California’s top law enforcement official will review Stephon Clark being shot by police
Stephon Clark was unarmed when police officers shot him in his grandparents' backyard
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Your support makes all the difference.California’s attorney general will oversee an investigation of two Sacramento police officers shooting and killing an unarmed man in his grandparents’ backyard.
The death of Stephon Clark has roiled the community and ignited national anger over yet another police shooting of an African-American man.
In announcing that attorney general Xavier Becerra’s office would oversee the investigation into how the shooting unfolded, officials reassured residents that they would strive to conduct a fair review.
“The country is watching us”, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said at a press conference.
Police departments have in the past faced sharp questions about their ability - and that of elected district attorneys - to objectively investigate their own personnel. By enlisting an outside entity, Sacramento sought to to confront those doubts head-on.
“We’re not taking over the investigation, but we are providing independent oversight” and “some independent eyes”, Mr Becerra said.
His team “won’t be dependent on the Sacramento Police Department” but will manage the department’s collection of evidence and other processes, Mr Becerra said. He noted his office wields the powers to consider prosecuting the police officers involved.
Noting that the attorney general’s office would also assist in a review of the Sacramento Police Department’s de-escalating protocols, Mr Steinberg said Mr Clark’s death could offer a turning point for the relationship law enforcement.
“I recognise we have difficult days ahead as we grieve and confront the death of Stephon Clark”, Mr Steinberg said, but that time “can also become the moment when our city and country asked the most important question: isn’t there a better way”?
Video released by the Sacramento Police Department shows officers pursuing Mr Clark through a residential neighbourhood and, when they come across him, shouting “Gun” before opening fire.
They did not find a gun on Mr Clark. The only object recovered nearby was a cell phone, the department said.
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