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State Secures Settlement Agreement with City of Vallejo, Police on Reforms and Accountability

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on April 11 that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured a settlement agreement with the City of Vallejo and the Vallejo Police Department (VPD) requiring reforms to VPD’s policies and practices. The agreement announced addresses DOJ’s allegations that the VPD engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct and ensures that the reform process agreed to by the parties in the stipulated judgment will begin immediately, overseen and enforced by DOJ.

Published

2 months ago

June 7, 2024

Oakland Post

California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Official photo.

Special to The Post

The agreement announced addresses DOJ’s allegations that the VPD engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct and ensures that the reform process agreed to by the parties in the stipulated judgment will begin immediately, overseen and enforced by DOJ.

As part of the settlement agreement, the city of Vallejo and VPD will undertake a comprehensive set of actions — to be led by an established independent evaluator, Jensen Hughes, and overseen directly by DOJ — to promote public safety, reduce unlawful uses of force, eliminate racial and identity disparities, strengthen accountability systems, continue to increase support for officers, and protect the statutory and constitutional rights of the people of Vallejo.

“It’s past time the people of Vallejo have a police department that listens and guarantees that their civil rights are protected,” Bonta said. “My office is committed to protecting the rights of the people of Vallejo by overseeing and enforcing the agreement and working collaboratively with VPD and the city and ensuring a fair, thorough, and transparent process.”

On June 5, 2020, DOJ, the city of Vallejo, and VPD entered into a MOU for VPD to institute a comprehensive modernized policing plan that included implementing 45 reform recommendations.

DOJ’s decision to enter into an MOU with VPD to reform its policing came in light of several high-profile uses of force, including a number of officer-involved shootings.

When the MOU expired on June 5, 2023, VPD had achieved substantial compliance with 20 out of the 45 agreed-upon recommendations, but the DOJ concluded that VPD failed to uniformly and adequately enforce the law, based in part, because of defective or inadequate policies, practices, and procedures.

Under the terms of the settlement, VPD and the City of Vallejo are required to implement the remaining reforms, and to implement additional reforms addressing civilian complaints, bias-free policing, stops, searches, seizures and arrest, and ongoing oversight of these reforms.

In October 2023, the parties agreed on a comprehensive five-year plan to address the numerous areas that need improvement and modernization to bring VPD into alignment with contemporary best practices and ensure constitutional policing.

Under the settlement, VPD will implement the remaining recommendations that have not been completed from the 45 recommendations contained in the May 2020 report, including to:

Address unreasonable force by holding officers and supervisors accountable for not identifying, adequately investigating, or addressing force that is unreasonable or otherwise contrary to VPD policy; and refer uses of force that may violate law or VPD’s use of force policy to their Professional Standards Division (internal affairs) for further investigation or review.
Enhance, promote, and strengthen partnerships within the community, to continue engaging constructively with the community to ensure collaborative problem-solving and bias-free policing, and to increase transparency and community confidence in VPD.
Utilize its Chief’s Advisory Board (CAB) and the Police Oversight and Accountability Commission (POAC), to continue to develop and amend significant policies that impact the community, including to its use of force policies, community-policing strategy and policies, bias-free policing policies, and civilian complaint policies.
Develop a policy that defines and limits the use of pretextual stops.
Enhance and revise training with respect to investigatory stops, reiterating that race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation are not to be used as a factor in establishing reasonable suspicion or probable cause, except as part of actual and credible descriptions of a specific suspect.
Prohibit officers from conducting consent searches during consensual encounters. Officers may not conduct a consent search after detaining a subject unless an officer reasonably suspects that the subject has contraband or evidence related to that detention, and the consent must be documented on body camera footage or a signed consent form.
Ensure stops, searches, and seizures comply with the law, as part of an effective overall crime prevention strategy that does not contribute to counterproductive tension with the community.
Commit to providing bias-free services and enforcing laws in a way that is professional, nondiscriminatory, fair, and equitable.
Work with the independent Evaluator Jensen Hughes and DOJ to develop a policy and protocol for responding to calls involving a person in mental health crisis or suffering from a mental health disability. The policy and protocol will include utilizing professional civilian staff, who are trained professionals in responding to mental health crises, to respond when appropriate and available.
Develop and implement policies, guidelines, and training to ensure all supervisors and managers:
- Exercise appropriate supervisory oversight.
- Conduct objective and impartial investigations.
- Are held accountable for meeting agency standards and expectations.
- Engage with and listen to community feedback.
- Incorporate community feedback when able and appropriate.
- Develop and evaluate policing strategies and tactics reflective of contemporary best community policing practices.
Conduct an ongoing audit of incidents where an officer points a firearm at a member of the public or brandishes a firearm in the presence of a member of the public to ensure that its officers are not drawing a firearm solely based on the mere existence of a potential risk (e.g., public contact, pedestrian/traffic stop).

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Oakland Post: Week of July 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 24 – 30, 2024

Published

17 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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NNPA NEWSWIRE — Reflecting on his long career, Biden expressed deep gratitude and pride. “Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton and Claymont one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. But here I am. That’s what makes America special,” he remarked, his voice tinged with emotion.
The post first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

Biden: Our Democracy Demands New Leadership

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

In an impassioned address from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden laid bare his decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race, urging Americans to embrace a new generation of leadership. “Saving democracy is more important than any title. It’s time to pass the torch to younger voices,” Biden declared in an address that signaled a transformative shift in American politics.

Following his decision over the weekend to bow out of the race for re-election, Biden’s announcement was a clarion call for renewal. Stressing the moment’s urgency, Biden emphasized that the future of democracy depends on fresh, dynamic leadership. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the embodiment of this new era. “Years ago, I described myself as a transitional candidate, and now it’s time for that transition to take full effect,” Biden said, positioning Harris as the future of the Democratic Party.

While refraining from mentioning former President Donald Trump by name, Biden clarified that he views the twice impeached and 34 times convicted felon Republican presidential nominee as a fundamental threat to democratic values. “My record as president, my leadership on the global stage, and my vision for America’s future all merited a second term,” Biden stated. “But nothing can stand in the way of safeguarding our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So, I’ve decided the best path forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”

Reflecting on his long career, Biden expressed deep gratitude and pride. “Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton and Claymont one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. But here I am. That’s what makes America special,” he remarked, his voice tinged with emotion.

Biden acknowledged that doubts about his ability to defeat Trump influenced his decision. “I revere this office, but I love my country more,” he said. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.”

Biden said he is determined to address crucial issues for the remainder of his term. His agenda includes lowering family costs, defending personal freedoms, protecting voting rights, combating cancer, addressing gun violence, and advocating for Supreme Court reform. Internationally, he said he aims to strengthen NATO, support Ukraine, and seek an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Biden’s endorsement of Harris has galvanized the Democratic Party, with Harris swiftly securing the backing of a majority of Democratic delegates. “I’m not going anywhere,” Biden reassured his campaign staff, now supporting Harris. “I’m going to be out there on the campaign trail with her, working tirelessly as both a sitting president and a campaigner.”

The landmark address, along with Biden’s anticipated speech at the Democratic National Convention, could prove pivotal in defining his legacy. “In a few months, Americans will decide the direction of our nation’s future,” Biden stated. “I have made my choice. I’ve expressed my views. Now the decision is in your hands, the hands of the American people.”

In the days before his decision, Biden confided in close advisors about his concerns regarding another run against Trump. His acknowledgment of those doubts underscored his commitment to putting the country’s needs above his ambitions. “The defense of democracy must come before all else,” he reiterated.

As Biden prepares to support Harris in her campaign, he remains focused on his presidential duties. His administration continues to push for significant legislative achievements, reinforcing his enduring commitment to the American people. “In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future,” Biden said. “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”

The post first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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PRESS ROOM: Reparations Movement Partners Globally Mourn the Passing of U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee

NNPA NEWSWIRE — we acknowledge the powerful legacy of U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee. She was a steadfast leader in the fight for reparatory justice, carrying forward the legislative baton from the late U.S. Congressman John Conyers in 2018.
The post PRESS ROOM: Reparations Movement Partners Globally Mourn the Passing of U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 days ago

July 23, 2024

Oakland Post

[July 22, 2024 – Chicago, IL] With an extremely heavy heart and a profound sense of loss, we acknowledge the powerful legacy of U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee. She was a steadfast leader in the fight for reparatory justice, carrying forward the legislative baton from the late U.S. Congressman John Conyers in 2018. Her relentless efforts nearly brought HR 40 to passage in the House of Representatives in 2022, missing by just one vote. Her leadership was pivotal in advancing the bill out of the Judiciary Committee in April 2021 after a historic debate. Even after her diagnosis, Rep. Jackson-Lee fiercely collaborated with reparations leaders, pushing for President Biden to establish an HR40-like commission by Executive Order. She believed this executive path was crucial for addressing centuries of injustice. Despite setbacks in meetings with the President’s team, she remained optimistic and urged us to stay ready for progress.

The Earn the Black Vote Collaborative formed in 2023 in response to her urging to continue the fight for reparations. On April 25, 2024, the Collaborative released a poll showing significant support for President Biden to issue an Executive Order for Reparations. Congresswoman Jackson-Lee championed the poll’s findings, emphasizing the critical importance of reparations to African American and progressive communities. Her vision was clear: an Executive Order to create a federal reparations commission could drive transformative Black voter turnout and move the ball toward justice. She had wanted the Executive Order done by Juneteenth. Tragically, just a month after Juneteenth, she left us. We have lost a great leader for reparatory justice. In honor of her legacy, we call for the establishment of the Executive Order by President Biden. We extend our deepest condolences to Representative Jackson-Lee’s family. We call on reparation activists, leaders, and legislators globally to stand with us as we honor her legacy. May the Ancestors and the Creator receive her with joy.

About the Author:

Kamm Howard is a national and international reparations scholar and activist working for over 20 years building grassroots movements to obtain reparations for African descendants in the United States.

CONTACT:

Reparations United Phone: 773-985-2990

Email: kamm@reparationsunited.org Website: https://reparationsunited.org/

The post PRESS ROOM: Reparations Movement Partners Globally Mourn the Passing of U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee first appeared on BlackPressUSA.