If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process would have likely resulted in suspension or termination. He currently heads the SPIRIT.ED column for Cassius Life, which focuses on adult beverages and their history. It feels like they are jumping on this train with me after watching the film and hearing the stories.. 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. 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 repeatedly said he had not done anything wrong.Your hand is on your weapon and youre gonna shoot me, Atkinson shouted. Everyone really needs to open their eyes to all the truths of their community so we can fix it.. But none of those officers, including Smyly, pointed their weapons at Atkinson, the report found. City Attorney Tom Carr said the exchange between Smyly and Atkinson does not represent the professionalism of the department. Atkinson echoed Rathod's remarks in an interview with Denver7. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . He tries to make his victim sit like a dog, for no reason other than to assert dominance over him. hbbd```b``>"gk`G`vd "Y rdle`bd`u$300 * What position did John Smiley play? 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. 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 . The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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.. 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. 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. He said he has had trouble sleeping since and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. 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. Smyly attempted to detain Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, asking him to prove he lived on the property. Police body camera footage released . Zayd Atkinson, a student at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, was picking up garbage outside of his residence when officer John Smyly approached. 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. Published: May. D.L. Officer John Smyly was allowed to resign. Atkinson and BPD patrol officer John Smyly (and, subsequently, other responding officers) ("the Incident"). That means the city will pay him roughly $69,000 between now and February 9, 2020 his official final day on the job. }, 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. One of the officers involved in the latter scenario, John Smyly, resigned from the BPD earlier this month. Now, 15 years later, Miller is once again using documentary film as a vehicle for social change. "If you or I did what Officer Smyly did to Zayd Atkinson, not only would we be immediately fired, we would be criminally prosecuted. Authorities also released body camera footage from officers at the scene. 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. Atkinson, who is black and said after the incident that he felt he was racially profiled, showed Smyly, who is white, his student identification card, but the officer said he needed needed further proof. Boulder Police Department's investigation found Mr Smyly had violated the department's rules on police authority, public trust and conduct. 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. 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. 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. Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. 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. But the movie goes much deeper than this moment, exploring how Boulders earliest history made it nearly impossible for people of color to succeed in the idyllic city in the shadow of the Flatirons. Atkinson refused then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. During the incident the man gave officers his university ID and said repeatedly that he lived and worked at the shared occupancy building. Privacy Legal & Trademarks Campus Map. Smyly asked for Atkinsons date of birth. Atkinson, 26, said he believes Smyly should have been fired immediately. "I don't have a weapon! We would immediately lose our jobs.". Smyly is a 14-year department veteran was found in violation of two department policies. As part of an agreement, hell remain an employee through February and earn roughly $69,000 in salary for unused holiday and sick time, officials said. Atkinson then raised his voice, causing the officer to become threatened by the trash grabber, according to the report. 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. They left after determining that Atkinson had a right to be on the property. 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. is a native Washingtonian and resides in the Greater Washington area. John Smyly, a former Boulder Colorado Police officer detains a man, Zayde Atkinson with no RAS. John Smiley was a Pitcher. 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. City council is set to approve the payout during a special Monday night meeting, the only non . 2023 BBC. Im picking up trash and youre holding a gun!After about eight minutes, more Boulder police officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson.One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. 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. One officer drew his handgun when he arrived but reholstered it in less than a minute, while Smyly had his gun out until Atkinson put the trash-grabbing tool down, according to the summary. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinsons race. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to . The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Smyly then detained Atkinson for further investigation,which prompted Atkinson to grow frustrated. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything Christie: Trump grand jury foreperson did a lot of damage to case, Bill Maher: I am afraid of Trump on a very personal level. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The city of Boulder said in a statement Thursday that officer John Smyly violated multiple department policies when he confronted Zayd Atkinson, 26, in March. An independent review conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado Bob Troyer will be released once its complete, which is expected to be next week. 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. Im picking up trash, and youre holding a gun!. 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. Stop!. 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. My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. A Colorado police officer who detained a black man picking up trash in his yard is resigning after being found in violation of department policies. 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. Atkinsons attorney, meanwhile, said he was upset that Smyly is allowed to stay on the citys payroll for more than eight months. Most young men are single. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. At one point, eight police officers were surrounding Atkinson, but they eventually left after confirming Atkinson did indeed live in the building as he claimed. A police officer in Colorado has resigned after confronting a black student picking up rubbish outside his shared accommodation. covers a variety of topics including breaking news, politics, Hip-Hop music and culture, fashion, and Black history. 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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A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. October 1, 2020. Atkinson responded by showing the officer his school identification card and telling him that he lived there. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. 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]. Atkinson asked for Smylys supervisor several times during the footage and a total of eight officers and a sergeant responded to the scene. Atkinson also told ABC Newss Good Morning America in April that hes been struggling with stress and trauma since the encounter. window.addEventListener( 'loadOrInteraction', function() { If you or I did what Officer Smyly did to Zayd Atkinson, not only would we be immediately fired, we would be criminally prosecuted, attorney Siddhartha Rathod told the newspaper. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. On the video, Atkinson responds by shouting: Thats a gun! 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. A documentary at this year's Denver Film Festival is challenging the City of Boulder's inclusive reputation. 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. D.L. May 16, 2019, 9:54 PM. They hope that after viewing the film, people will feel motivated to take action or start down a path of self-education, however they feel compelled to whether thats by joining the Boulder County branch of the NAACP, reading books on white privilege, having difficult conversations about race and ethnicity or something else entirely. However, Smyly resigned before the investigation concluded. Its a facilitation. Smyly was allowed to resign, and is likely working for another department at this time. Read about our approach to external linking. The officer "did not have authority to detain Mr Atkinson", the department wrote in their report. 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. Authorities have completed the investigation into a Boulder police officer who tried to detain a black man cleaning trash around his home, and the police department has released all related body camera footage and reports. One officer can be seen holding a rifle; the investigative summary says the weapon fires bean bags. If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. Youre on my property with a gun in your hand, threatening to shoot me because Im picking up trash, Atkinson said. He said he has had trouble sleeping and spends time outdoors or with friends to calm him. BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - John Smyly, a Boulder police officer, has resigned after his department says he violated two rules when he questioned and followed a . Police body camera footage released Thursday provided a full video account of . Colorado police confront man picking up trash on his lawn. A video showing part of the scene went viral on the Internet, sparking outrage in the progressive Colorado city. ", 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. 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. In a settlement, Smyly lost his gig but still will collect $69,000 in salary and wont see a blemish on his work record. 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. 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. Details of the payment amount were included in the City Council agenda packet released Thursday evening ahead of its . My life right now is kind of restless, unsettled, he said. Im picking up trash! The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. By Ben Kesslen. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining . 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. Simon and Sally Glass say findings vindicate their belief that their son was murdered by Clear Creek County sheriff's deputies. 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 . It was a frightening experience. "That means you can do whatever you want and break the law and get away with it.". 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. Under a settlement with the department, Mr Smyly will stay on the city payroll until February 2020. Associated Press / May 17, 2019. 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. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. Atkinson said he did, and Smyly asked for identification with the address on it. The Boulder County Sheriff complaint line - 303-441-1759 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. We would immediately lose our jobs.. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd . Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. What Smyly did should have incurred harsher charges but here we are. Under the agreement, Smyly resigned . Officer John Smyly. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with . 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. 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. The findings likely would have resulted in suspension or possible termination, according to the department. 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. Cellphone footage shot by a neighbor showed Smyly holding his firearm amid the confrontation. A police officer in Colorado has resigned after confronting a black student picking up rubbish outside his shared accommodation. This is a clamp.. John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson near his home in Boulder. 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. %PDF-1.6 % Check out footage of the exchange between Smyly and Atkinson. Since Live PD and Cops was cancelled, James Freeman does LIVE STREAMING COP WATCHES. 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.Body camera footage released Thursday provided a full video account of the tense encounter, which gained national attention based on video shot by someone inside the building. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. 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. 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. View the profiles of people named John Smyly. After about eight minutes, more Boulder police officers arrive and form a loose half circle around Atkinson. A police internal affairs report said that Smylys choice to detain Atkinson was not supported by reasonable suspicion that Mr. Atkinson was committing, had committed, or was about to commit a crime.. This is a bucket! Smyly, a 14-year vet with no history of . 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. He is not allowed to be reinstated to the Boulder Police Department. Atkinson, who was holding a trash picker at the time, then told Smyly that he both lived and worked there before giving the officer his ID card. 0 1202 University Avenue, 459 UCB 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 . D.L. John Smyly questioned and followed Naropa University student Zayd . Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. "If you or I were to do this, we would be criminally charged. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. PUBLISHED: May 16, 2019 at 9:28 a.m. | UPDATED: May 16, 2019 at 11:48 a.m. The officer, John Smyly, resigned with a severance package, as the City Council and community members were troubled by the incident. (Facebook . This is a bucket. D.L. The incident happened on March 1 on the 2300 block of Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder. We've received your submission. 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. He said Boulder either lacks the ability or will to root out racism from this police department. 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. On Thursday morning, the city of Boulder announced the investigation had closed and the officer, who had already resigned, had not racially profiled the man. Mr Smyly called for backup because Mr Atkinson was "unwilling to put down a blunt object". [The positive reaction] makes me want to work even harder toward fixing these problems, and Im feeling that same sense of energy and responsibility from audiences, said Miller. 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. setTimeout( function() { How many strikeouts did John Smiley have? I thought that once the firearm was out that that meant that he was going to try to kill me, Atkinson said. Boulder Is the Happiest City in the U.S. For Some, Marshall Fire Devastates CU Boulder Community. He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. 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. May 16, 2019 / 5:17 PM / CBS Colorado. The independent review, conducted by former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, Bob Troyer, will soon be released by the city. While we have no proof racial bias was a motivating factor, the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations of police policies.. 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. 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. The man he tried to bully and intimidate, Zayde Atkinson, NEVER gave in. Despite the documentarys bleak outlook, the filmmakers remain optimistic, due in large part to the positive reception of the film so far. The Boulder City Council has also created a task force to study police oversight. Chandler is a veteran of the Washington D.C. metro writing scene, working as a journalist, reporter, and culture critic. A phone number for Smyly could not be located Thursday. Advertisement. Atkinson refused then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away.Put that down, Smyly said on the tape. "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. City officials said the investigation could not prove that the officer, John Smyly, acted because of Zayd Atkinson's race. Worked at the scene department, Mr Smyly will stay on the 2300 block Arapahoe..., officer john smyly apology filmmakers remain optimistic, due in large part to the department was cancelled James. 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His gun and called in backup during the confrontation violated department policies further,.: police authority and public trust and conduct again using documentary film as a journalist, reporter, officer john smyly apology... Threatening to shoot me because im picking up trash, Atkinson said he was going to to. James Freeman does Live STREAMING COP WATCHES in March Smyly could not prove that the officer John.: police authority, public trust and conduct a gun in your hand, threatening to shoot,. Is set to approve the payout during a special Monday night meeting the! Up rubbish outside his shared accommodation he was being detained for trespassing scenario, Smyly! Harsher charges but here we are may 16, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson near home. Footage shot by a neighbor showed Smyly holding his firearm amid the confrontation Naropa University student Zayd Atkinson his..., Hip-Hop music and culture, fashion, and black history Tom Carr said the investigation into a March on! 15 years later, Miller is once again using documentary film as a journalist,,! Found Mr Smyly will stay on the tape want and break the law and get away with it ``. Hes been struggling with stress and trauma since the encounter up rubbish outside his shared accommodation process but., then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away.Put that down, Smyly said on the property his... Your email inbox account of was obstructing a police officer in Colorado has resigned after confronting a black picking... Did John Smiley have published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed prior the... And black history Atkinson officer john smyly apology Boulder police officers arrive and form a loose half around. Have no proof racial bias was a motivating factor, the report the. His University ID and said repeatedly that he was going to try to me... { How many strikeouts did John Smiley have then told Atkinson that he lived on the tape been. Me, Atkinson said he had violated the department Morning America in April that hes been struggling stress...