source: London Campaign Against Police and State Violence
published: 3 January 2018

The Sean Rigg Project is a monthly police complaint surgery in South London, set up by the London Campaign Against Police and State Violence and StopWatch. Each month, the project provides the local community with assistance and support in making complaints against the police.

It is named after Sean Rigg, a black man who died in custody at Brixton Police Station in 2008 and whose family have fought for justice for the last eight years.

The project aims to combat racist and abusive policing tactics by supporting the local community to make complaints and potentially take legal action. But we need help! The project is run by qualified lawyers and volunteer “buddies”. Buddies help complainants through the complaints process, by drafting statements, helping with correspondence, assisting complainants in accessing legal support, and breaking the isolation of the complaints system.

You don’t need any experience to be a buddy: you’ll be given training and support whenever needed. Buddies are expected to attend one or two surgeries a year, and spend a couple of hours a month supporting complainants, and building the project.

We especially look for volunteers who are from the local community, people of colour, women, working-class, and/or have experience of police violence. Everyone involved in the project has an equal say in how it is run, and is encouraged to get involved with decision making.

Email slondon.surgery@gmail.com if you have questions or want to sign up as a volunteer.