Our fresh takes on policing this week

We know you're busy, and we want to provide you with a news and opinion filled way to start your week — our fresh takes. We'll publish them every Monday.

What will curb police shootings? California may be close to figuring that out

Feeling afraid based on a "reasonable standard" — words solidified by the Supreme Court and used by law enforcement across the country — is no longer enough to justify police use of deadly force, according to California Assemblywoman Shirley Weber. She's pushing for legislation in her state that would raise the use-of-deadly-force standard, and make it illegal for police not to take into account "the totality of the circumstances," before firing their weapon. 

Police must know that the subject they are targeting poses an immediate danger and will cause harm to them or the surrounding community. That's the language Weber wants to be the backbone of a new law regulating police use of force in her state.  

“We believe the necessary standard is an absolute, and a standard that has to exist because it talks about the sanctity of life,” said Weber according to the "Santa Cruz Sentinel."

What does law enforcement think about the proposed bill? They're hitting back with proposed legislation of their own. That bill would include guidelines for better police training and methods for avoiding force. 

Find more on the California battle in the "Santa Cruz Sentinel." 

Lawsuits point to violence, corruption within prison system

Not only did the MS-13 and Blood gangs target certain individuals in one of North Carolina's most violent institutions, a prison director perpetuated the attacks by hoarding bloody weapons used by inmates and leaving doors unlocked so gang members could have access to prisoners. 

That's what three former inmates (and one current inmate) stated in lawsuits that ended with a $62,500 settlement.     

Jeffrey Wall, the former director of the Union Unit in the Lanesboro prison, hid weapons (including homemade ones, along with rods and knives) in his office ceiling, according to an attorney for an inmate who filed a separate lawsuit.

Wall was dismissed in 2013. 

The prison is slated to undergo a change that state officials hope will curb the violence and corruption it has become known for during its 15-year history. Lanesboro Correctional Institution will become Anson Correctional Institution — a women's prison. 

For more on recent lawsuits, read the "Bristol Herald Courier." 

Want more? Check out the Policing the USA site for information on police, policing and the justice system across the country. 

Want to talk about police, race and the justice system in America? Reach out to Policing the USA editor Eileen Rivers on Twitter @msdc14 or via email at erivers@usatoday.com.