September, 2006

Voices from Benton Harbor, Mich.

Police Terrorize Benton Harbor Woman

'I was just taking a walk ...'

Marian Kramer, co-chair of the Detroit Labor Party, and Rev. Edward Pinkney of Benton Harbor, speaking at a Detroit Labor Party fundraiser for Rev. Pinkney and the Benton Harbor Justice struggle. PHOTO/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM

On August 14, 2006, at 10 p.m. in the City of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Keisha Nicole Terry was assaulted by two Benton Harbor Township police officers, Officer Skinner and Officer Mckenize. Keisha Nicole Terry stated:

"Both police officers harassed, degraded, intimidated me with threats to make me afraid. The officers attacked my self-esteem as a woman. Police Officer Skinner kicked me several times causing my legs to be swollen. Then he pushed me in the chest and began touching me in places a male should not touch without my permission. Then Police Officer McKenize illegally searched me by patting me down and taking his hand under my shirt, then putting his hand in my pants, under my pant legs, and then told me to 'take my ass across the street,' after the illegal search. Police Officer McKenize was waiting for me while Police Officer Skinner was belittling me. I told both police officers that, as a female, they can't search me unless there was a serious need or if they felt I was a threat to them. This was not the case. There was no crime. Due to the law and procedures of Michigan, a male officer of any kind can't search any female without a female officer present. I was just not endangering myself or others. I was walking down the street and was attacked by two white police officers. Then Officer Skinner told me to sit on the hood of his hot car. I replied by saying that the hood was hot, it was too hot for me to sit on. He told me to put my face on the hood of the car. I refused. He started kicking me again and again, about three times, which caused me pain and suffering as well as mental and emotional pain.My friend and I both asked them what have we done wrong? Officer McKenize stated 'This is what happens when you live in Benton Harbor, or in Benton Township.'"

Rev. Edward Pinkney said, "We must stop the police brutality in Benton Harbor and Benton Township, Michigan. Police are paid to serve and protect, not to serve and harass. When will it stop? When will we say, enough is enough? We better start keeping our mind on our freedom and our freedom on our mind."

Readers: Send your story about what’s going on in your community and the struggle for justice to the People’s Tribune. We print the truth! Call toll free: 800-691-6888