Latest Drug War News

GoodShop: You Shop...We Give!

Shop online at GoodShop.com and a percentage of each purchase will be donated to our cause! More than 600 top stores are participating!

Google
The Internet Our Website

Global and National Events Calendar

Bottoms Up: Guide to Grassroots Activism

NoNewPrisons.org

Prisons and Poisons

November Coalition Projects

Get on the Soapbox! with Soap for Change

November Coalition: We Have Issues!

November Coalition Local Scenes

November Coalition Multimedia Archive

The Razor Wire
Bring Back Federal Parole!
November Coalition: Our House

Stories from Behind The WALL

November Coalition: Nora's Blog

August 20, 2004 - The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)

Feds Find No Violation At Stratford

Justice Dept. Ends Probe Of Drug Raid At High School

By Tony Bartelme

Return to Drug War News: Don't Miss Archive

The U.S. Justice Department said Goose Creek police did not violate federal civil rights laws in last year's drug sweep at Stratford High School.

In a letter to Goose Creek Police Chief Harvey Becker, a Justice Department official said "the evidence does not establish a prosecutable violation" of federal civil rights laws, and that "accordingly, we have closed our investigation."

"This is a great relief," said Andy Savage, a lawyer for officers in the sweep.

As far as anyone being charged with a crime, Savage said, "it's over."

"There was never any intent to do anything criminal," added Lionel Lofton, another attorney for the officers.

"Our clients are glad to be getting back to what they do best, protect the people of Goose Creek."

The Justice Department's decision follows a similar one made last month by S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster.

McMaster said that officers created a "dangerous tinderbox situation" when they rushed in-to the school with guns drawn, but that such tactics were not illegal.

More than 100 students were detained during the controversial raid last November, which spawned international headlines, lawsuits, community protests and the resignation of longtime Stratford Principal George C. McCrackin.

School and police cameras captured officers bursting into the school hallway and waving their guns at students.

Police ordered students to the floor while an officer with a drug-sniffing dog searched backpacks and belongings.

No drugs or weapons were found during the sweep.

While state and federal officials found no criminal laws had been broken, several lawsuits allege that police and school officials violated students' constitutional rights.

Settlement negotiations concerning those lawsuits recently broke down.

For the latest drug war news, visit our friends and allies below

We are careful not to duplicate the efforts of other organizations, and as a grassroots coalition of prisoners and social reformers, our resources (time and money) are limited. The vast expertise and scope of the various drug reform organizations will enable you to stay informed on the ever-changing, many-faceted aspects of the movement. Our colleagues in reform also give the latest drug war news. Please check their websites often.

The Drug Policy Alliance
Drug Reform Coordination Network
Drug Sense and The Media Awareness Project

Working to end drug war injustice

Meet the People Behind The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines

Questions or problems? Contact webmaster@november.org