Tackled, Beaten, Kneed, while being Tased by Schertz Police
Policing in San Antonio- Community Reparations
Two steps forward, three steps backward. That is how the neighborhood feels when it comes to the tenuous relationship between the communities of color and those who are supposed to protect them. When we learned about the creative initiatives implemented by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, (BCSO) there appeared to be a ray of light on the horizon. Just before mid-night November 2, 2020, the Schertz Police witnessed a vehicle appearing to run a traffic signal. When the officers activated their emergency lights and siren the driver identified as Zeekee Rayford did not stop. He instead pulled into the driveway of his parent’s home. Rayford exited his vehicle and attempted to summon his parents by ringing the doorbell. The light on the horizon was a freight train!
“One officer appeared to put her knee on Rayford’s face and throat. The second, applied maneuvers that would make UFC President, Dana White proud as he restrained and handcuffed the 18-year-old”
Doug Heath
The situation became toxic when three officers tackled Rayford. One officer appeared to put her knee on Rayford’s face and throat. The second, applied maneuvers that would make UFC President, Dana White proud as he restrained and handcuffed the 18-year-old. A third officer utilized his taser once while threatening to apply the device a second time. Mrs. Rayford, Zeekee’s mother arrived on the scene and requested the officers to deescalate the situation. A Schertz police officer involved in the beating of her son advised Mrs. Rayford to return inside of her residence or she would be subjected to the same treatment that Zeekee had received. All this information has been confirmed by the Rayford household security video and statements made by Schertz Police on their social media pages.
The Schertz Police stated that the entire situation would be reviewed to ensure that department standards were followed. The Schertz Police Officers humiliated Zeekee Rayford, they beat him like he was a runaway slave and “threw the book at him” for good measure. Zeekee Rayford was charged with Felony Evading in a Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest and Possession of marijuana (not for distribution).
Detention, and Possession of Marijuana! According to Police records Rayford has previous arrests, including evading arrest, engaging in organized criminal activity, and delivery of a controlled substance. This leaves one to suspect that the officers’ actions were premeditated. They knew it was Rayford when they witnessed him running the light. They knew where he was going. Their actions were predetermined.
Last week we discussed the revolutionary practices that are being implemented by Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. BCSO is pioneering a policing methodology called C.A.L.M. C.A.L.M is an acronym for Communication, Active physical control maneuvers, Lateral recovery restraint and Minimization. Salazar should make seats available to the Schertz Police Department.
These types of incidents keep repeating themselves across our nation. They damage the psychological well-being of communities of color! The systemic and institutional racism that allow the police tactics described herein are dehumanizing! In 2017 the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division explicitly prohibited the use of retaliatory force, such as force used after a threat has diminished, or to punish individuals for fleeing, resisting arrest, or disrespecting an officer. It is not enough to simply reform current abusive police tactics. Any policing initiatives must repair past wrongs. In other words, institute community reparations!
Next week – Inside Community Reparations.
