A Colorado police officer, John Smyly resigned after an incident he had with a local resident where he approached this black man who was picking up trash around the residency he lived at. Officer Smyly got his attention and asked him to stop. 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. He will, however, remain an employee through February . My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. endstream
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We still have people who really believe that Boulder is just this perfect town, who believe that what happened to Zayd was an isolated incident, so I want to reach every single resident somehow, some way, Miller said. He is likely employed at a different police department at this time. Police body camera footage released . John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson near his home in Boulder. Colorado police confront man picking up trash on his lawn. The Associated Press reports he will earn benefits and a salary during this time and will be compensated for any unused holiday he accrues. Atkinsons attorney, Siddhartha Rathod, said he thinks Smyly is getting off too easy. This is a bucket! More broadly, they hope as many people as possible will view the documentary and join us in trying to be the community that we want to be, Miller said. We would immediately lose our jobs.". It feels like they are jumping on this train with me after watching the film and hearing the stories.. The Boulder County Sheriff complaint line - 303-441-1759 In a statement released on Thursday, The city of Boulder announced that an investigation found that Smyly violated two police department policies: Most young women are not. Atkinson asked for Smylys supervisor several times during the footage and a total of eight officers and a sergeant responded to the scene. How many strikeouts did John Smiley have? City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. Despite the documentarys bleak outlook, the filmmakers remain optimistic, due in large part to the positive reception of the film so far. "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. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. The report released with the video footage said Smyly had no authority to detain Atkinson or probable cause to charge him with any crime and should have left once Atkinson provided his name, address and his reason for being there. The city was being "disingenuous with the public" and "using taxpayer dollars to pay this officer," he added. Boulder, CO 80309-0459, University of Colorado Boulder Regents of the University of Colorado A police officer in Colorado has resigned after confronting a black student picking up rubbish outside his shared accommodation. Cellphone footage shot by a neighbor showed Smyly holding his firearm amid the confrontation. %%EOF
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. 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 . He will be on the city payroll until February 2020. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. PUBLISHED: May 16, 2019 at 9:28 a.m. | UPDATED: May 16, 2019 at 11:48 a.m. While we have no proof racial bias was a motivating factor, the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations of police policies.. Carr 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. Smyly violated police authority and public trust and conduct, according to the review process that wouldve likely ended in his suspension or termination had he not already resigned from the department, police told the newspaper. But an independent review of the confrontation found no impropriety in the procedures . If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. The city said that an investigation did not find evidence of racial profiling. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. After Atkinson said he did, Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. 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 . VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. 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 . 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. The city added that Details of the payment amount were included in the City Council agenda packet released Thursday evening ahead of its . Atkinson repeats he's provided his identification but Smyly wants more proof. The student's lawyer, Siddhartha Rathod, told local newspaper the Denver Post that he was disappointed Mr Smyly had not been fired and would still be paid. Im picking up trash! Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. covers a variety of topics including breaking news, politics, Hip-Hop music and culture, fashion, and Black history. ABC News noted that other officers arrived on the scene soon after. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. According to the summary, one officer drew his handgun when he arrived but re-holstered it in less than a minute while Smyly had his gun out until Atkinson put the trash-grabbing tool down.The report released with the video footage said Smyly had no authority to detain Atkinson or probable cause to charge him with any crime and should have left once Atkinson provided his name, address and his reason for being there.Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. Police body camera footage released Thursday . The film "This Is Not Who We Are" includes the testimonials of several black Boulder . We've received your submission. Smyly, a 14-year vet with no history of . John Smyly resigned from the BPD after pointing a gun at Black Naropa student Zayd Atkinson, and he was just hired by Boulder County Sheriff. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. The exchange between Officer Smyly and Mr. Atkinson does not represent the professionalism of the Boulder Police Department nor the community Boulder desires to be, City Attorney Tom Carr said in a statement to the newspaper. Facebook gives people the power to share. Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. After about eight minutes, more Boulder police officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. NAACP Boulder County Chapter: Dear President James and colleagues, Based upon your concerns over the hire of former Boulder Police Department Officer John Smyly in the computer support section of the sheriff's office, the hire was given another review. Smyly resigned on May 15, before the conclusion of the disciplinary process. Im picking up trash! 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. Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. D.L. 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. What Smyly did should have incurred harsher charges but here we are. 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. Smyly was conducting extra patrols due to recent crime in the area when he encountered Atkinson with an unknown object in his left hand, according to a summary of the probe released by Boulder police Chief Greg Testa. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong. His first big break in journalism came with the now-defunct Politically Black in 1999, the nation's first Black political news portal. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Officer John Smyly was allowed to resign. Lawmakers trounce Lobbyists in annual charity hockey game, These four House Republicans broke with the GOP to oppose inflation estimates bill, Biden mocks Rep. 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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. The city of Bouldersaid in a statement Thursday that officer John Smyly violated multiple department policies when heconfrontedZayd Atkinson, 26, in March. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. Thats what youre gonna do officer? KATHLEEN FOODY. The exchange between Officer Smyly and Mr. Atkinson does not represent the professionalism of the Boulder Police Department nor the community Boulder desires to be, City Attorney Tom Carr said in a statement. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. 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. endstream
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<. In this undated photo provided by lawyer Siddhartha Rathod, Zayd Atkinson poses for a photo. Smyly . On March 1 st, 2019, Officer John Smyly was conducting patrols when he saw Atkinson seated on a bench of the building that said "private property."Smyly approaches Atkinson as he sits on the bench to ask if he resides in the building. 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. 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. TwoFeather. The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. City Attorney Tom Carr said firing Smyly would have led to a drawn-out appeal and potentially allowed him to keep his job. John Smiley was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of the 1983 MLB June Amateur Draft from Perkiomen School (Pennsburg, PA). Smyly reportedly asked Atkinson if he was permitted to be at the location. We would immediately lose our jobs.. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. I thought that once the firearm was out that that meant that he was going to try to kill me, Atkinson said. This is a clamp!" 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. The man he tried to bully and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson, NEVER gave in. Smyly is resigning but will "exhaust" his paid leave. 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 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. 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. 17, 2019 at 1:00 PM PDT. 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. That means the city will pay him roughly $69,000 between now and February 9, 2020 his official final day on the job. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. Featuring historical context and emotional interviews with present-day Black residents of Boulder including children and teens grappling with racist bullies at school This Is [Not] Who We Are shows another side of a city that views itself as progressive. 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. D.L. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in Boulder, Colo., detained him in March, 2019. Boulder police launch an internal investigation after a video surfaces showing officers confronting an African American man picking up trash in Boulder, Colorado. 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. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. He currently heads the SPIRIT.ED column for Cassius Life, which focuses on adult beverages and their history. The officer "did not have authority to detain Mr Atkinson", the department wrote in their report. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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.
KQ)csp W,M=--I3&\(4lPb&[ Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The police officer who pulled a gun on a man picking up trash outside his own home in Boulder, Colorado, has resigned, city officials said Thursday. We would immediately lose our jobs.. Police body camera footage released Thursday provided a full video account of . Its hard to believe now, but there was a time when there was no Google in Boulder. (Facebook . {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. 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. Youre on my property with a gun in your hand, threatening to shoot me because Im picking up trash, Atkinson said. 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. Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, was picking up garbage outside of his residence when officer John Smyly approached. May 17, 2019, 6:17 AM PDT. Atkinson repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong.Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. The Boulder City Council has also created a task force to study police oversight. October 1, 2020. 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. (Siddhartha Rathod via AP) 1 of 2. Join Facebook to connect with John Smyly and others you may know. 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. Smyly said he noticed Atkinson on the buildings rear patio and wanted to see if he lived or worked there. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinson's race. 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. We would immediately lose our jobs.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.Under the agreement, Smyly resigned his police role May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! Read about our approach to external linking. Its a facilitation. ", US police detain black man picking rubbish, Human error to blame for train crash - Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. "If you or I did what Officer Smyly did to Zayd Atkinson, not only would we be immediately fired, we would be criminally prosecuted. Zayd Atkinson was picking up trash in his front yard in the 2300 block of Arapahoe Avenue about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1, when Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the department with no background of . "I will not sit down, I refuse to sit down, until you guys put your (expletive) weapons away," Atkinson said. Check out footage of the exchange between Smyly and Atkinson. Carr said investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct. 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. "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 provided his school ID, which did not have an address and then offered to let himself into the building as proof. More officers -- 8 in total -- eventually arrived, some with guns drawn. Privacy Legal & Trademarks Campus Map. Mr Atkinson says in a video taken by a neighbour. @dlchandler123. Officer quits after pulling gun on black college student picking up trash outside dorm. In a settlement, Smyly lost his gig but still will collect $69,000 in salary and wont see a blemish on his work record. 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 . 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