Jan 19, 2018
Michael Hilliard began his 27-year policing career in 1975 as a patrolman in an economically depressed neighborhood in East Baltimore. He served as an internal affairs detective where he coordinated Baltimore youth programs and led an undercover squad that investigated violent crimes and low-to mid-level drug crimes.
He is on the show as a representative of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, or LEAP. They are a nonprofit organization "composed of police and other criminal justice professionals dedicated to educating the public about the harms of drug prohibition", advocating "for solutions across a broader range of drug policy and criminal justice issues"[source]. LEAP wants to end the war on drugs, and Maj. Michael Hilliard is on the show to talk about why.
During the interview, we speak on more than just the issues around drug policy, prohibition, and what brought Maj. Hilliard to his current advocacy against the drug war. We also speak of the problematic image police represent as agents of said drug policy, as well as issues of abuse of power, following unethical orders, and being seen as predators by the people they have sworn to protect.
***
See the full show notes and my blog entry on this episode: http://bit.ly/ATTMind64
***
Episode Breakdown
***
No amount is too small; anything is something.
You can also share this post via social media or simply tell a friend about it.
It is by community support that this podcast and website continues to exist (and exist ad-free!). Thank you for helping this project continue. ♥
*** Special Thanks To Patrons: Thomas & Melanie H. Greg A., Dean H., Clea S., Andy D., Angela & James J., Ian C., & Reese. H. for their extra generous support!