The following press release was issued by the City of Vallejo 9/19/12

MAYOR DAVIS CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF

SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT

Today, Mayor Osby Davis announced that he will request the Vallejo City Council to call on State Attorney General Kamala Harris to conduct an independent review of the recent officer-involved shooting which occurred on September 2, 2012.

“It must be understood that this request should not be taken as an indication of a lack of confidence in the established Solano County Officer Involved Shooting Protocol, or any lack of confidence in the Vallejo Police Department or the ability of the District Attorney’s office to conduct fair investigations. However, it is my belief that under the current circumstances a secondary review will help to establish trust in the process” said Mayor Davis.

The officer-involved incident which occurred on September 2, 2012 has given rise to protest demonstrations at the Vallejo Police Department as well as at the September 11 and September 18 City Council meetings.  Mayor Davis added, “Independent eyes will allow for complete transparency in order to rebuild the confidence of some citizens in the people who are sworn to protect and serve them.”

The Mayor noted that the recent increase in officer related shootings in the country as well as in Vallejo has many residents concerned.  “I am very concerned about the anger and demonstrated decline in the trust in the Vallejo Police Department by some citizens.”

“I have been briefed by the District Attorney regarding our County’s Fatal Incident Protocol.     The Chief of Police and his staff continue to meet with the District Attorney’s office regarding this ongoing investigation. While some individuals might question the objectivity of the parallel District Attorney’s office criminal investigation with that of the Police Department’s administrative investigation, my concern is that the findings by local law enforcement officials will be discounted as biased by some members of our community.  An independent review by the California Attorney General’s office will hopefully provide greater credibility to the ultimate findings and report” said Mayor Davis.

The Mayor noted that the primary mission of our police department is to “Protect and Serve” all citizens.  “It becomes difficult at times to protect and serve when trust and communication may be in doubt,” he said. “City Hall, including our police department, must have the trust of the Public.”  

Mayor Davis is requesting that the City Council take immediate action to begin rebuilding trust and communication between the police department and the community by calling for this independent investigation by the State Attorney General. Furthermore, he is requesting that the City Council direct the City Manager to bring forward proposals that accomplish all of the following:

·         Develop a program to purchase in-car cameras that will be integrated with the vehicle’s mobile data computers and emergency systems in every Vallejo Police patrol vehicle.

·         Purchase additional body cameras sufficient to issue a camera to all patrol officers in the field.

·         Conduct research to select and implement a decision-based firearms/use of force training simulator system.

·         Reaffirm the Police Department’s protocol and procedure for communicating with the public and families in incidents concerning loss of life or great bodily injury as a result of violence.

·         Propose a time frame for re-establishing and reconstituting the Vallejo Human Relations Commission.

Mayor Davis said, “Most of the above requests are not new nor are they being initiated simply because of the most recent officer-related incident.”  He noted that there have been previous discussions regarding the use of in-car cameras, wearable body cameras and reconstituting the Human Relations Commission.  “However, these proposals have a greater priority now because of the overall increase in violent crime within our community.”

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thetruthwillsetufree   |September.30.2012 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release OFFICER INVOLVED IN RECENT POLICE FATALITY IDENTIFIED Vallejo, CA

thetruthwillsetufree   |September.30.2012 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release OFFICER INVOLVED IN RECENT POLICE FATALITY IDENTIFIED Vallejo, CA

Omg   |September.27.2012 Want respect? Then be respectful. Just saying.

Anonymous   |September.27.2012 I never said that the rap video got him killed. I said it shows him on film engaging in the same criminal behavior that the police say he was engaging in the night he was shot by police. The behavior his family denies. Seems like that might be important! You are arguing about things that make no difference lady. And then the real problems never get discussed. It's a transparent attempt though. You aren't very good at it. Is the racist accusation coming next? This demonstrates the problem right here everyone. The parents are NEVER going to be able to honestly discuss this. Never. They are the majority of the problem and are not going to be part if the solution. Did you see how she dropped down to bet you wouldn't say that to my face? Now that's intelligent discourse, isn't it.

Blind Hypocrites   |September.27.2012 No, I'm not afraid of borderline retarded wannabe thugs. And now that's the third time I've said it. I can see I've hit a nerve. What difference does it make if I use my real name? You would just pick another nonsensical reason to try to invalidate my opinion. I don't need to personally attack you. Anybody reading these posts can see what you are about. And still havent answered one question posed to you Have you clicked on that link yet? Of course you haven't. Because it shows a felon engaging in the very activities that got him killed.

Anonymous   |September.27.2012 No, I'm not afraid of borderline retarded wannabe thugs. And now that's the third time I've said it. I can see I've hit a nerve. What difference does it make if I use my real name? You would just pick another nonsensical reason to try to invalidate my opinion. I don't need to personally attack you. Anybody reading these posts can see what you are about. And still havent answered one question posed to you Have you clicked on that link yet? Of course you haven't. Because it shows a felon engaging in the very activities that got him killed.

Anonymous   |September.27.2012 No, I'm not afraid of borderline retarded wannabe thugs. And now that's the third time I've said it. I can see I've hit a nerve. What difference does it make if I use my real name? You would just pick another nonsensical reason to try to invalidate my opinion. I don't need to personally attack you. Anybody reading these posts can see what you are about. And still havent answered one question posed to you Have you clicked on that link yet? Of course you haven't. Because it shows a felon engaging in the very activities that got him killed.

Anonymous   |September.27.2012 No, I'm not afraid of borderline retarded wannabe thugs. And now that's the third time I've said it. I can see I've hit a nerve. What difference does it make if I use my real name? You would just pick another nonsensical reason to try to invalidate my opinion. I don't need to personally attack you. Anybody reading these posts can see what you are about. And still havent answered one question posed to you Have you clicked on that link yet? Of course you haven't. Because it shows a felon engaging in the very activities that got him killed.

Anonymous   |September.27.2012 No, I'm not afraid of borderline retarded wannabe thugs. And now that's the third time I've said it. I can see I've hit a nerve. What difference does it make if I use my real name? You would just pick another nonsensical reason to try to invalidate my opinion. I don't need to personally attack you. Anybody reading these posts can see what you are about. And still havent answered one question posed to you Have you clicked on that link yet? Of course you haven't. Because it shows a felon engaging in the very activities that got him killed.

Anonymous   |September.27.2012 No, I'm not afraid of borderline retarded wannabe thugs. And now that's the third time I've said it. I can see I've hit a nerve. What difference does it make if I use my real name? You would just pick another nonsensical reason to try to invalidate my opinion. I don't need to personally attack you. Anybody reading these posts can see what you are about. And still havent answered one question posed to you Have you clicked on that link yet? Of course you haven't. Because it shows a felon engaging in the very activities that got him killed.

Sharon McGriff-Payne   |September.26.2012 BTW, anonymous. You wouldn't be on here talkiing HALFyour crap if you used your real name. I see why a rap video scares you.

Sharon McGriff-Payne   |September.26.2012 You have no idea what kind of person I am. But tell me, what kind of person gets on a blog and uses a rap video as a reason for someone being killed? If my response wasn't clear enough for you - then that sounds like a personal problem.

Anonymous   |September.26.2012 You throw out accusations and claims of neglect and racism by various entities, but when asked to clarify what you mean, you have absolutely no response at all. You are a sad person who feels superior through victim worship and false outrage. Outrage that should directed at the true source of ALL of these problems.

Anonymous   |September.26.2012 Neither do I. I just clicked on the link. You should too. Might surprise you. But, then again you don't like the truth. Easier to just stay in denial. Maybe you should stop the snide remarks to other commenters and answer some of their valid, thoughtful questions. You are incredibly smug and snide. Not usually the case with someone who has a valid point of view.

Sharon McGriff-Payne   |September.26.2012 Unlike most of you, I don't watch rap vidoes. Even secretly.

Anonymous   |September.26.2012 I can only speak for myself, but I am only disgusted by that cr*p. Not scared in the least. These pathetic punks can't hurt me. You can't possibly be defending this. He is in a childs room throwing gang signs, pointing REAL weapons at the camera next to mounds of real marijuana. Are you going to continue to lie to yourself while your kids think life is a gangsta rap video, and kill each other in epidemic numbers?

Sharon McGriff-Payne   |September.26.2012 Who cares about a silly rap song! My goodness! Do you all watch rap videos and scare yourselves silly? Do you? Something tells me you do. I'm not surprised.

Blind Hypocrite   |September.26.2012 He was responding to your post. Where you say neighborhoods do not get the appropriate respect. That video was not shot on a sound stage with props. They are real guns and drugs in a house. A house where children live. And you angrily defend his behavior and seek to blame everybody from the officer doing his job that night, threatened by a thug, to lack of services. You should be ashamed of yourself. You are aiding the slow painful death of a community by not addressing the real issues. It's sick and sad to watch.

Sharon McGriff-Payne   |September.26.2012 @what a joke Who are you that i have to earn your respect? Somebody who posts a young man's rap song as if that was reason for him to die. Really!? You sound like someone straight out of the John birch society with your outdated notions about civil rights. Who's the joke? As for that Richmond police chief, I've heard a lot of stuff about him, but "wonderful" damn sure ain't one of 'em.

WHat a Joke   |September.26.2012 @Sharon McGriff-Payne You are a joke. re: ... build trust. How can we build trust when we have people like you, calling people like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP9bcR8f2Sw a murder victim? and NOW you complained there is no TRUST? re: There have been neighborhoods in our community - I've lived here most of my life - that have long been ignored, disrespected and marginalized by our city. I do not know what communities you are talking about here. We did not get service when there was a break-in in out neighborhood either. I am not saying this is good but It is not because it is YOUR community. Besides, why should police patrol Lofas and check on suspicious activities at night? People sitting in the car @4:30 am with gun and drugs are considered role model by people there. Why bother when it is easier to just skip it, there are other neighborhood that will welcome the VPD patrol and check on people with drugs. (I am not saying VPD is doing that. I do not know.) Re: .. disrespected.. Respect has to be EARNED not just given. With no-action, lead-by-react Mayor Davis; and people like you who confuse everything with a civil right struggle ; and the low expectation of a large part of AA community, arguing about the difference between felony parole and prison term( I just learned something new last night), 50 E-pills is not a big deal. Pellet gun is not real gun..; and all the people hanging on street corner you see while driving on Sonoma Blv. How do I respect you? You thinking lack of diversity in our public safety departments is the problem and something to fight for just demonstrated again you confuse everything with civil right struggle. Chris Magnus, Richmond police chief is not black and he has done a wonderful job. But he has to go through the lawsuit by seven high-ranking African-American officers who claimed that Magnus and his deputy chief had discriminated against them. These seven people sound like your kind of people, explain everything they do not like by race.

Blind Hypocrites   |September.26.2012 I have an apartment of white tweekers trashing part of my neighborhood, that I want out of my town as much as I want the ghetto thugs gone. That will happen when we put more officers on the street and when our property values go up. Not by throwing money into social programs that don't work trying to fix a problem that begins and ends at home.

Blind Hypocrites   |September.26.2012 How have those neighborhoods been neglected by the city? At some point people have to be responsible for themselves. It's the people who live there that trash a neighborhood. The garbage in the street, yards never tended to, graffiti never painted over, crime and drugs on every other corner and trashed quality of life. The city can't fix all that is broken in some of these homes. Ever. And before you accuse me of being a racist, of course I realize that everybody in the neighborhood is a criminal, but the neighborhoods are being neglected by the people who live there. And the reason these young men are dead, is because of their OWN reckless and foolish actions. These are the lessons you should be teaching your children.

Sharon McGriff-Payne   |September.26.2012 I attended last night's (Sept. 26) meeting and came away with mixed feelings. While relieved the city council voted to seek an AG investigation, I left thinking, why did it have to come to this? Why did people have to die for our city to see we have deeply rooted problems that go beyond fear of crime? There have been neighborhoods in our community - I've lived here most of my life - that have long been ignored, disrespected and marginalized by our city. Police-community relations in these areas have never been good - if people are honest. Why? Lack of trust, lack of diversity in our public safety departments, and lack of will by city and community leaders to build trust. It's been much easier to point to certain neighborhoods blame them for all of Vallejo

Clueless   |September.26.2012 Wharf Rat It's not the same. A cop in this town is LIKELY to have a gun pointed at them at some point. Are you screamed at and threatened while performing your duties? Once again, you ALL need to put the blame where it belongs and leave the police department alone.

wharf rat   |September.26.2012 at Policeman You chose a career in law enforcement , followed through and were hired then served for years . I compleated an Aprentiship and practiced my trade for years , so what is the difference ? My trade is dangerous as is yours . how can we justify a Police Officer earning six figure salaries while a pipe mechanic earns 40 percent less . Both jobs are critical for us Citesens , we need both safety and water to survive , why are your services more compensated than mine when we hand dig out a water main in 30 deg/f on a rainy night and effect repairs , restoring water to hundreds of Citesens . There are no TV shows about us , just frozen hair , missing fingers and rough hands . Critical services are provided by all types, VPD is just one of many cogs on the wheel of civil service. We need parity in Municipal Employee pay starting from the top down. if there are any Heros in this game it is the IBEW crowd whom gave up COLA and other raises for decades just to avoid layoffs of fellow Employees with less seniority , while VPOA , Fire and finaly CAMP fought over a position at the trough then VPOA voted to reduce the Cops on the street in favour of higher compensation restoration . This must never be allowed again City Management must ensure that critical services are forefront special interest groups must find another venue or another town to play in .

Blind Hypocrites   |September.25.2012 I hope you and the rest of the department understand that the majority of us out here do support you and appreciate your presence. Unfortunately, you don't come in contact with us very often. Personally, I believe our officers deserve hazard duty pay for the abuse they endure daily, while just doing their job. If we put every extra dime into more officers in the street and crime suppression, the free market would take care of everything else. When the citizens who live here, actually want to shop etc. here, businesses will come. Point your blame at the right people and stop beating up on our police officers.

How much to pay   |September.25.2012 Life is always a compromise. As I said, I love to have a Benz but I do not want to mortgage the house to have it. If you look at the number, Vallejo just does not have the money to pay it in a sustainable way. We may be able to borrow from here and there to pay in short term but it is just not sustainable in the long run and that is the problem. And after buying an expensive car, we do not have money to buy food and clothes, is that what we want? Don't get me wrong. I support law enforcement and speak up for them whenever they had an encounter with the thugs or stupid people but we just don't have the money and I do not want to take a second job at fast food joint either.

Anonymous   |September.25.2012 @How much to pay There will come a time in your life (more than once and sooner rather than later) you need to merge into fast moving traffic. Your family will be at risk because you are using the Honda. The higher hp, built like a tank Benz, would have been worth the extra cash time and time again.

Policeman   |September.25.2012 @VPD NOT Elite and @How much to pay If an officer does not consider the agency he works for to be elite compared to others than I can't understand why the officer would want to work there. Your site name "VPD NOT Elite" tells me you hate anyone who is VPD. Yes we are Elite we have pioneered many investigative techniques and tactics which other agencies have inquired of and adopted as their own. I find your post offensive and uncalled for. I don't know anyone who would go to work one day and say "I make too much money will you take some away please?". I have already said I understand we face more cuts and I will make necessary adjustments. As far as the type of car I have it is hardly a nice one and I live in a modest home. I don't have the lavish lifestyle you are suggesting. Also some of us married rich.. Anyway I respect the gist of your post but you don't have to insult me. Take care

Blind Hypocrites   |September.25.2012 I hope you and the rest of the department understand that the majority of us out here do support you and appreciate your presence. Unfortunately, you don't come in contact with us very often. Personally, I believe our officers deserve hazard duty pay for the abuse they endure daily, while just doing their job. If we put every extra dime into more officers in the street and crime suppression, the free market would take care of everything else. When the citizens who live here, actually want to shop etc. here, businesses will come. Point your blame at the right people and stop beating up on our police officers.

How much to pay   |September.25.2012 re: "you get what you pay for". Honda Civic : $15,755 - $26,305 Mercedes-Benz S-Class : $91,850 - 210,900 Yes, I love to have a Benz but if I can not afford, I will take a Civic to go where I want to go. Even I have to pay more, if the car can do everything I wanted it to do and reliable, I may consider it. But the car acts up frequently and has a mind of its own, is driving to wherever it wants.

VPD NOT Elite   |September.25.2012 @Policeman - I do agree you SHOULD get what you pay for. VPD is paid as an ELITE department, among the highest in California. PLEASE explain how you feel they are an elite group. I have alot of respect for all law enforcement, but this elite title/pay is ridiculous. The pay is out of whack. The VPOA chose money over Officers, then complains about not having enough Officers. You don't get to complain after being given everything you want courtesy of bought and paid for Osby, Sunga etc.

Policeman   |September.25.2012 Anon....we will just agree to disagree. Please don't forget the very true saying..."you get what you pay for". I realize we must face concessions just like everyone else. I just don't like the blanket statements and comments as if I am out to personally make your life miserable. Trust me I have already had to adjust my life and I will continue too just like everyone else. Contrary to what most opinions depict on this site, VPD is filled with dedicated, hard working, great men and women.

Econ Development   |September.25.2012 A thriving middle class always has been key to this country's prosperity. How can we return to real economic growth without strong consumer spending by upwardly mobile Americans? The first question most entrepreneurs/Business ask is : "Who are my customers, and where do I need to be to serve them, and how do I get up and running quickly?" For Vallejo's future economic development, we need a "Support Middle Class" component to make it viable.

What a great Chief   |September.25.2012 Police Chief Chris Magnus of Richmond. Thanks for the link. Richmond City Manager Bill Lindsay, who hired the chief in 2006, said standing nearly alone among area chiefs was classic Magnus. "He took a lot of personal and professional risk within the law enforcement community, and I respect that," Lindsay said. "That's the guy I wanted to hire."

Anonymous   |September.25.2012 Great article on the Police Chief in Richmond; how he has turned the department around and instilled transparency and community involvement. 1 police shooting in 5 years. Richmond started 30 years ago with the highest civil rights judgment for police brutality and went down hill for community trust after that. The last 6 years has been a turn around with this chief. We need something similar ..... http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_21621466/richmond-police-chief-chris-magnus-tenure-defined-by

Don't Mix   |September.25.2012 Don't mix the compensation with the right of self defense. No matter we agree on compensation or not, cop can shoot when their lives are threatened. I am not going to bad mouth Mercedes-Benz because I can not afford it. I am going to drive a Honda instead. Benz dealer better not tell me I HAVE TO buy a Benz either.

anon   |September.25.2012 I know of a Vallejo policeman who does live in Vallejo, and he is a great father to two kids. I don't think he would be the type of person to be trigger happy. But, I would support him 100 percent if he had to protect his life from some thug who already had a criminal record. Just saying.

Anonymous   |September.25.2012 You want to take out your frustration on the average police officer but that's just a way for you to feel good about your dismal failure. Democrat leaders from our region like George Miller have created an unsustainable social and economic structure. You know this, I know this and all of the other people who brains function properly know this. Your problem as a liberal is this; there is no where else to shift blame for this situation. Liberal policies are a failure in California.

Anon   |September.25.2012 @ Policeman We just cant afford the current costs if one looks at the overtime alone , it is close to the median income of many Vallejo Residents . How can a Law Enforcement Group cost us equal to our average income by just their overtime alone . I am sorry but we just cant afford you , when combined with the multi million dollar lawsuites , wrecked patrol cars and administrative leave costs, you folks are way above our budget capability and if not checked will drive us into BK again . Duplicity costs millions the VPD experiment has failed and VPOA has their fingerprints all over it . All Public safety should be regional , the City specific model has failed , the only answer is regional Public safety groups if these fail then the next option is private for profit organisations , service contract models with a regional mission . After all crime commutes . Just imagine what the duplicity factor of all Solano County Cities is , all the Chiefs and administrative enclaves cost us millions and are not sustainable . Wake up prop 13 was a long time ago we now have to manage our assets and balance the books the only way this can happen is by cooping essential services and eliminating the many Cartels and political cabals .

Policeman   |September.24.2012 Anonymous....just because I don't live here does not mean I don't care. I don't think its right for you to make that assumption. I have family and friends who do live here. Also look how many people actually live where they work?? I am not suggesting you agree to projects that you don't want but I would hope your vision of the future includes more than mom and pop stores, and antique furniture...I don't understand why you truly feel I should give up money to make up the difference for past financial decisions. Will you give me some of your money to pay my mortgage?? I am trying to survive just like any normal human being in this world but because of that fact I am some evil person filled with hate for the citizens I serve?? THAT is not fair. Despite our differences I know this city can and will be great again...I respect your opinion.

Anonymous   |September.24.2012 You never gave up raises, you deferred them with a penalty to the city for so generously agreeing to defer what you never should have gotten in the first place. Let's not re-write history.

Anonymous   |September.24.2012 @Policeman: I may agree with you on some projects that didn't become reality, but I bet I wouldn't agree with you on others. I would never sacrifice our waterfront for a cheap buck, for example. I'm sure you would if it meant maintaining your salary. Probably 90 percent of you don't live here, so why would you care if our waterfront was ruined? The fact is police officers in Vallejo are compensated more than we taxpayers can afford. As a taxpayer, I want you to have a more reasonable compensation so when the city increases revenues, we have more money for more city services, including more police. As it is, you want us citizens to accept development projects we don't like so you can maintain your compensation level. And we get no service increases. That's fair?

Anonymous   |September.24.2012 "We have forgone so many raises"? No!

I was there   |September.24.2012 Poser Alert....I was there and what was the threat??

Policeman   |September.24.2012 Anonymous...We have forgone so many raises before we became a media spectacle. Of course we will try to get the best pay and benefits possible to support our families as anyone would. I don't understand why that is a surprise. I believe the majority of our financial problems result from a culmination of horrible choices made by past and present city council members. The city chose to pass on numerous projects that would have provided significant financial gain over the years as far back as the offer to construct what is now known as the Fairfield Mall...I like many want the hatred to stop...we all know cooler heads prevail.

Anonymous   |September.24.2012 @policeman, the relationship was destroyed when your (VPOA's) self interest became more important than the community's best interest. I hope that will change, but you all need to do a bit of soul searching. We are a blue collar community barely scraping by. We can't afford to pay you the highest wages or the top pensions and all of your health care. You know it. We know it. So tell your union reps to stop playing games and start bargaining and reduce your pay and benefits to a more reasonable and affordable level. Then the city could hire more police officers to better protect us as well as help you do your very dangerous job, and give you a break from all that overtime. I respect the work you do and thank you for your commitment to Vallejo.

anon   |September.24.2012 Policeman@ some of us support you, and thank you for risky work. Sorry, you must have to be harassed by that screaming mob. Educators in Vallejo have to endure the same behavior everyday in Vallejo's public school.

Policeman   |September.23.2012 I have not read all of the comments but it seems most believe the VPD are upset with the Mayor about his willingness to have the AG review the case. I don't oppose it and I will only speak for myself. WE have nothing to hide and once an outside investigative entity concludes their investigation then maybe that will allow the the community to trust us. I love this city and the people in it. Even though are relationship is in horrible condition I am hopeful it will improve with time. Meanwhile, I will continue to enjoy being a policeman and working with some of the finest people I have ever known. Of course there are a few of us that I may not care for due to personal reasons but I can honestly say I have NEVER seen anyone not answer the call for help and willing to lay down their life for you....

Hypocrites   |September.23.2012 Unbcoming is a personal attack? Okay, if you say so. Wonder what your opinion is of the thugs destroying the quality of life in Vallejo. Are you as upset at that situation? I'm only responding to you because you continue to address my comments.

Anonymous   |September.23.2012 VPOA's bad showing last year was mainly a product of Nichelini. After many years of grooming under him, I think it is a good idea to take a look and find out what needs to be corrected before a new chief. From what I saw, the new chief is much better and I do not expect we will see a repeat of the last time. As for the drug dealer support group, I am not so sure what they will do (even after/because Davis' cave in). The group may think that's the way how city government is run (thanks to Davis' teaching) and will repeat the same to humiliate and pressure the rest of the council. Yes, It is going to be interesting.

Anonymous   |September.23.2012 @Hypocrites: and I care about what you find becoming? Not so much. I'm not angry, just resolute in righteous indignation at the VPD's poor behavior and a few very bad eggs. I'm also fully enjoying your frustration. Interesting how you go on personal attacks when you can't debate the issues.

Sunshine   |September.23.2012 BS. The police and their families didn't just "support their position." They jeered and yelled from the audience the whole meeting. They were ugly and disrespectful to audience members who did not "support their position." They disrupted the meeting in the same manner as we've seen recently. Only that disruption was focused on the mayor's political opposition, so that was ok. See your behavior as different if that makes you feel better. But I was in the audience for the December meeting and I was there recently. Same behavior, different outcomes. And what was so horrible about establishing a citizens review committee? Sounds like the cops were fighting hard to block out the sunshine. What are they hiding? Will they come out on Tuesday in the same manner as December because the mayor is essentially proposing the same thing. Tuesday will be very interesting.

Davis Picks the Wrong Case   |September.23.2012 Our Lead-by-React Mayor Davis is requesting that the City Council take immediate action to begin rebuilding trust and communication between the police department and the community by calling for this independent investigation (of Romero's case and this case ONLY)by the State Attorney General. I have no problem of independent investigation but choose Romero's case as the springboard into VPD investigation is wrong on so many levels. I agree rebuilding trust is important because we do have problem with that. To do it effectively, I propose Davis to use the VPOA showing at the CC meeting as the event into the investigate. VPOA is/was wrong and there is no argument about it. It is in plain view and recorded on video. (the city video only has the sound of the bad behavior). There is no need to collect evidence, no statistics used, no argument about the fact and we have many upstanding citizens who can provide personal accounts of the event. Mayor Davis, If you do that, you can help the city (all colors and especially the law abiding citizens of all colors.) to rebuild trust with VPD. If Davis does not have the spine to do the right thing, the second choice will be to ask for a investigation about the above average police involved shooting in the city. Nobody can be sure it is a problem with the VPD, a lot of argument over statistics will happen, no clear determination. It may even identify the problem is due to no-action leadership in the city, permissible enablers in the community, welcoming attitude toward parolee, rap leadership city,.....and what could be the result: people pushing for this is really talking about "profiling". so if it was proven, it will help to rebuild the trust of most 23% (?) or less of the population (who have a tendency get involved with police) in the city, not everyone in the city, not even every black in the city. With Davis' current proposal of using Romero's case as the lead-in to the investigation send out so many wrong signals: 1. Davis caves in to public humiliation and public meeting disruption so he/we will see more of that. 2. Davis set up an easy case for his union supporters. Due to the lack of credibility of Romero, the case will have a very weak start with no credible witness and then people have to play race card to beef it up. So on the surface Davis can claim that he proposed an investigation but in reality, he is giving a pass to his union supporter. 3. Law abiding citizens and good cops will think Davis is supporting criminals and make everyone's lives more difficult. And what could the best/worst result? Satisfy the demand of the 1-5% criminals elements, thugs and some confused black Americans who can not see anything beyond color from this city!! and ANY TRUST will be rebuilt this way? Even for the criminals? Mayor Davis, modify your proposal and be a real leader this time.

Anonymous   |September.23.2012 Yes, the police families were in council chambers to support their position. They were there to address an agendized item(s) for which the council had oversight. We all get the basic routine that is played out in local council meetings. The grifters, looking for that big Loto win, are there to do what exactly? Address an agendized item? No, in fact, they were there to disrupt the political process and make a big scene. For there fellow THUG who was too stupid to follow simple instructions. Darwin was right.

Hypocrites   |September.23.2012 Wow. Why are you so angry? Yes, I have been told to shut up and I believe you told me not to opine, which is just a fancy shut up. It's okay, I get it. By the way, snideness is very unbecoming.

Anonymous   |September.23.2012 They were completely out of control. Yet Osby Davis allowed it because it was cops displaying bad behavior. He's got to be the worst "leader" ever. Following the bouncing ball to do whatever makes him look good for the moment is not leadership.

Anonymous   |September.23.2012 @Blind Hypocrites/Drama Queen. I'm not angry nor feel victimized. I didn't tell you to shut up, shout or threaten you. I didn't see anybody else doing that either. So to you, anybody who disagrees with you on this blog is shouting or threatening? That's so funny. Read your own words and follow them.

See for yourself   |September.23.2012 Look at 4 hours 13 minutes and you tell me that some VPD are not out of control http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=253

Blind Hypocrites   |September.23.2012 Of course they are held to a higher standard. They are also human and deal daily with ignorant scum, who verbally and sometimes physically abuse them. I will never change your mind, you are a permanent victim and you will remain that. But I will continue to opine about anything I want. I am continually amused by being told to shut up by angry people who disagree with me. Must be hard for you to hear the truth without being able to shout me down or threaten me. Deal with it. It's called a comment section for a reason.

Anonymous   |September.23.2012 @Blind Hypocrites: "I was not there, I have no idea what happened." Exactly that, you have no idea what happened, so don't opine about it. Those of us who were there experienced the mob rule of that night. It was disgusting and had nothing to do with any opinions we have or don't have about police pay or benefits. The council majority wanted better police review with citizen involvement. The cops don't want outsiders looking at what they're doing. They took over a council meeting the same way the black community has these past few meetings. Same behavior. Who is the blind hypocrite when you can't see the similarity in behavior? The cops are held to a higher standard. They get paid to be held to a higher standard. "To protect and serve." There's something called "conduct unbecoming and officer" for a reason.

Firebug   |September.23.2012 Not exactly, Chief Galvin champoined community based policing while the CM Wohlenburg championed the citizens budget advisory committee where J.D. Miller warned the city of the impending unsustainable employee compensation. When Wohlenburg tried to reduce overtime and close firestations to reduce costs he was forced out by the GOBs. With Police Department that has a clear pattern of not wanting any sort of collaberation with the community, CHief Galvin with no support from the new CM also had to leave.

Anonymous   |September.23.2012 Anon |September.22.2012 Two Cheifs ago VPD became a very effective PROACTIVE Dept Their bar was set high and most of the Community respected them , lets hope the new Leadership can return us to that same environment . When the "GOB's" made decisions and not the "new majority"?

Anonymous   |September.23.2012 It's sad when the police department is expected to set expectations of behavior for communities. Let's just speak facts today, fatherless households are at the root of most poor family problems. Strong fathers that were raised by strong and loving mothers and fathers produce children with proper expectations of behavior. No kind of external band aid can solve this problem.

Anon   |September.22.2012 Two Cheifs ago VPD became a very effective PROACTIVE Dept Their bar was set high and most of the Community respected them , lets hope the new Leadership can return us to that same environment .

Blind Hypocrites   |September.22.2012 Wrong again. The embarrassment is the current condition of our city. Trash, graffiti, noise, out of control crime, horrible and dangerous public schools and I could go on. The embarrassment is the ignorance, laziness and lack of self respect displayed by many of the people who live here.

Anon   |September.22.2012 @ Blind Hypocrites Perhaps you are the blind one since you were not there look up the video on VIB what I saw was a thin blue line between street thugs and sworn thugs it was possibly the worst PR the VPD has ever had and an embaresment to the dept and our City .

Blind Hypocrites   |September.22.2012 I was not there, I have no idea what happened. And I certainly don't accept at face value the judgement of a person who probably criticizes the PD's every action. The cops can't win no matter what they do, for people like that. They are human beings that are held to an unattainable, perfect standard by people who have zero expectations of anyone they perceive to be in any "protected" group of citizens. Lifelong victim wh*res. The police are reacting to increasingly brazen thugs. An officer was killed by a worthless POS in a backyard in the crest. Start directing the criticism in the right direction. And start by looking in the mirror.

Anon   |September.22.2012 @ Blind Hypocrites Are the criminals sworn to their duty and paid by the taxpayer ? packing visable heat at a Council meeting when off duty is plain disrespectful and intimidation very low class .

Blind Hypocrites   |September.22.2012 Little leprechaun: You sure have delicate sensibilities for someone who is quick to defend felons, criminals and drug dealers and quick to dismiss their actions.

Lord of the Flies   |September.22.2012 As per the posts on daily scream tribalism is alive and thriving in Vallejo when VPD occupied the council meeting with visible weapons "were very tribal" long gone are spears and bows replaced by Glocks with the same warrior mentality of old .

Must Remain Incognito   |September.22.2012 I stand corrected about who made the threats against the editor. But I also stand behind my remarks of what I think of the current Internal Affairs investigator for the VPD

silasbarnabe   |September.22.2012 @poser alert Your account fo that December meeting is exactly as I remember it. Even Marc garmen was threatened by the Police. I keep trying to get my hands around why no one seemed to associate that meeting with "mob mentality".

Anonymous   |September.21.2012 "Who voted against citizens police review? Who said Vallejo didn't need it? Who was the darling of the VPD that night? Mayor Osby Davis. Erin Hannigan. Hermie Sunga."

Poser Alert   |September.21.2012 How ironic. The very meeting in December where the cops acted like thugs was about starting a citizens police review board because some council members said the public was afraid to complain to the police about the police. The cops trashed those council members for daring to question the "Gods", the police. And it was wasn't DeJesus. It was Officer Darden issuing the threats that night, among others. He has a history of that. The cops intentionally intimidated us in the audience at that meeting, hands on their guns even while they were in street clothes. They disrupted the meeting and disrespected the council members who supported citizens police review. Who voted against citizens police review? Who said Vallejo didn't need it? Who was the darling of the VPD that night? Mayor Osby Davis. Erin Hannigan. Hermie Sunga. Now the mayor thinks it's a good idea? His lack of leadership is appalling. He reacts, he doesn't lead. He steals other people's ideas and calls them his own because he wouldn't know a creative idea if it bit him in the as$. Those council members who took the cops abuse that night? That's leadership. Osby Davis is nothing but a poser.

maybe too cynical   |September.21.2012 anon As you are aware this is the argument for outside review. While I agree with you I will also tell you DeJesus is an extremely ethical and moral person.I dont think past relationships get in way of him making decisions

Anonymous   |September.21.2012 So De Jesus is investigating th same people he has worked with for years many of which are close personal friends and all belong to the same union/brotherhood. Is that about right?

Get your facts straight   |September.21.2012 MRI Before you make accusations at least get your facts correct. In his 12/28 editorial about the City Council meeting no specific names were mentioned by Marc. So how can make the statement you did. I checked with some people who were there.It was not DeJesus who made the statement it was someone else. It is this sloppy type of emotional rhetoric that serves no purpose other than to inflame the issue.

Must Remain Incognito   |September.21.2012 This blog at the city council meeting recently where he VPD packed the meeting and acted up because they didn't like the agenda. The Internal Affairs officer approached the editor of VIB and threatened him. The editor wrote about it.

Anonymous   |September.21.2012 MRI 20 years is a long time. Could it be people change (assuming thIs behavior occurred)? What blog are you referring to and what did he say

Must Remain Incognito   |September.21.2012 What nobody has said is that the officer who does the internal affairs investigations for the VPD, Sid De Jesus, is a thug. He threatened the editor of his blog at a city council meeting and I know of over the top actions he did on patrol in the late 90s. Their is no credibility for the VPD using someone like this for internal investigations. Re the county I don't know anything one way or the other about the integrity of their department.

Anonymous   |September.21.2012 Don't count on Burris' representation that he will be filing a civil rights violation lawsuit on behalf of Romero's daughter a bluff. As a part of filing the suit, he will push for a federal investigation, and regardless of what you think of Burris, he is a lawyer specializing in the area of police excessive / deadly force; he has made his reputation on these types of cases and he knows what he is doing. He will file the lawsuit, as will the attorney representing Romeros' mother. (Only the parent and child have standing to sue on a wrongful death claim; siblings cannot when either children or parents are still alive). This is where the money is... Vallejo just lost a civil rights lawsuit filed from excessive force years ago..... the judgment was against them and the court of appeal affirmed without batting an eye. The judgment was in the millions, and the city will be paying interest to the tune of 10% per year since the judgment, which will up it another $1 million. Burris will pursue the money / civil rights complaint. It's not a joke or a game. This is a type of case that can cost the city more millions; none of which we have.

Blue Tick   |September.21.2012 The line in the sand is being drawn by an Attorney who enters the battle without clean hands. John Burris had his license to practice law suspended in 1996 for disciplinary reasons, ethical violations and issuing of a bad check. So he's packing some baggage, but lives on these kind of cases. He can cause some extra expense to Vallejo, just defending the accusations and charges. In the long run, it will only hurt the people who have their hands out for help, by using the money to defend Vallejo. Then, on the other hand it all may be a big bluff. Attorneys are know for that. Right Mayor?

Waddapuk   |September.21.2012 Hey Memories, Justice WAS served to pistol pulling Guy Jarreau... Smile!

Race Card   |September.21.2012 The murder victims are black but she is still not interested. Because the killers are black too. Sharon McGriff-Payne is not interested in speaking out for these murder victims because : 1. no police was involved in the shooting so she can not use words like Police brutality, Harassment , Racial Profiling, Excessive Force or Deadly force. 2. All involved are black so she can not play her race card game and she can not use words like JUSTICE & EQUALITY. Without those fancy words, she has nothing to say and no solution to offer to the actual problem: high crime among black Americans and its spilling over to others.

Transparent   |September.20.2012 It's actually kind of sad. Her words and thoughts are dripping with self loathing. And I'm sure the cause of her overreaction to any perceived criticism. I guess shes never taken a basic psychology course or she would temper her defensiveness. It would be difficult to go through life the way Sharon views the world.

Omg   |September.20.2012 Sharon caring about anyone who isn't black?

Anonymous   |September.20.2012 Yep, that's how they roll. Fear and intimidation and this is what the innocent children have to deal with every day in the middle and high schools. Do not give this group any slack, give them no quarter. Any weakness you show will be exploited against you. If they are smacked down they eventually get the message and will shuffle off until the next opportunity for exploitation. We do not need to surrender to this lowest common denominator of society. Call it as you see it, they are fools.

Mariner's Landing   |September.20.2012 Since this situation is so volatile, I am glad a third party is being brought in to review. A review by Vallejo PD Internal Affairs will not be believed to be true by the group that is so affected by this unfortunate incident. As a downtown resident, I am afraid that the out of control group showing up at City Hall is going to use this as an excuse to victimize and hurt people at random for Justice.

wharf rat   |September.20.2012 @ Salt cmon lets not be naive money is the elixer of politician's once enough has been gathered then consensus can be purchased "let the pandering begin" ps: wow you have some monumental graffiti practitioners in your area they actually chiseled the cement? what was their statement ?

Anonymous   |September.20.2012 Good point. These are all "Holder's people" after all and 100% Obama voters. If that doesn't tell you something then you're not paying attention.

ANONYMOUS:   |September.20.2012 Compliment the Mayor or not; Accuse him of seeing the light or Accuse him of bowing down to an unruly group (if that is what you think they are). But, rest assured if the State AG or the FBI or the US AG investigates this tragedy and determines that it was a justifiable shooting, how much to you want to bet the family will accept their decision. Only time will tell......

Better Thing To Do   |September.20.2012 Let us see if AG has more sense than our lead-by-react Mayor Davis. Looking at the rap sheet of this young man and his personal video, you think AG has nothing better to do? What make you think this is more important than investigating/do something about the killing of the pregnant woman by two black thugs? A woman and her twin were killed and she is inside of her own home, before midnight and she had no gun or drug. Where are the people who want justice for murder victim? Where are you? Where is Sharon McGriff-Payne? Are you using your connection to do something for these real victim?

Anon   |September.20.2012 Re: Cop cams if our City Govt determines it is in the best interest of Vallejo to have officers wear them it becomes a job requirement period . If the same body makes this policy remember they recently paid out 4 million for Officer misconduct sounds like the Cop cams could save Vallejo lots of money in the long run .

Salty Dog   |September.20.2012 @WR I beg to differ with your begging. Nothing is more important to a politician than consensus- it is what elects him and what keeps her in power. Campaign contributions assist in the quest for consensus. The graffiti is chisled into the cement- obviously someone has way too much free time (other than me).

wharf rat   |September.20.2012 @ Salt I beg to differ the first words in the Politician's lexicon are "campaign contributions" the rest are pure rhetoric simply the lines of the theatrical production they are cast in , take our last Governor his lines were not the only thing he was groping for . re: graffiti removal on sidewalk try paint remover with a wire brush then hose off .

Anonymous   |September.20.2012 Even though Davis has requested the AGs office to investigate does not mean the AGs office will investigate. Wait for that response because if the AG says no, then many in the city will explode.

Salty Dog   |September.20.2012 Well put. The first word in the politician's lexicon is "consensus" and Osbey's latest play is pure political theater. If this (call for independent review) doesn't quell the disruption of city governance, arrests need to be made. Otherwise he will discover a much larger consensus from various publics that will make the latest disturbance look like child's play. For my small part, I am about to reclaim the sidewalk from some gang's graffiti etchings- cement grout should do it.

Found Sagging Pants   |September.20.2012 @Heck Ya An elected officer should put the benefit of all citizens first and foremost before any special interest groups, unions and developers. So any appearance of that is good. A re-connection to the Community he swore to represent is something to celebrate too. I understand a person who is on felony parole who is black and was shot in a police confrontation at 4:30 am is a member of the community and deserves the attention of the mayor. But it is a small fraction of the community after all. I am waiting to see what the mayor, with his newly found identity, will do with the other 95% of the community, who are black, white and all colors law abiding citizens, not carrying guns (fake or real), not involved in police confrontation, got burglarized regularly and harmed/robbed daily. Legacy. Yes, Davis is going to leave us with some kind of legacy. Either a mayor who woke up one day and found his duty or a mayor who capitulated under pressure of public humiliation and disrupted meeting that he chaired. The emperor is not naked anymore. He is wearing sagging pants right now. I hope he will change to some more main street clothing soon. Time will tell.

really   |September.20.2012 @Heck Ya Really preaching morals??? How about preaching to those thugs out there killing pregnant women and mugging old ladies? Tell those families of theirs that the race card is wrong to use to defend their criminalized "children." Being black should not be an entitlement to commit crime! Now watching what is going in Vallejo, it looks like it is! Good bye reverse racist Vallejo!

Heck Ya   |September.20.2012 Well Well the Emperor found his clothes it matters not who made them only that he now wears them . If a strong Citizen component was in fact the fulcrum that leveraged His position then this is something to rejoice and celebrate along with His awakening to these long smouldering PD issues . The Mayors position announces the end of His bondage to VPOA, hopefully a re-connection to the Community He swore to represent instead of the special interest groups . This could be a turning point for His political carear . If He continues on this path He could term out as a well loved Mayor "what a great legasey" .

really   |September.19.2012 It's time to move when the police have to be criminalized. this sucks. Maybe with the cameras, though, cops can slam all those lazy jay walker (you know the ones that stare you down as they decide to step in front of your car), and those who toss garbage out of their junked up cars. Go get em VPD.

anon   |September.19.2012 VPD!!! I support you all the way!

Memories   |September.19.2012 Correction *This really makes you look GUILTY!* Smile! And, justice for Guy Jarreau continues...

Memories   |September.19.2012 If you are a Vallejo police, please avoid the following: a. destroying evidence (it makes you look GUILTY!) b. instructing the ambulance to drive gunshot victims to out of county hospitals (protocol states for victims to be taken to the closest facility not the farthest facility-Officer James Capoot was taken to the closest facility so, why not Guy Jarreau?!) c. running behind your badges for protection when you commit MURDER! (It makes you look like COWARDS) d. harrassing the victims' family members (You are NOT above the law--This really makes you look GUILITY!) Smile! And, justice for Guy Jarreau continues...

Blue tick   |September.19.2012 It's a dog and pony show. And was allowed to go on way too long. Your letting the prisoners run the prisons. Now that it's understood what it takes to overpower the management. the next go around will be much bigger, and louder. Just you wait and see. Should have shut the demonstration down, made arrests and cracked some heads. The policeman know how to handle it. Just support them and keep them in ammunition.

Anonymous   |September.19.2012 "Conduct research to select and implement a decision-based firearms/use of force training simulator system." Solution. If you're on felony probation avoid the following: a.) Carrying illegal drugs in your car. b.) Carrying firearms of any kind in your car. c.) When ask to get out of the car, get out of the car. d.) When told to get down on the ground, get down on the ground.

Unborn Twin   |September.19.2012 re: However, these proposals have a greater priority now because of the overall increase in violent crime within our community. Oh yeah? Will anyone of these proposal help the unborn twin who got killed by two black thugs? Mr. Mayor..or the 60 year old lady who got robbed 2 days ago by 2 young black teenagers? Where is the justice for the unborn twin? They did no do anything wrong. They did not have a fake gun! If you also look into these issues about protecting law abiding citizens without under pressure then you really have spine. Mr. Mayor, show us what you are made of!

Unborn Twin   |September.19.2012 re:

omg   |September.19.2012 Great, the Great Osby capitulates to thug society. NIIIICCCE

Salty Dog   |September.19.2012 Given his record, you make a point...but I give him a pass and hope that he has found a learning moment in elected civic duty, above and beyond his function of meeting Chair.

know vallejo   |September.19.2012 don't be fooled. the mayor "gets" nothing. as usual, he reacted. he didn't lead. he knew that if he didn't take action quickly, there were citizens with a solution (the mayor's is eerily similar) that would act without him if necessary. you can never take your eyes off him.

Salty Dog   |September.19.2012 Finally and thank you- some elected leadership reflecting community concern. But,Mayor Davis, lets be clear. The primary function of the police is to ENFORCE the laws in this Republic of laws. That, and that alone, is the police function. Serve and protect? These two attributes that are often emblazoned on the sides or trunks of patrol cars , flow from the effectiveness of police enforcement and is largely a public relations strategy. What makes these two attributes effective largely depends on a number of factors, community confidence in its police being one. Another is the perceived and real connection between the police organization and the employer- city manager, Council, and residents. For whatever reason, it appears the Mayor gets it. I look forward to a time when the phrase "to serve and protect" doesn't ring hollow.

Fed Up   |September.19.2012 How about an investigation into how to protect the law abiding, tax paying citizens from these drug dealing wannabe gangbangers and their angry, hostile families? So that maybe I can shop in the stores in the town in which I live. We avoid grocery stores, etc. because I don't want to expose my children to the cr*p that happens all over this city, everywhere you go. Low class welfare recipients are trashing our town and making it unlivable. Where is our justice?

Not So   |September.19.2012 @Anon, that "minister" is what has brought Cop Watch to Vallejo. Sorry, but this came about because of a number of Vallejo citizens that have provided suggestions and ideas on how to deal with the issue. It also took the Police Chief to agree to some of these measures. But most importantly, it's moving forward.

Anonymous   |September.19.2012 Maybe it is a good thing our mayor was not involved. Our new CM and Chief seem to be willing to take some action. Let us see.

Anon   |September.19.2012 I was talking about when the Mayors office was occupied by the Minister and his group who were well behaved and presented Osby with a letter . See VIB video

Not So   |September.19.2012 I doubt that it had anything to so with "AA out of town ministers" and more to do with Vallejo citizens that expressed their concerns.

Anonymous   |September.19.2012 there were no ministers in the meeting and the only out-of-towners were the chief and city manager.

Anon   |September.19.2012 Now we know how to motivate the Mayor to take a stand , just get some out of town AA Ministers and their flock to visit his office and present their concerns . This could be a great play-book for future Community actions "so simple and effective" .

Reaction   |September.19.2012 Our no vision, no passion, Mayor-for-himself Davis just demonstrated his great leadership style. Leadership by reaction. Now we know how we can get our leader to move. Next time, if you got more public humiliation and disrupted meeting you know why.

Heck Ya   |September.19.2012 Who cares where the suggestions came from that is moot , these are good solid improvements most long overdue and can also protect the Officers from false charges and rumors . It is about time our Mayor showed some leadership , He has been taking fire from all directions and was forced to take action . Let us hope this is a new era for the Mayor , VPOA will probably resist and will need to be reminded who signs their paychecks and told to follow orders . A unanamious vote by Council should send a strong message to all involved special interest groups that there is a new Sheriff in town .

Cit y Hall Insider   |September.19.2012 Anon Don't give Osby too much credit. Most of the suggestions came from concerned citizens who met with the City Manager and the Chief of Police. The Mayor was a guest at the meeting. What is positive is that change may occur.

I'M PEACHy   |September.19.2012 Oh come on, who really got this going? This is too salient to actually be Davis. Either way, it's a no brainer that took way too painfully long to proceed.

Anonymous   |September.19.2012 BRAVO, Mayor Davis, you're in charge now.

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