News Video: Community Leader, Diane White raises the issue of police brutality in Harrisburg, PA
First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank those individuals who have been supporting me financially, morally and spirituality. Our collectively energies and faith in all that is good and righteous will truly triumph over the evil which abounds us. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. -Isaiah 54:17
My preliminary hearing has been set for November 27, 2007@ 9:15 at the Dauphin County Prison. To date there has been no action taken on the Citizen's Complaint filed against the Harrisburg Police department. I remain on pre-trial supervision. I am unable to return to work, I continue to receive treatment for my spinal and ankle injury. I still have a knot on my right temple and I am financially unable to pay my bills. My witnesses and neighbor have informed me that they are being harassed by Officer Chance. I am reliving this experience of what happened to me every morning when I wake up and turn on my TV, the women being tazed, woman dying at the airport, the 15 year old being sprayed and punched. Every time I leave my house I hear more horror stories about police beating women and getting away with it. There is no doubt that my life is endanger from these men who get pleasure out of abusing women.
The individuals who have been involved in the McCormick Island incident have already gone to court and yet my preliminary hearing will not occur for another month. Now that those individuals have had their day in court, I will be asking the ACLU to reconsider taking on my case. Those people involved in the McCormick Island incident have money and the financial resources to deal with a system which is already sympathetic to them, I do not. I have been attempting to contact legal aid, however they have not returned any of my calls. I will continue to my calls. I have also registered with the public defenders office. However, no one has been assigned to my case.
Harrisburg City Councilwoman, Patty Kim says she thinks we need a Citizen's review board and has placed the issue on the agenda for the October 25 @ 5:30 meeting. I trust that she is seeking input from agencies like the NAACP, the ACLU, PA Human Relations Commission, The DOJ Taskforce, Former Police Officers, ACORN and other citizens who have been the victim of abuse. I personally have not heard from her, nor have I heard from anyone else who has a vested interest in the outcome of such a meeting. Patty Kim's website has been taken down and there is no mention of her desire to involve the public in the media. I trust that those of you who are in a position to help with this issue have remained vigilant. I am also trusting that you will be in attendance at the October 25, Public Safety meeting and I hope that you will be submitting your request to speak and present evidence beyond the 2 minute time limits we are routinely given.
As I listen to Anita Hill being interviewed by CNN, I can only reiterate what she is saying, Its hard enough to stand up for your rights without having to deal with the chilling affect of those in positions of power who want to delay and deflect the truth.
If nothing else, keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mind as we continue in this struggle for social justice, not only for me, but for the over 50 complaints against the Harrisburg police this year, not to mentions all the complaints before mine that have not been investigated or resolved. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Peace,
Diane F. White
537 S. 16th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(717) 232-1722
