OEF Afghanistan war hero, arrested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My name is RET US ARMY SSG Raffique N. Khan, a retired Army combat veteran and current federal government environmental officer. Among my military accolades are a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart. However, it wasn't on the battlefield that I found my courage tested next, but in an encounter with the NYPD that led to my unjust arrest.  I Was arrested for having a legal firearm. Despite my innocence, which was subsequently proven leading to the dropping of all charges, that experience remains as a grim reminder of a system that is meant to protect but often perseces. 

 

Unjust arrests are, unfortunately, widespread and it's not an isolated incident. According to data from the National Registry of Exonerations, in 2018 - 151 individuals in the US were exonerated for crimes they didn't commit which, on average, they had served 10.9 years in prison. Such serious flaws within our justice system not only damage individual lives but undermine public trust.

Therefore, it is urgent that we demand responsibility and accountability from our law enforcement agencies. They should serve the public with integrity and respect, and any act of an unjust arrest should be met with immediate investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures.

TRULY all I want is to bring to light the situation; however, I wanted to implement as well or see if I could create a change in policy from my past experience of distastefulness with the NYPD.  For example, this was costly on NYC Taxpayers money, and in the end a total waste of money to include but not limited to lawyer fees, judges prosecutors salaries, court officer / police officers overtime and several court hearings. Money that could've been spent better on resources needed for the city.

I would like to propose a bill; that when officers make unjust, unreasonable, and unfair arrest, and when the person is found not guilty the officer should pay for the legal fees & other expenses incurred with the arrest. This should come out of his or her pension or other means NOT ON OUR CITY. If this happens, officers will be more proficient in their arrest, duties & responsibility and not make up arrest just to rack up numbers.

I LOVE MY COUNTRY & GOD Knows I am patriotic as they come. This country provided so much for me & my family. I could not think of a better way to repay my debt to my country than SERVING.
I DID THIS HONORABLY.  After retiring from the Army, I chose to continue to serve by working for the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
I believe in our justice system but never thought I would come home and get treated like this.

Your signature could support a cause that ensures law-abiding citizens like myself and possibly many others, do not have unjust encounters with those entrusted to uphold justice. Sign the petition, voice your protest, and join us in appealing for transparency, accountability, and justice from our law enforcement agencies.