Officer Caught Snitching on Domestic Abuse Victim
Podcast (deep-dive): Play in new window | Download
In 2013, a Clovis, California police officer found out that his girlfriend Desiree Martinez had reported him for physically abusing her—while Desiree was trapped in a room with him, leading to further horrific abuse. Incredibly, the informant was another officer who knew about Desiree’s boyfriend’s history of domestic violence. Desiree later sued that officer informant for enabling the abuse, but an appeals court granted qualified immunity to block the suit. Now, Desiree and IJ are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to make clear that government officials who knowingly place people in danger can be held accountable.
Today we talk with IJ attorneys Anya Bidwell and Patrick Jaicomo about Desiree’s fight for justice.
Recent Episodes
Mom Mistakenly Jailed. Missed Christmas with Active Duty Son

On Christmas Eve 2022, Jennifer Heath Box got off a cruise ship in Florida, excited to return home to Texas and spend Christmas with her […]
Listen NowCreepy AI-powered Surveillance Cams in 5,000 Cities and Counting

Not long ago, if police wanted to know where someone drove, they would have to follow that person for days, taking significant resources. But new […]
Listen Now"Fish Cops" Flounder the 4th Amendment

In Pennsylvania, officers of the Fish and Boat Commission have the power to trespass on any land or water without a warrant. For one couple, […]
Listen NowWhen Lawsuits Go Viral with @CivilRightsLawyer

The proliferation of video is changing how Americans fight for their civil rights, and much of it is happening right here on YouTube. I’m Kim […]
Listen Now