 |
As the Pivot Legal Society explain in their mission statement …
The basic concept underlying Pivot’s name and mission is that a critical pressure point of social change is to be found at the lower edge of legal and social boundaries. By systematically challenging the attitudes and institutions of power than enable marginalization, Pivot strives to move us towards a more tolerant, inclusive and compassionate society. By aggressively advancing the interests and defending the legal entitlements of the most disenfranchised, Pivot aims for a ‘trickle-up’ effect of respect and acceptance that will ultimately benefit all.
Of course, in advocating for citizens the general populace (not to mention the police) would sooner ignore, or incarcerate, Pivot’s actions on behalf of their constituency are not always met with the degree of equanimity one might hope for. Vancouver Police Chief Jamie Graham, in particular, frequently lashes out at Pivot, and its Executive Director, John Richardson.
As for Mr. Richardson, rather than respond with invective, he instead offers a reasoned rejoinder, as was the case when Pivot issued the 28-page report Towards More Effective Police Oversight, in which the society called on the Vancouver City Council Peace and Justice Committee to vote to endorse “integrity testing” of Vancouver police officers …
“An integrity test creates a realistic condition or situation designed to generate a natural reaction by an individual or individuals so that their conduct, behaviour and professional standards can be assessed,” say the report’s authors. “Much in the same way that the VPD’s bait car programme reduces the incidence of auto theft, an effective integrity testing program can help reduce the instances of misconduct in relation to marginalized persons by VPD officers.”
Fortunately, not all sectors of society look upon the work of the Pivot Legal Society with disfavour. In 2004, the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network recognized the Pivot Legal Society for their humanitarian work furthering Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, winning praise, as well, from the BC Chapter of the Canadian Bar Association, among others.
From their advocacy work representing Vancouver sex-trade workers, to their work with housing activists supporting the Woodward’s housing squat (Windows Media Player), and their ongoing work responding to alleged police misconduct, the Pivot Legal Society performs a service for all of us.
If you would like to subscribe to the Pivot mailing list, please click here. Information on membership in the Pivot Legal Society is available here. If you, or someone you know, have been or feel you may become subject to police harassment, you may wish to avail yourself of the instructions on the Pivot Legal Card. And finally, donations to Pivot are readily accepted.
