LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The ACLU of Southern California supports the announcement today by Pasadena Police Chief Bernard Melekian that the county's Office of Independent Review will conduct an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Leroy Barnes Jr. during a Feb. 19 traffic stop. The announcement accompanied the Pasadena Police Department's briefing to the community on the department's own investigation into the Barnes shooting, which concluded that the officers were justified in their actions.

"This tragic shooting has sparked substantial controversy in the community, and an independent investigation is a step in the right direction," said Michelle White, president of the ACLU/SC's Pasadena-Foothills Chapter. "We hope that the OIR will be able to answer concerns that have been raised by the community about this incident, and help bring resolution and healing to Leroy Barnes' family and the city of Pasadena.'

Added Peter Bibring, Staff Attorney for the ACLU/SC: "Conducting an outside review of a fatal police shooting is just good policy. Investigators from the same department may know the area, but they also may have worked for years alongside the officers they're investigating. An outside, independent investigation helps assure the community that the investigation is fair and thorough. We will pay close attention to the OIR's progress and results as it looks into this tragic incident.'

https://www.aclusocal.org/images/view/193?size=lgYou have the right to demonstrate and protest. This handy guide will walk you through basics of what you can and cannot do, and provide tips on what actions to take if stopped or arrested by law enforcement. We've also included advice for demonstrating on school grounds. Download page 1 and page 2, run off as many copies as you need, and take them with you next time you hit the streets for your next protest action!