Is the Caution Against Racial and Exploitative Non-Emergencies Act (otherwise known as, “CAREN”) legislation about to become law in San Francisco? If so, can Seattle be far behind? Today the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will decide. CAREN came about because the people of San Francisco are simply fed up with white people calling 911 about people of color selling water bottles, barbecuing or otherwise going about their daily lives. They consider it unwarranted harassment.
The acronym CAREN is a nod to a widespread meme using the name “Karen” to describe a specific type of white, middle-aged woman, who exhibits behaviors that stem from privilege such as using the police to target people of color. It is hoped that the legislation will caution people in the future against turning to 911 for trivial, unwarranted, bogus claims related to racial bias. It is another move towards social justice and equality.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors aims to eradicate what is perceived to be an established pattern of disparate treatment of Black people and other people of color. The San Francisco legislation gives people the right to sue the caller in civil court. The discrimination evidenced need not be race based; it can also be due to the person’s sex, age, religion, disability, gender identity, weight, or height. Most certainly racial and other biases are not just quarantined to San Francisco, they are systemic and nationwide. Thus, it is only a matter of time that other cities like Seattle move to take measures similar to San Francisco.
If you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge, don’t hesitate to hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer. The Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle criminal attorneys that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested or charged for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether you are cited with an infraction or arrested and/or charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900.
