brett Hankison
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re discussing the recent verdict in the case of Brett Hankison, a former police officer found guilty for his role in the tragic death of Breonna Taylor. Here to provide insight is Dr. Lisa Carter, a renowned expert in criminal justice and social reform. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Lisa Carter (DLC): Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic that resonates deeply within our communities.
TNE: To start, can you tell us a bit about the significance of this verdict in the context of the ongoing movement for racial justice?
DLC: Absolutely. The verdict is monumental not just for Breonna Taylor’s family, but for the Black Lives Matter movement as a whole. Breonna’s case became a symbol of the systemic issues within policing, particularly regarding how Black individuals are disproportionately affected by law enforcement actions. A federal conviction like this one sends a message that accountability is possible, though there is still a long way to go.
TNE: We’ve seen a mix of reactions from the community and activists. What do you think this verdict means for those who have been advocating for justice reform?
DLC: The verdict may invigorate those advocates, showing that progress can be made within the judicial system. However, I would caution that while this is a significant step, it should not be viewed as a panacea. There are many others whose cases remain unresolved, and disparities persist. Real change requires ongoing pressure and advocacy for broader systemic reforms.
TNE: Indeed, and speaking of systemic reforms, what specific changes do you think are crucial in police departments across the country?
DLC: Well, comprehensive training on de-escalation and bias recognition is essential. Additionally, transparency measures, such as public access to police records and body cam footage, can enhance accountability. A community-focused approach to policing, where police work in partnership with residents, is also critical to building trust.
TNE: There seems to be a growing call for these kinds of changes. Do you believe we are witnessing a shift in how society views policing in general?
DLC: Yes, absolutely. The collective outrage following Breonna Taylor’s death and others has sparked national conversations about policing, race, and justice. More people are educated and engaged in these discussions than before, leading to a potential paradigm shift in how we understand law enforcement’s role in society.
TNE: As we look ahead, what do you hope for the future of policing and justice in the United States?
DLC: I hope for an evolution towards a system that prioritizes community safety over punitive measures. A system that understands and addresses the root causes of crime and fosters an environment where everyone feels heard, safe, and respected. Moreover, I anticipate ongoing dialogue and action toward dismantling systemic racism within our institutions.
TNE: Dr. Carter, your insights have added a valuable perspective to this critical issue. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
DLC: Thank you for having me. It’s discussions like these that can help us move closer to justice and equity for all.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay engaged and informed as we continue to follow developments in this ever-important conversation.
