This is a most unfortunate development for the very reason that the Police Chief position is probably the most important hire that City Manager Bill Emlen will making during his tenure. Given the turmoil of the last year, this is a hire that can change the course of the department and really help to heal the wounds in the community. The wrong hire could set this process back another ten years. That is how crucial things are. The community in many ways is in a waiting pattern to see which direction the police department is going to go. And yet in many ways, my most feared scenario has already been played out.
The final seven candidates were kept secret. There were assurances made that there would be public scrutiny on the finalists for the position. Yet a week or two ago, we were told that it was down to three candidates and those names were still kept secret. Only now with only one candidate remaining, is a name even revealed. But guess what, it is only one name and so while they are saying they have not made a decision to hire this individual, the only realistic fallback is for them to start the hiring process once again. What is the chance that they will get a better candidate next time? Not great. So most likely Landy Black, will be the next police chief of the city of Davis.
The suggestion has been made already that the Davis Police Chief position is a difficult one to fill. Some will blame the turmoil of the last year for that. However, you can go further back than that. You have Former Chief Phillip Coleman who had to retire after allegations of sexual misconduct. Then Former Chief Jerry Gonzalez was forced out with a no confidence vote by the DPOA (Davis Police Officers’ Association). After a short term from Martin Ruiz, you have Chief Jim Hyde who resigned abruptly in 2006. Some have suggested that Davis is not the place to have your first job as police chief or city manager, and yet if this hire goes through we will have a first time police chief and city manager.
Others have questioned the quality of the applicants. Frankly, that’s not even something I am prepared to do at this point. I simply have not received enough information on Captain Landy Black to know if he would make a good Police Chief. Nor do I have enough information to reach the conclusion as to whether or not I think he would be a good hire or a bad hire. It is unfortunate because I would prefer to be able to give the new Chief strong support as I was able to give the Police Ombudsman strong support PRIOR to his hiring.
There are a few troubling aspects of the way this process has been conducted. First, you have a large number of individuals who voiced serious problems with the police department last year. And while it is most likely true Chief Hyde left for purposes that had nothing to do with the HRC and the police controversy and in fact might have gone shortly even if he had not taken the position in Antioch, it is also true that that controversy played a role in the problems faced by the police department. (And it is important to realize that there are very serious administrative problems facing the police department that have nothing to do with the controversies of last year and those most likely would have force Hyde out even without the controversies).
So wouldn’t you want some of the civil rights groups involved in the screening of police chief candidates? Wouldn’t you want them to at least meet the individuals prior to hiring them? Wouldn’t you want some sort of contact between the groups that were criticizing the operations of the police department and a new chief? And yet, no attempt was made by the city to arrange such a meeting.
The city seems to feel like if they opened the candidate to such public scrutiny they would never hire anyone. Are the candidates that sensitive? If so, perhaps this is not the place for them. You would think that most high ranking police officers would enjoy the opportunity to become a police chief. Moreover, they would face the community fire at some point if they are hired–why not face the fire before they decide to disrupt their entire life and move 1000 miles from Seattle to Davis. You might as well prepare them for that fire in advance so they know exactly what they are getting themselves into. The last thing I think you would want is a person to be hired and then run off following a short amount of time because they cannot handle the pressures and scrutiny of being a police chief in Davis. And while I appreciate that Landy Black was a Precinct Captain in Seattle and that his Precinct was as large as the Davis Police Department, he has not faced Davis yet.
My second concern with this process is that the public only received a token opportunity to meet this person in advance. Several people have informed me there were extensive public meetings when they hired Chief Hyde and that enabled people to meet him, talk to him, question him. Half an hour in a meet and greet is basically no public process. Realistically, he can shake a few people’s hands. He will not get to say much more than that. If this is the process, I would prefer no opportunity to meet the police chief. Let us not pretend that this is something more than what it is.
The city maintains that this is more than most cities do. I have no way to know if this is true or not, but it really does not matter. I do not think we should allow the decisions of other cities to govern how we in Davis choose to conduct our governing process. Davis is a unique city and in many ways given the public rancor last year, you would think that the city would want to smooth over this hire with as many people as possible. Unless they think that somehow the problems have all gone away–which I do not believe they have.
Third, the point was made that this was not a political hire, but rather the hiring of a city employee. Then the question was asked if I believed that all department heads should be hired in a somewhat similar process. I certainly would not be opposed to that. But I think that question really ignores the unique nature of the police chief. In many ways, it really is a political position in the sense of the controversy that followed from last year. Moreover, I do not recall people marching against the public works department down Russell Blvd last year, people cramming into City Hall over their treatment by parks and recs officials, or people speaking out against the City Works department employees. So to act as though all department heads are the same and should have the same process seems a bit ludicrous.
And perhaps I am overstating the city’s position here, which is not my intention. I have different goals and concerns than the city in this area. However, I think there needs to be a more open public process for the hiring of someone like a police chief than the public works director.
The police are in very direct contact with the citizenry and it is a very delicate job in that you work with people who may be violating the law or accused of violating the law. Officers enforce laws and that requires people be fined or detained. That is very different than any other department. When a large group–even if they are a small minority within the overall population–complains about disparate treatment, there is a difference in how the process should work for the person who more than anyone else will be in charge of changing the tone in the police department and the communication between the police department and the city.
In the end, I am not asking that we take a poll of the populace in this hiring. I am not asking that the public get to vote on this hiring. All I am asking from the start was for a reasonable public process to occur so that we could scrutinize and vet the new police chief candidate or candidates. In the end, this feels more like a fiat accompli.
We need a good and strong police chief and one that can realistically lead this department for the next 10 years and stop this revolving door of police chiefs. Unfortunately, I just have no solid basis at this point to have that kind of faith in this process. I wish the city would have involved more of the citizens in this process who had been critical of the past chief and his department.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
“
….And perhaps I am overstating the city’s position here,”
Doug… I think that this may very well be the case. The city is well-aware of the difficulties if they hired a new police chief that did not have a serious agenda to address the issues that so polarized the people of Davis recently. We need to show a level of confidence that our city management
understands the situation. Bill Emlen has certainly been around long enough and I am ready to give him my confidence until he demonstrates otherwise. If Black quickly turns out to be another “bad fit” for Davis, it will be a clear indication that our new city manager is over his head.
By the way, we may very well see people marching on city hall about those in charge of our Public Works Department. There, public scrutiny has been “stonewalled” about extremely important policy decisions concerning our waste water/water
futures.
“
….And perhaps I am overstating the city’s position here,”
Doug… I think that this may very well be the case. The city is well-aware of the difficulties if they hired a new police chief that did not have a serious agenda to address the issues that so polarized the people of Davis recently. We need to show a level of confidence that our city management
understands the situation. Bill Emlen has certainly been around long enough and I am ready to give him my confidence until he demonstrates otherwise. If Black quickly turns out to be another “bad fit” for Davis, it will be a clear indication that our new city manager is over his head.
By the way, we may very well see people marching on city hall about those in charge of our Public Works Department. There, public scrutiny has been “stonewalled” about extremely important policy decisions concerning our waste water/water
futures.
“
….And perhaps I am overstating the city’s position here,”
Doug… I think that this may very well be the case. The city is well-aware of the difficulties if they hired a new police chief that did not have a serious agenda to address the issues that so polarized the people of Davis recently. We need to show a level of confidence that our city management
understands the situation. Bill Emlen has certainly been around long enough and I am ready to give him my confidence until he demonstrates otherwise. If Black quickly turns out to be another “bad fit” for Davis, it will be a clear indication that our new city manager is over his head.
By the way, we may very well see people marching on city hall about those in charge of our Public Works Department. There, public scrutiny has been “stonewalled” about extremely important policy decisions concerning our waste water/water
futures.
“
….And perhaps I am overstating the city’s position here,”
Doug… I think that this may very well be the case. The city is well-aware of the difficulties if they hired a new police chief that did not have a serious agenda to address the issues that so polarized the people of Davis recently. We need to show a level of confidence that our city management
understands the situation. Bill Emlen has certainly been around long enough and I am ready to give him my confidence until he demonstrates otherwise. If Black quickly turns out to be another “bad fit” for Davis, it will be a clear indication that our new city manager is over his head.
By the way, we may very well see people marching on city hall about those in charge of our Public Works Department. There, public scrutiny has been “stonewalled” about extremely important policy decisions concerning our waste water/water
futures.
Our city management doesn’t understand the situation. In the past, community members have been able to meet ALL of the candidates for police chief. This time it was kept such a secret. It truly gives the impression that they – city management – have something to hide.
For a position such as that of police chief it is important to give those who have been critical along with others an opportunity to meet the new chief candidate in advance. Simply put, if the chief can’t handle the heat in ANY city then maybe the position of chief is not for him/her. That holds true for any job that comes with a high degree of responsibility and potential stress.
Our city management doesn’t understand the situation. In the past, community members have been able to meet ALL of the candidates for police chief. This time it was kept such a secret. It truly gives the impression that they – city management – have something to hide.
For a position such as that of police chief it is important to give those who have been critical along with others an opportunity to meet the new chief candidate in advance. Simply put, if the chief can’t handle the heat in ANY city then maybe the position of chief is not for him/her. That holds true for any job that comes with a high degree of responsibility and potential stress.
Our city management doesn’t understand the situation. In the past, community members have been able to meet ALL of the candidates for police chief. This time it was kept such a secret. It truly gives the impression that they – city management – have something to hide.
For a position such as that of police chief it is important to give those who have been critical along with others an opportunity to meet the new chief candidate in advance. Simply put, if the chief can’t handle the heat in ANY city then maybe the position of chief is not for him/her. That holds true for any job that comes with a high degree of responsibility and potential stress.
Our city management doesn’t understand the situation. In the past, community members have been able to meet ALL of the candidates for police chief. This time it was kept such a secret. It truly gives the impression that they – city management – have something to hide.
For a position such as that of police chief it is important to give those who have been critical along with others an opportunity to meet the new chief candidate in advance. Simply put, if the chief can’t handle the heat in ANY city then maybe the position of chief is not for him/her. That holds true for any job that comes with a high degree of responsibility and potential stress.
I appreciate and take note of the fact that you write this clearly under the title.. “Commentary”.
I appreciate and take note of the fact that you write this clearly under the title.. “Commentary”.
I appreciate and take note of the fact that you write this clearly under the title.. “Commentary”.
I appreciate and take note of the fact that you write this clearly under the title.. “Commentary”.
If a ten year Police Chief is important then several things should to be considered.
The current pension program attracts older officers to the job. They move into the job, ratchet up the pension salary then retire.
The Davis Salary structure is not competitive with salaries paid in the most of the Bay Area. Since there is a 30% salary gap, Davis Police Chiefs will likey always be looking at greener pastures.
There are no roots. Most Chiefs will not live in Davis, even on a Chief’s salary. They can not afford Davis housing. I imagine most, if not all, new Davis Police Officers live outside of Davis. Davis will be left with a mercenary police department with few ties to the community, besides money.SAH
If a ten year Police Chief is important then several things should to be considered.
The current pension program attracts older officers to the job. They move into the job, ratchet up the pension salary then retire.
The Davis Salary structure is not competitive with salaries paid in the most of the Bay Area. Since there is a 30% salary gap, Davis Police Chiefs will likey always be looking at greener pastures.
There are no roots. Most Chiefs will not live in Davis, even on a Chief’s salary. They can not afford Davis housing. I imagine most, if not all, new Davis Police Officers live outside of Davis. Davis will be left with a mercenary police department with few ties to the community, besides money.SAH
If a ten year Police Chief is important then several things should to be considered.
The current pension program attracts older officers to the job. They move into the job, ratchet up the pension salary then retire.
The Davis Salary structure is not competitive with salaries paid in the most of the Bay Area. Since there is a 30% salary gap, Davis Police Chiefs will likey always be looking at greener pastures.
There are no roots. Most Chiefs will not live in Davis, even on a Chief’s salary. They can not afford Davis housing. I imagine most, if not all, new Davis Police Officers live outside of Davis. Davis will be left with a mercenary police department with few ties to the community, besides money.SAH
If a ten year Police Chief is important then several things should to be considered.
The current pension program attracts older officers to the job. They move into the job, ratchet up the pension salary then retire.
The Davis Salary structure is not competitive with salaries paid in the most of the Bay Area. Since there is a 30% salary gap, Davis Police Chiefs will likey always be looking at greener pastures.
There are no roots. Most Chiefs will not live in Davis, even on a Chief’s salary. They can not afford Davis housing. I imagine most, if not all, new Davis Police Officers live outside of Davis. Davis will be left with a mercenary police department with few ties to the community, besides money.SAH
A police chief makes $113 to $138K per year in Davis.
A police chief makes $113 to $138K per year in Davis.
A police chief makes $113 to $138K per year in Davis.
A police chief makes $113 to $138K per year in Davis.
I think Bill Emlen knows clearly of the challenges in finding a good fit for the Department and the community. He did a very good job in finding an ombudsman. I’m sure that he does not want police controversy hitting his desk again (at least in the foreseable future) so is going to be looking for someone that can receive the respect of the officers and staff of the department and also create respect from the community.
I think Bill Emlen knows clearly of the challenges in finding a good fit for the Department and the community. He did a very good job in finding an ombudsman. I’m sure that he does not want police controversy hitting his desk again (at least in the foreseable future) so is going to be looking for someone that can receive the respect of the officers and staff of the department and also create respect from the community.
I think Bill Emlen knows clearly of the challenges in finding a good fit for the Department and the community. He did a very good job in finding an ombudsman. I’m sure that he does not want police controversy hitting his desk again (at least in the foreseable future) so is going to be looking for someone that can receive the respect of the officers and staff of the department and also create respect from the community.
I think Bill Emlen knows clearly of the challenges in finding a good fit for the Department and the community. He did a very good job in finding an ombudsman. I’m sure that he does not want police controversy hitting his desk again (at least in the foreseable future) so is going to be looking for someone that can receive the respect of the officers and staff of the department and also create respect from the community.
I have spoken with retired officers from Davis and mostly Sacramento and they say that in reality a person should not hold the position of police chief much longer than 5 years. Burn out, excessive stress, and the need for new ideas and leadership are among some of the reasons given.
I have spoken with retired officers from Davis and mostly Sacramento and they say that in reality a person should not hold the position of police chief much longer than 5 years. Burn out, excessive stress, and the need for new ideas and leadership are among some of the reasons given.
I have spoken with retired officers from Davis and mostly Sacramento and they say that in reality a person should not hold the position of police chief much longer than 5 years. Burn out, excessive stress, and the need for new ideas and leadership are among some of the reasons given.
I have spoken with retired officers from Davis and mostly Sacramento and they say that in reality a person should not hold the position of police chief much longer than 5 years. Burn out, excessive stress, and the need for new ideas and leadership are among some of the reasons given.
I think Aaronson fell into his lap. Aaronson found the ad on the NACOLE site, contacted Davis and got the job as he was the only qualified applicant. We’re damn lucky it worked out that way.
I think Aaronson fell into his lap. Aaronson found the ad on the NACOLE site, contacted Davis and got the job as he was the only qualified applicant. We’re damn lucky it worked out that way.
I think Aaronson fell into his lap. Aaronson found the ad on the NACOLE site, contacted Davis and got the job as he was the only qualified applicant. We’re damn lucky it worked out that way.
I think Aaronson fell into his lap. Aaronson found the ad on the NACOLE site, contacted Davis and got the job as he was the only qualified applicant. We’re damn lucky it worked out that way.
Emlen did a good job finding an ombudsman; however, he limits what the ombudsman can do. He hasn’t made the position as strong as it could and should be.
I don’t have much confidence in the decisions and recommendations Emlen has made with land use issues, so I’m hoping he will do better with the chief selection. From what we’ve seen so far it doesn’t look like he is headed in a good direction.
Emlen did a good job finding an ombudsman; however, he limits what the ombudsman can do. He hasn’t made the position as strong as it could and should be.
I don’t have much confidence in the decisions and recommendations Emlen has made with land use issues, so I’m hoping he will do better with the chief selection. From what we’ve seen so far it doesn’t look like he is headed in a good direction.
Emlen did a good job finding an ombudsman; however, he limits what the ombudsman can do. He hasn’t made the position as strong as it could and should be.
I don’t have much confidence in the decisions and recommendations Emlen has made with land use issues, so I’m hoping he will do better with the chief selection. From what we’ve seen so far it doesn’t look like he is headed in a good direction.
Emlen did a good job finding an ombudsman; however, he limits what the ombudsman can do. He hasn’t made the position as strong as it could and should be.
I don’t have much confidence in the decisions and recommendations Emlen has made with land use issues, so I’m hoping he will do better with the chief selection. From what we’ve seen so far it doesn’t look like he is headed in a good direction.
I stand corrected Doug. Aaronson did a good job finding the city of Davis.
I stand corrected Doug. Aaronson did a good job finding the city of Davis.
I stand corrected Doug. Aaronson did a good job finding the city of Davis.
I stand corrected Doug. Aaronson did a good job finding the city of Davis.
The political pressures concernng the recent police oversight/HRC situation were rather unique in that they were fed by the on-going council election and Yolo DA election battles. I think that those political pressures are off the city manager now. The political pressures brought to bare by the “dark underbelly of Davis politics”(developer special interests) with regard to the Housing Element and growth-inducing wastewater/water decisions are building relentlessly. This will be the true test of our new city manager’s mettle.
The political pressures concernng the recent police oversight/HRC situation were rather unique in that they were fed by the on-going council election and Yolo DA election battles. I think that those political pressures are off the city manager now. The political pressures brought to bare by the “dark underbelly of Davis politics”(developer special interests) with regard to the Housing Element and growth-inducing wastewater/water decisions are building relentlessly. This will be the true test of our new city manager’s mettle.
The political pressures concernng the recent police oversight/HRC situation were rather unique in that they were fed by the on-going council election and Yolo DA election battles. I think that those political pressures are off the city manager now. The political pressures brought to bare by the “dark underbelly of Davis politics”(developer special interests) with regard to the Housing Element and growth-inducing wastewater/water decisions are building relentlessly. This will be the true test of our new city manager’s mettle.
The political pressures concernng the recent police oversight/HRC situation were rather unique in that they were fed by the on-going council election and Yolo DA election battles. I think that those political pressures are off the city manager now. The political pressures brought to bare by the “dark underbelly of Davis politics”(developer special interests) with regard to the Housing Element and growth-inducing wastewater/water decisions are building relentlessly. This will be the true test of our new city manager’s mettle.
Various police issues and disparate treatment of minorities by some within the police dept. has been ongoing.
As Doug outlined there have been problems with former chiefs other than Hyde.
Even without a council and DA election the police issue became inflamed. This was largely in part due to the fact that the council did not acknowledge that there was a problem and disregarded those who brought forth concerns as having an agenda of some sort.
Various police issues and disparate treatment of minorities by some within the police dept. has been ongoing.
As Doug outlined there have been problems with former chiefs other than Hyde.
Even without a council and DA election the police issue became inflamed. This was largely in part due to the fact that the council did not acknowledge that there was a problem and disregarded those who brought forth concerns as having an agenda of some sort.
Various police issues and disparate treatment of minorities by some within the police dept. has been ongoing.
As Doug outlined there have been problems with former chiefs other than Hyde.
Even without a council and DA election the police issue became inflamed. This was largely in part due to the fact that the council did not acknowledge that there was a problem and disregarded those who brought forth concerns as having an agenda of some sort.
Various police issues and disparate treatment of minorities by some within the police dept. has been ongoing.
As Doug outlined there have been problems with former chiefs other than Hyde.
Even without a council and DA election the police issue became inflamed. This was largely in part due to the fact that the council did not acknowledge that there was a problem and disregarded those who brought forth concerns as having an agenda of some sort.
Wrong pick for Davis in my opinion. Big city corporate style police managers are not what Davis needs or disires. A police chief or Captain with small town policing experience is more in skilled in hands-on leadership and management for the department and in forming strong community partnerships. These police chief skills and priorities ensure the people of Davis could get the type of police department the community expects. I could give a hundred more reasons why Big City experience does not equal a better candidate (my experience has shown it is usually worse) I ask that you think about this for a minute and I am sure many of you will agree.
Wrong pick for Davis in my opinion. Big city corporate style police managers are not what Davis needs or disires. A police chief or Captain with small town policing experience is more in skilled in hands-on leadership and management for the department and in forming strong community partnerships. These police chief skills and priorities ensure the people of Davis could get the type of police department the community expects. I could give a hundred more reasons why Big City experience does not equal a better candidate (my experience has shown it is usually worse) I ask that you think about this for a minute and I am sure many of you will agree.
Wrong pick for Davis in my opinion. Big city corporate style police managers are not what Davis needs or disires. A police chief or Captain with small town policing experience is more in skilled in hands-on leadership and management for the department and in forming strong community partnerships. These police chief skills and priorities ensure the people of Davis could get the type of police department the community expects. I could give a hundred more reasons why Big City experience does not equal a better candidate (my experience has shown it is usually worse) I ask that you think about this for a minute and I am sure many of you will agree.
Wrong pick for Davis in my opinion. Big city corporate style police managers are not what Davis needs or disires. A police chief or Captain with small town policing experience is more in skilled in hands-on leadership and management for the department and in forming strong community partnerships. These police chief skills and priorities ensure the people of Davis could get the type of police department the community expects. I could give a hundred more reasons why Big City experience does not equal a better candidate (my experience has shown it is usually worse) I ask that you think about this for a minute and I am sure many of you will agree.
“Various police issues and disparate treatment of minorities by some within the police dept. has been ongoing.”
No, merely allegations of “disparate treatment” has been ongoing. Considering the weakness of these allegations, they should be considered with a high degree of skepticism by fair-minded people.
“The council did not acknowledge that there was a problem and disregarded those who brought forth concerns as having an agenda of some sort.”
The people who have made the allegations do appear to have an agenda, as do their supporters. As such, it is completely right that the council should not regard these charges as dubious.
“Various police issues and disparate treatment of minorities by some within the police dept. has been ongoing.”
No, merely allegations of “disparate treatment” has been ongoing. Considering the weakness of these allegations, they should be considered with a high degree of skepticism by fair-minded people.
“The council did not acknowledge that there was a problem and disregarded those who brought forth concerns as having an agenda of some sort.”
The people who have made the allegations do appear to have an agenda, as do their supporters. As such, it is completely right that the council should not regard these charges as dubious.
“Various police issues and disparate treatment of minorities by some within the police dept. has been ongoing.”
No, merely allegations of “disparate treatment” has been ongoing. Considering the weakness of these allegations, they should be considered with a high degree of skepticism by fair-minded people.
“The council did not acknowledge that there was a problem and disregarded those who brought forth concerns as having an agenda of some sort.”
The people who have made the allegations do appear to have an agenda, as do their supporters. As such, it is completely right that the council should not regard these charges as dubious.
“Various police issues and disparate treatment of minorities by some within the police dept. has been ongoing.”
No, merely allegations of “disparate treatment” has been ongoing. Considering the weakness of these allegations, they should be considered with a high degree of skepticism by fair-minded people.
“The council did not acknowledge that there was a problem and disregarded those who brought forth concerns as having an agenda of some sort.”
The people who have made the allegations do appear to have an agenda, as do their supporters. As such, it is completely right that the council should not regard these charges as dubious.
“As such, it is completely right that the council should not regard these charges as dubious.”
Sorry, typo. That should read, “As such, it is completely right that the council should regard these charges as dubious.”
“As such, it is completely right that the council should not regard these charges as dubious.”
Sorry, typo. That should read, “As such, it is completely right that the council should regard these charges as dubious.”
“As such, it is completely right that the council should not regard these charges as dubious.”
Sorry, typo. That should read, “As such, it is completely right that the council should regard these charges as dubious.”
“As such, it is completely right that the council should not regard these charges as dubious.”
Sorry, typo. That should read, “As such, it is completely right that the council should regard these charges as dubious.”
seattle police department doesn’t have a stellar record WRT race issues either. not that that says anything about captain black per se, but it has been an ongoing problem in seattle.
democracy always benefits from openness, transparency and piblic input. it inconveniences those who govern, but it’s good for democracy as a whole.
we should have seen a lot more of all of the candidates IMO.
seattle police department doesn’t have a stellar record WRT race issues either. not that that says anything about captain black per se, but it has been an ongoing problem in seattle.
democracy always benefits from openness, transparency and piblic input. it inconveniences those who govern, but it’s good for democracy as a whole.
we should have seen a lot more of all of the candidates IMO.
seattle police department doesn’t have a stellar record WRT race issues either. not that that says anything about captain black per se, but it has been an ongoing problem in seattle.
democracy always benefits from openness, transparency and piblic input. it inconveniences those who govern, but it’s good for democracy as a whole.
we should have seen a lot more of all of the candidates IMO.
seattle police department doesn’t have a stellar record WRT race issues either. not that that says anything about captain black per se, but it has been an ongoing problem in seattle.
democracy always benefits from openness, transparency and piblic input. it inconveniences those who govern, but it’s good for democracy as a whole.
we should have seen a lot more of all of the candidates IMO.
Rich:
I find it amazing that you could live in this community for 40 years and yet be so blind. I say that out of sincere perplexion rather than as some sort of an insult.
Probably once a month if not more office when Cecilia or I are out of town and mention we are from Davis we here yet another story about the Davis PD. And it is always volunteered to us. It is the lasting impression that people have on this city. It is the reputation of the city. And some of these stories go back a good 20 years or more in some cases.
And I wonder how a man like you could live in this town for as long as you have without hearing these stories too.
Let me take you away from allegations of disparate treatment and give you a real life concrete example.
Recently there was a bank robbery in downtown Davis. It took the police 6 to 7 minutes to get there and by the time they did arrive, the thieves were long gone.
Why? Not enough officers, something I shall detail in the coming days.
But in the meantime, you can access the video of David Johnson, who got pulled over for having a muffler too loud.
So we have police who have no problem pulling residents over for driving with a loud muffler but cannot get to a bank robbery in time.
Now I must ask, because I find you a reasonable and intelligent person, despite our differences in political orientations, how does one reconcile this?
Rich:
I find it amazing that you could live in this community for 40 years and yet be so blind. I say that out of sincere perplexion rather than as some sort of an insult.
Probably once a month if not more office when Cecilia or I are out of town and mention we are from Davis we here yet another story about the Davis PD. And it is always volunteered to us. It is the lasting impression that people have on this city. It is the reputation of the city. And some of these stories go back a good 20 years or more in some cases.
And I wonder how a man like you could live in this town for as long as you have without hearing these stories too.
Let me take you away from allegations of disparate treatment and give you a real life concrete example.
Recently there was a bank robbery in downtown Davis. It took the police 6 to 7 minutes to get there and by the time they did arrive, the thieves were long gone.
Why? Not enough officers, something I shall detail in the coming days.
But in the meantime, you can access the video of David Johnson, who got pulled over for having a muffler too loud.
So we have police who have no problem pulling residents over for driving with a loud muffler but cannot get to a bank robbery in time.
Now I must ask, because I find you a reasonable and intelligent person, despite our differences in political orientations, how does one reconcile this?
Rich:
I find it amazing that you could live in this community for 40 years and yet be so blind. I say that out of sincere perplexion rather than as some sort of an insult.
Probably once a month if not more office when Cecilia or I are out of town and mention we are from Davis we here yet another story about the Davis PD. And it is always volunteered to us. It is the lasting impression that people have on this city. It is the reputation of the city. And some of these stories go back a good 20 years or more in some cases.
And I wonder how a man like you could live in this town for as long as you have without hearing these stories too.
Let me take you away from allegations of disparate treatment and give you a real life concrete example.
Recently there was a bank robbery in downtown Davis. It took the police 6 to 7 minutes to get there and by the time they did arrive, the thieves were long gone.
Why? Not enough officers, something I shall detail in the coming days.
But in the meantime, you can access the video of David Johnson, who got pulled over for having a muffler too loud.
So we have police who have no problem pulling residents over for driving with a loud muffler but cannot get to a bank robbery in time.
Now I must ask, because I find you a reasonable and intelligent person, despite our differences in political orientations, how does one reconcile this?
Rich:
I find it amazing that you could live in this community for 40 years and yet be so blind. I say that out of sincere perplexion rather than as some sort of an insult.
Probably once a month if not more office when Cecilia or I are out of town and mention we are from Davis we here yet another story about the Davis PD. And it is always volunteered to us. It is the lasting impression that people have on this city. It is the reputation of the city. And some of these stories go back a good 20 years or more in some cases.
And I wonder how a man like you could live in this town for as long as you have without hearing these stories too.
Let me take you away from allegations of disparate treatment and give you a real life concrete example.
Recently there was a bank robbery in downtown Davis. It took the police 6 to 7 minutes to get there and by the time they did arrive, the thieves were long gone.
Why? Not enough officers, something I shall detail in the coming days.
But in the meantime, you can access the video of David Johnson, who got pulled over for having a muffler too loud.
So we have police who have no problem pulling residents over for driving with a loud muffler but cannot get to a bank robbery in time.
Now I must ask, because I find you a reasonable and intelligent person, despite our differences in political orientations, how does one reconcile this?
And let me add Rich, not only did David get pulled over, but they brought back up, so there were two of the five officers on duty at the scene for a loud muffler.
And let me add Rich, not only did David get pulled over, but they brought back up, so there were two of the five officers on duty at the scene for a loud muffler.
And let me add Rich, not only did David get pulled over, but they brought back up, so there were two of the five officers on duty at the scene for a loud muffler.
And let me add Rich, not only did David get pulled over, but they brought back up, so there were two of the five officers on duty at the scene for a loud muffler.
The Police Chief’s primary focus should be on public safety. The new candidate should have a background in policing diverse communities. This is not something one usually finds in a small community. To get that we are going to have to draw from larger communities. Davis is experiencing more and more big city problems, but still wants to be a small town. We want someone that knows how to protect the community, but cares for its citizens as well.
I think that progress is being made. We have a real youth intervention program now where 1st time non-violent youth offenders are being kept in town rather than sent up to Woodland and sucked into the juvenie justice system. The program has around 45 kids in it.
The ombusdman is helping to clarify what the problems are i.e. a young police force using newly acquired techniques vs. expectations about interaction from the community.
I personally don’t think that the general public would be able to pick someone for the job. If this is what we wanted, we should just make the position an elected position. However, I don’t think we want a politician for a police chief. I’d rather have someone who makes political-type gaffs once in a while, but is truely passionate about the safety of the community and in how its citizens are cared for by the police department.
The Police Chief’s primary focus should be on public safety. The new candidate should have a background in policing diverse communities. This is not something one usually finds in a small community. To get that we are going to have to draw from larger communities. Davis is experiencing more and more big city problems, but still wants to be a small town. We want someone that knows how to protect the community, but cares for its citizens as well.
I think that progress is being made. We have a real youth intervention program now where 1st time non-violent youth offenders are being kept in town rather than sent up to Woodland and sucked into the juvenie justice system. The program has around 45 kids in it.
The ombusdman is helping to clarify what the problems are i.e. a young police force using newly acquired techniques vs. expectations about interaction from the community.
I personally don’t think that the general public would be able to pick someone for the job. If this is what we wanted, we should just make the position an elected position. However, I don’t think we want a politician for a police chief. I’d rather have someone who makes political-type gaffs once in a while, but is truely passionate about the safety of the community and in how its citizens are cared for by the police department.
The Police Chief’s primary focus should be on public safety. The new candidate should have a background in policing diverse communities. This is not something one usually finds in a small community. To get that we are going to have to draw from larger communities. Davis is experiencing more and more big city problems, but still wants to be a small town. We want someone that knows how to protect the community, but cares for its citizens as well.
I think that progress is being made. We have a real youth intervention program now where 1st time non-violent youth offenders are being kept in town rather than sent up to Woodland and sucked into the juvenie justice system. The program has around 45 kids in it.
The ombusdman is helping to clarify what the problems are i.e. a young police force using newly acquired techniques vs. expectations about interaction from the community.
I personally don’t think that the general public would be able to pick someone for the job. If this is what we wanted, we should just make the position an elected position. However, I don’t think we want a politician for a police chief. I’d rather have someone who makes political-type gaffs once in a while, but is truely passionate about the safety of the community and in how its citizens are cared for by the police department.
The Police Chief’s primary focus should be on public safety. The new candidate should have a background in policing diverse communities. This is not something one usually finds in a small community. To get that we are going to have to draw from larger communities. Davis is experiencing more and more big city problems, but still wants to be a small town. We want someone that knows how to protect the community, but cares for its citizens as well.
I think that progress is being made. We have a real youth intervention program now where 1st time non-violent youth offenders are being kept in town rather than sent up to Woodland and sucked into the juvenie justice system. The program has around 45 kids in it.
The ombusdman is helping to clarify what the problems are i.e. a young police force using newly acquired techniques vs. expectations about interaction from the community.
I personally don’t think that the general public would be able to pick someone for the job. If this is what we wanted, we should just make the position an elected position. However, I don’t think we want a politician for a police chief. I’d rather have someone who makes political-type gaffs once in a while, but is truely passionate about the safety of the community and in how its citizens are cared for by the police department.
I agree, we don’t need a small town police chief. Instead, we need one that can work with diverse communities and one that is willing to meet with members of the community. Yes, even critics.
They had a police problem in Sacramento and resolved it by hiring officers with more experience and education, instead of police officers who were fresh out of the academy.
There was more expected of them (with regards to training) and they did (and still do) get paid better.
The same holds true for the position of chief. We’ll get what we pay for and what we advertise for. City management must stop hiring chiefs who are using Davis as a stepping stone as Hyde did.
I don’t think that Davis is a small city with a population of 60,000+ members of the community. It is definitely smaller than surrounding communities, but we are growing. And, since we are located near some larger cities and have quick freeway access that makes our city more accessible to crime.
It’s kind of ironic if you think about it. A retail store with the name, “Target” will in fact be a “Target” for crime and added congestion!
I agree, we don’t need a small town police chief. Instead, we need one that can work with diverse communities and one that is willing to meet with members of the community. Yes, even critics.
They had a police problem in Sacramento and resolved it by hiring officers with more experience and education, instead of police officers who were fresh out of the academy.
There was more expected of them (with regards to training) and they did (and still do) get paid better.
The same holds true for the position of chief. We’ll get what we pay for and what we advertise for. City management must stop hiring chiefs who are using Davis as a stepping stone as Hyde did.
I don’t think that Davis is a small city with a population of 60,000+ members of the community. It is definitely smaller than surrounding communities, but we are growing. And, since we are located near some larger cities and have quick freeway access that makes our city more accessible to crime.
It’s kind of ironic if you think about it. A retail store with the name, “Target” will in fact be a “Target” for crime and added congestion!
I agree, we don’t need a small town police chief. Instead, we need one that can work with diverse communities and one that is willing to meet with members of the community. Yes, even critics.
They had a police problem in Sacramento and resolved it by hiring officers with more experience and education, instead of police officers who were fresh out of the academy.
There was more expected of them (with regards to training) and they did (and still do) get paid better.
The same holds true for the position of chief. We’ll get what we pay for and what we advertise for. City management must stop hiring chiefs who are using Davis as a stepping stone as Hyde did.
I don’t think that Davis is a small city with a population of 60,000+ members of the community. It is definitely smaller than surrounding communities, but we are growing. And, since we are located near some larger cities and have quick freeway access that makes our city more accessible to crime.
It’s kind of ironic if you think about it. A retail store with the name, “Target” will in fact be a “Target” for crime and added congestion!
I agree, we don’t need a small town police chief. Instead, we need one that can work with diverse communities and one that is willing to meet with members of the community. Yes, even critics.
They had a police problem in Sacramento and resolved it by hiring officers with more experience and education, instead of police officers who were fresh out of the academy.
There was more expected of them (with regards to training) and they did (and still do) get paid better.
The same holds true for the position of chief. We’ll get what we pay for and what we advertise for. City management must stop hiring chiefs who are using Davis as a stepping stone as Hyde did.
I don’t think that Davis is a small city with a population of 60,000+ members of the community. It is definitely smaller than surrounding communities, but we are growing. And, since we are located near some larger cities and have quick freeway access that makes our city more accessible to crime.
It’s kind of ironic if you think about it. A retail store with the name, “Target” will in fact be a “Target” for crime and added congestion!
I agree that Seattle is a good place to look for our new chief. Davis is a relatively small but increasingly urbane community. Our police chief should not be steeped in old-timey small-town political ethos, ie entrenched power based upon name, land ownership and “connections”. Seattle is an urban center with
values that somewhat mirrors ours.
I agree that Seattle is a good place to look for our new chief. Davis is a relatively small but increasingly urbane community. Our police chief should not be steeped in old-timey small-town political ethos, ie entrenched power based upon name, land ownership and “connections”. Seattle is an urban center with
values that somewhat mirrors ours.
I agree that Seattle is a good place to look for our new chief. Davis is a relatively small but increasingly urbane community. Our police chief should not be steeped in old-timey small-town political ethos, ie entrenched power based upon name, land ownership and “connections”. Seattle is an urban center with
values that somewhat mirrors ours.
I agree that Seattle is a good place to look for our new chief. Davis is a relatively small but increasingly urbane community. Our police chief should not be steeped in old-timey small-town political ethos, ie entrenched power based upon name, land ownership and “connections”. Seattle is an urban center with
values that somewhat mirrors ours.
Chief Jim Hyde came from Sacramento where he rose through the ranks to be a captain after a brief stint in Novato. He was well educated and brought officers with him to Davis. It was hoped that this young, well spoken professional coming from a much larger and ethnically diverse city would bring the necessary change to the DPD to further the delivery of law and order and justice. Hyde turned out to be a colossal failure adding friction and confusion to the community instead of leading our town to harmony and understanding.
Just because a chief comes from a big city or a sophisticated city like Seattle does not mean he will do a good job or a better one than a chief coming from a college town or suburban community similar to Davis. Duds are in every organization big or small.
A new chief should be able to demonstrate and explain to the Davis community that he/she understands the environment which they are about to enter and how they would lead their department and our town to success. We currently know nothing about the police chief candidate’s goals or abilities to achieve them and how that directly relates to Davis.
We also do not know what Emlen’s specific criteria is for selecting a chief.
Chief Jim Hyde came from Sacramento where he rose through the ranks to be a captain after a brief stint in Novato. He was well educated and brought officers with him to Davis. It was hoped that this young, well spoken professional coming from a much larger and ethnically diverse city would bring the necessary change to the DPD to further the delivery of law and order and justice. Hyde turned out to be a colossal failure adding friction and confusion to the community instead of leading our town to harmony and understanding.
Just because a chief comes from a big city or a sophisticated city like Seattle does not mean he will do a good job or a better one than a chief coming from a college town or suburban community similar to Davis. Duds are in every organization big or small.
A new chief should be able to demonstrate and explain to the Davis community that he/she understands the environment which they are about to enter and how they would lead their department and our town to success. We currently know nothing about the police chief candidate’s goals or abilities to achieve them and how that directly relates to Davis.
We also do not know what Emlen’s specific criteria is for selecting a chief.
Chief Jim Hyde came from Sacramento where he rose through the ranks to be a captain after a brief stint in Novato. He was well educated and brought officers with him to Davis. It was hoped that this young, well spoken professional coming from a much larger and ethnically diverse city would bring the necessary change to the DPD to further the delivery of law and order and justice. Hyde turned out to be a colossal failure adding friction and confusion to the community instead of leading our town to harmony and understanding.
Just because a chief comes from a big city or a sophisticated city like Seattle does not mean he will do a good job or a better one than a chief coming from a college town or suburban community similar to Davis. Duds are in every organization big or small.
A new chief should be able to demonstrate and explain to the Davis community that he/she understands the environment which they are about to enter and how they would lead their department and our town to success. We currently know nothing about the police chief candidate’s goals or abilities to achieve them and how that directly relates to Davis.
We also do not know what Emlen’s specific criteria is for selecting a chief.
Chief Jim Hyde came from Sacramento where he rose through the ranks to be a captain after a brief stint in Novato. He was well educated and brought officers with him to Davis. It was hoped that this young, well spoken professional coming from a much larger and ethnically diverse city would bring the necessary change to the DPD to further the delivery of law and order and justice. Hyde turned out to be a colossal failure adding friction and confusion to the community instead of leading our town to harmony and understanding.
Just because a chief comes from a big city or a sophisticated city like Seattle does not mean he will do a good job or a better one than a chief coming from a college town or suburban community similar to Davis. Duds are in every organization big or small.
A new chief should be able to demonstrate and explain to the Davis community that he/she understands the environment which they are about to enter and how they would lead their department and our town to success. We currently know nothing about the police chief candidate’s goals or abilities to achieve them and how that directly relates to Davis.
We also do not know what Emlen’s specific criteria is for selecting a chief.
“Probably once a month if not more office when Cecilia or I are out of town and mention we are from Davis we here yet another story about the Davis PD. And it is always volunteered to us.”
I don’t know what those “stories” about the DPD are, so it’s hard to comment on them. I would guess that, because of your well known views, and perhaps because of your wife’s former public position, people with an ax to grind are more likely to approach you.
I do know about the stories that have been publicly reported, either in The Enterprise, in The Bee or to the quondom HRC. And I do know a few anecdotes that have been told to me by non-white friends.
Those stories seem to fall into three categories: 1) not credible; 2) credible, but not serious; and 3) credible, but not racially motivated.
Regarding the third category, I should add that I am not blind to the fact that some blacks, Hispanics or other identifiable minorities have received objectively poor treatment at the hands of Davis cops. However, I am dubious that any of the mistreatment was due to the fact that the officer was racially biased.
Perhaps I am “blind,” as you say. But it would take some concrete evidence to “open my eyes” to this systematic racial abuse. If there is any evidence better than the HRC report, for example, please let me know.
“And I wonder how a man like you could live in this town for as long as you have without hearing these stories too.”
It’s not a question of “hearing these stories.” It’s a question of interpreting them and putting them in context.
“But in the meantime, you can access the video of David Johnson, who got pulled over for having a muffler too loud.”
That story, if completely true, does not document abuse of minorities by the DPD. It documents, perhaps, poor police priorities.
“So we have police who have no problem pulling residents over for driving with a loud muffler but cannot get to a bank robbery in time.”
I was once pulled over for driving with a non-functioning muffler in Davis, once, too. (I had recently driven off-road and my muffler was punctured by a rock.) For that, I got a fix it ticket.
I also once got pulled over, after driving away from the Davis Community Gardens on 5ht Street with a free load of compost in my pick-up, for driving with an obscured license plate. (Some compost was blocking a small part of my license plate.) Was that a sign of racial abuse? Or more likely, particularly in the latter case, was it just a cop who had strange priorities? (Someone told me that it was likely he thought my pick-up might have been stolen, because little old pick-ups are often nabbed by thieves.)
“Now I must ask, because I find you a reasonable and intelligent person, despite our differences in political orientations, how does one reconcile this?”
I can’t categorize you, individually, in this regard. But I tend to doubt that Davis police officers are motivated by racial animus. I think insofar as their behavior is imperfect, it is due to something much less malicious: incompetence and poor oversight.
I believe in independent and impartial police oversight. I like the ombudsman idea, especially. (I did not favor the citizen oversight concept, due to its cost and probable bias.) Cops cannot investigate other cops fairly, just as other powerful bodies have trouble policing themselves. But I do believe that most Davis cops are reasonably fair-minded people. And if there was a systematic pattern of racial abuse among some officers (and a cover-up by higher ups), the fair-minded would expose that and speak out against the abusers.
“Probably once a month if not more office when Cecilia or I are out of town and mention we are from Davis we here yet another story about the Davis PD. And it is always volunteered to us.”
I don’t know what those “stories” about the DPD are, so it’s hard to comment on them. I would guess that, because of your well known views, and perhaps because of your wife’s former public position, people with an ax to grind are more likely to approach you.
I do know about the stories that have been publicly reported, either in The Enterprise, in The Bee or to the quondom HRC. And I do know a few anecdotes that have been told to me by non-white friends.
Those stories seem to fall into three categories: 1) not credible; 2) credible, but not serious; and 3) credible, but not racially motivated.
Regarding the third category, I should add that I am not blind to the fact that some blacks, Hispanics or other identifiable minorities have received objectively poor treatment at the hands of Davis cops. However, I am dubious that any of the mistreatment was due to the fact that the officer was racially biased.
Perhaps I am “blind,” as you say. But it would take some concrete evidence to “open my eyes” to this systematic racial abuse. If there is any evidence better than the HRC report, for example, please let me know.
“And I wonder how a man like you could live in this town for as long as you have without hearing these stories too.”
It’s not a question of “hearing these stories.” It’s a question of interpreting them and putting them in context.
“But in the meantime, you can access the video of David Johnson, who got pulled over for having a muffler too loud.”
That story, if completely true, does not document abuse of minorities by the DPD. It documents, perhaps, poor police priorities.
“So we have police who have no problem pulling residents over for driving with a loud muffler but cannot get to a bank robbery in time.”
I was once pulled over for driving with a non-functioning muffler in Davis, once, too. (I had recently driven off-road and my muffler was punctured by a rock.) For that, I got a fix it ticket.
I also once got pulled over, after driving away from the Davis Community Gardens on 5ht Street with a free load of compost in my pick-up, for driving with an obscured license plate. (Some compost was blocking a small part of my license plate.) Was that a sign of racial abuse? Or more likely, particularly in the latter case, was it just a cop who had strange priorities? (Someone told me that it was likely he thought my pick-up might have been stolen, because little old pick-ups are often nabbed by thieves.)
“Now I must ask, because I find you a reasonable and intelligent person, despite our differences in political orientations, how does one reconcile this?”
I can’t categorize you, individually, in this regard. But I tend to doubt that Davis police officers are motivated by racial animus. I think insofar as their behavior is imperfect, it is due to something much less malicious: incompetence and poor oversight.
I believe in independent and impartial police oversight. I like the ombudsman idea, especially. (I did not favor the citizen oversight concept, due to its cost and probable bias.) Cops cannot investigate other cops fairly, just as other powerful bodies have trouble policing themselves. But I do believe that most Davis cops are reasonably fair-minded people. And if there was a systematic pattern of racial abuse among some officers (and a cover-up by higher ups), the fair-minded would expose that and speak out against the abusers.
“Probably once a month if not more office when Cecilia or I are out of town and mention we are from Davis we here yet another story about the Davis PD. And it is always volunteered to us.”
I don’t know what those “stories” about the DPD are, so it’s hard to comment on them. I would guess that, because of your well known views, and perhaps because of your wife’s former public position, people with an ax to grind are more likely to approach you.
I do know about the stories that have been publicly reported, either in The Enterprise, in The Bee or to the quondom HRC. And I do know a few anecdotes that have been told to me by non-white friends.
Those stories seem to fall into three categories: 1) not credible; 2) credible, but not serious; and 3) credible, but not racially motivated.
Regarding the third category, I should add that I am not blind to the fact that some blacks, Hispanics or other identifiable minorities have received objectively poor treatment at the hands of Davis cops. However, I am dubious that any of the mistreatment was due to the fact that the officer was racially biased.
Perhaps I am “blind,” as you say. But it would take some concrete evidence to “open my eyes” to this systematic racial abuse. If there is any evidence better than the HRC report, for example, please let me know.
“And I wonder how a man like you could live in this town for as long as you have without hearing these stories too.”
It’s not a question of “hearing these stories.” It’s a question of interpreting them and putting them in context.
“But in the meantime, you can access the video of David Johnson, who got pulled over for having a muffler too loud.”
That story, if completely true, does not document abuse of minorities by the DPD. It documents, perhaps, poor police priorities.
“So we have police who have no problem pulling residents over for driving with a loud muffler but cannot get to a bank robbery in time.”
I was once pulled over for driving with a non-functioning muffler in Davis, once, too. (I had recently driven off-road and my muffler was punctured by a rock.) For that, I got a fix it ticket.
I also once got pulled over, after driving away from the Davis Community Gardens on 5ht Street with a free load of compost in my pick-up, for driving with an obscured license plate. (Some compost was blocking a small part of my license plate.) Was that a sign of racial abuse? Or more likely, particularly in the latter case, was it just a cop who had strange priorities? (Someone told me that it was likely he thought my pick-up might have been stolen, because little old pick-ups are often nabbed by thieves.)
“Now I must ask, because I find you a reasonable and intelligent person, despite our differences in political orientations, how does one reconcile this?”
I can’t categorize you, individually, in this regard. But I tend to doubt that Davis police officers are motivated by racial animus. I think insofar as their behavior is imperfect, it is due to something much less malicious: incompetence and poor oversight.
I believe in independent and impartial police oversight. I like the ombudsman idea, especially. (I did not favor the citizen oversight concept, due to its cost and probable bias.) Cops cannot investigate other cops fairly, just as other powerful bodies have trouble policing themselves. But I do believe that most Davis cops are reasonably fair-minded people. And if there was a systematic pattern of racial abuse among some officers (and a cover-up by higher ups), the fair-minded would expose that and speak out against the abusers.
“Probably once a month if not more office when Cecilia or I are out of town and mention we are from Davis we here yet another story about the Davis PD. And it is always volunteered to us.”
I don’t know what those “stories” about the DPD are, so it’s hard to comment on them. I would guess that, because of your well known views, and perhaps because of your wife’s former public position, people with an ax to grind are more likely to approach you.
I do know about the stories that have been publicly reported, either in The Enterprise, in The Bee or to the quondom HRC. And I do know a few anecdotes that have been told to me by non-white friends.
Those stories seem to fall into three categories: 1) not credible; 2) credible, but not serious; and 3) credible, but not racially motivated.
Regarding the third category, I should add that I am not blind to the fact that some blacks, Hispanics or other identifiable minorities have received objectively poor treatment at the hands of Davis cops. However, I am dubious that any of the mistreatment was due to the fact that the officer was racially biased.
Perhaps I am “blind,” as you say. But it would take some concrete evidence to “open my eyes” to this systematic racial abuse. If there is any evidence better than the HRC report, for example, please let me know.
“And I wonder how a man like you could live in this town for as long as you have without hearing these stories too.”
It’s not a question of “hearing these stories.” It’s a question of interpreting them and putting them in context.
“But in the meantime, you can access the video of David Johnson, who got pulled over for having a muffler too loud.”
That story, if completely true, does not document abuse of minorities by the DPD. It documents, perhaps, poor police priorities.
“So we have police who have no problem pulling residents over for driving with a loud muffler but cannot get to a bank robbery in time.”
I was once pulled over for driving with a non-functioning muffler in Davis, once, too. (I had recently driven off-road and my muffler was punctured by a rock.) For that, I got a fix it ticket.
I also once got pulled over, after driving away from the Davis Community Gardens on 5ht Street with a free load of compost in my pick-up, for driving with an obscured license plate. (Some compost was blocking a small part of my license plate.) Was that a sign of racial abuse? Or more likely, particularly in the latter case, was it just a cop who had strange priorities? (Someone told me that it was likely he thought my pick-up might have been stolen, because little old pick-ups are often nabbed by thieves.)
“Now I must ask, because I find you a reasonable and intelligent person, despite our differences in political orientations, how does one reconcile this?”
I can’t categorize you, individually, in this regard. But I tend to doubt that Davis police officers are motivated by racial animus. I think insofar as their behavior is imperfect, it is due to something much less malicious: incompetence and poor oversight.
I believe in independent and impartial police oversight. I like the ombudsman idea, especially. (I did not favor the citizen oversight concept, due to its cost and probable bias.) Cops cannot investigate other cops fairly, just as other powerful bodies have trouble policing themselves. But I do believe that most Davis cops are reasonably fair-minded people. And if there was a systematic pattern of racial abuse among some officers (and a cover-up by higher ups), the fair-minded would expose that and speak out against the abusers.
Rich:
Let me against clarify, these are people who know nothing about either myself or my wife, they simply have heard that we live in Davis.
“However, I am dubious that any of the mistreatment was due to the fact that the officer was racially biased.”
See this part has never been important to me. The part that is important to me is that overwhelmingly the people on the other end are people of color. I suspect that it may be more socioeconomic than racial. It is simply that racial loads so well onto the socioeconomic category that it may be more difficult to tell.
I have spent the last six months working on an update to the HRC report. I have recorded 32 incidents since mid 2005. However, I do not have investigative powers or resources. So it is still a matter of a victim reported view.
I think if the city were more serious about the HRC report they would have used it as a starting point to hire an independent investigator who really had the power to examine those cases.
And I think it is a question of hearing the same stories over and over and over again by people who do not know each other.
The problem comes when these pretense stops–and what you described sounds like one–occur over and over and over again to the same individuals. Again, is it a problem of priorities? Yes it is.
Do I believe this is mallicious by police? Not necessarily. There are some incidents that I think were. But in general, I think it is poor training, poor leadership, and lack of accountable oversight. That is why I supported a civilian review board. That is why I support an ombudsman. I have concerns about the power that Mr. Aaronson has to actual enact changes. And I have concerns about how much of a priority those changes are to the powers that be now that they are not having people marching on the police station and city council.
Rich:
Let me against clarify, these are people who know nothing about either myself or my wife, they simply have heard that we live in Davis.
“However, I am dubious that any of the mistreatment was due to the fact that the officer was racially biased.”
See this part has never been important to me. The part that is important to me is that overwhelmingly the people on the other end are people of color. I suspect that it may be more socioeconomic than racial. It is simply that racial loads so well onto the socioeconomic category that it may be more difficult to tell.
I have spent the last six months working on an update to the HRC report. I have recorded 32 incidents since mid 2005. However, I do not have investigative powers or resources. So it is still a matter of a victim reported view.
I think if the city were more serious about the HRC report they would have used it as a starting point to hire an independent investigator who really had the power to examine those cases.
And I think it is a question of hearing the same stories over and over and over again by people who do not know each other.
The problem comes when these pretense stops–and what you described sounds like one–occur over and over and over again to the same individuals. Again, is it a problem of priorities? Yes it is.
Do I believe this is mallicious by police? Not necessarily. There are some incidents that I think were. But in general, I think it is poor training, poor leadership, and lack of accountable oversight. That is why I supported a civilian review board. That is why I support an ombudsman. I have concerns about the power that Mr. Aaronson has to actual enact changes. And I have concerns about how much of a priority those changes are to the powers that be now that they are not having people marching on the police station and city council.
Rich:
Let me against clarify, these are people who know nothing about either myself or my wife, they simply have heard that we live in Davis.
“However, I am dubious that any of the mistreatment was due to the fact that the officer was racially biased.”
See this part has never been important to me. The part that is important to me is that overwhelmingly the people on the other end are people of color. I suspect that it may be more socioeconomic than racial. It is simply that racial loads so well onto the socioeconomic category that it may be more difficult to tell.
I have spent the last six months working on an update to the HRC report. I have recorded 32 incidents since mid 2005. However, I do not have investigative powers or resources. So it is still a matter of a victim reported view.
I think if the city were more serious about the HRC report they would have used it as a starting point to hire an independent investigator who really had the power to examine those cases.
And I think it is a question of hearing the same stories over and over and over again by people who do not know each other.
The problem comes when these pretense stops–and what you described sounds like one–occur over and over and over again to the same individuals. Again, is it a problem of priorities? Yes it is.
Do I believe this is mallicious by police? Not necessarily. There are some incidents that I think were. But in general, I think it is poor training, poor leadership, and lack of accountable oversight. That is why I supported a civilian review board. That is why I support an ombudsman. I have concerns about the power that Mr. Aaronson has to actual enact changes. And I have concerns about how much of a priority those changes are to the powers that be now that they are not having people marching on the police station and city council.
Rich:
Let me against clarify, these are people who know nothing about either myself or my wife, they simply have heard that we live in Davis.
“However, I am dubious that any of the mistreatment was due to the fact that the officer was racially biased.”
See this part has never been important to me. The part that is important to me is that overwhelmingly the people on the other end are people of color. I suspect that it may be more socioeconomic than racial. It is simply that racial loads so well onto the socioeconomic category that it may be more difficult to tell.
I have spent the last six months working on an update to the HRC report. I have recorded 32 incidents since mid 2005. However, I do not have investigative powers or resources. So it is still a matter of a victim reported view.
I think if the city were more serious about the HRC report they would have used it as a starting point to hire an independent investigator who really had the power to examine those cases.
And I think it is a question of hearing the same stories over and over and over again by people who do not know each other.
The problem comes when these pretense stops–and what you described sounds like one–occur over and over and over again to the same individuals. Again, is it a problem of priorities? Yes it is.
Do I believe this is mallicious by police? Not necessarily. There are some incidents that I think were. But in general, I think it is poor training, poor leadership, and lack of accountable oversight. That is why I supported a civilian review board. That is why I support an ombudsman. I have concerns about the power that Mr. Aaronson has to actual enact changes. And I have concerns about how much of a priority those changes are to the powers that be now that they are not having people marching on the police station and city council.
David,
One story you probably don’t know about illustrates the competence of the DPD, a long time ago. Back in 1982 (on the same day that John Belushi died), a mentally ill man (from Knights Landing) bought a shotgun and shotgun shells from Davis Lumber. (I don’t think they sell guns anymore.) The guy then walked out into the parking lot, loaded his gun, and fired a few test shots into the air. These shots were audible all around downtown, including at the Davis Police Station, one block away at 3rd and F. The guy with the gun then walked with his freshly fired weapon pointed up in the air, right in front of the Police Station, where at least a couple of officers were standing by their cars. They not only did not arrest the guy, but they did not even stop him or question him. He continued down 3rd to E Street, and then walked over to the B of A at 4th and E, where he fired his gun into the ceiling, announced he was there to rob the bank, and took a bunch of people (more than 20) hostage. It was a huge crisis for Davis that day. In the end, no one was hurt, the hostages escaped, and the guy was found to be severely mentally ill.
The cops were asked why they didn’t stop him when he walked by with a shotgun, especially after he had just fired it in the Davis Lumber parking lot? They said they thought he was probably in a movie.
David,
One story you probably don’t know about illustrates the competence of the DPD, a long time ago. Back in 1982 (on the same day that John Belushi died), a mentally ill man (from Knights Landing) bought a shotgun and shotgun shells from Davis Lumber. (I don’t think they sell guns anymore.) The guy then walked out into the parking lot, loaded his gun, and fired a few test shots into the air. These shots were audible all around downtown, including at the Davis Police Station, one block away at 3rd and F. The guy with the gun then walked with his freshly fired weapon pointed up in the air, right in front of the Police Station, where at least a couple of officers were standing by their cars. They not only did not arrest the guy, but they did not even stop him or question him. He continued down 3rd to E Street, and then walked over to the B of A at 4th and E, where he fired his gun into the ceiling, announced he was there to rob the bank, and took a bunch of people (more than 20) hostage. It was a huge crisis for Davis that day. In the end, no one was hurt, the hostages escaped, and the guy was found to be severely mentally ill.
The cops were asked why they didn’t stop him when he walked by with a shotgun, especially after he had just fired it in the Davis Lumber parking lot? They said they thought he was probably in a movie.
David,
One story you probably don’t know about illustrates the competence of the DPD, a long time ago. Back in 1982 (on the same day that John Belushi died), a mentally ill man (from Knights Landing) bought a shotgun and shotgun shells from Davis Lumber. (I don’t think they sell guns anymore.) The guy then walked out into the parking lot, loaded his gun, and fired a few test shots into the air. These shots were audible all around downtown, including at the Davis Police Station, one block away at 3rd and F. The guy with the gun then walked with his freshly fired weapon pointed up in the air, right in front of the Police Station, where at least a couple of officers were standing by their cars. They not only did not arrest the guy, but they did not even stop him or question him. He continued down 3rd to E Street, and then walked over to the B of A at 4th and E, where he fired his gun into the ceiling, announced he was there to rob the bank, and took a bunch of people (more than 20) hostage. It was a huge crisis for Davis that day. In the end, no one was hurt, the hostages escaped, and the guy was found to be severely mentally ill.
The cops were asked why they didn’t stop him when he walked by with a shotgun, especially after he had just fired it in the Davis Lumber parking lot? They said they thought he was probably in a movie.
David,
One story you probably don’t know about illustrates the competence of the DPD, a long time ago. Back in 1982 (on the same day that John Belushi died), a mentally ill man (from Knights Landing) bought a shotgun and shotgun shells from Davis Lumber. (I don’t think they sell guns anymore.) The guy then walked out into the parking lot, loaded his gun, and fired a few test shots into the air. These shots were audible all around downtown, including at the Davis Police Station, one block away at 3rd and F. The guy with the gun then walked with his freshly fired weapon pointed up in the air, right in front of the Police Station, where at least a couple of officers were standing by their cars. They not only did not arrest the guy, but they did not even stop him or question him. He continued down 3rd to E Street, and then walked over to the B of A at 4th and E, where he fired his gun into the ceiling, announced he was there to rob the bank, and took a bunch of people (more than 20) hostage. It was a huge crisis for Davis that day. In the end, no one was hurt, the hostages escaped, and the guy was found to be severely mentally ill.
The cops were asked why they didn’t stop him when he walked by with a shotgun, especially after he had just fired it in the Davis Lumber parking lot? They said they thought he was probably in a movie.
Steven Colbert of the Colbert Report had a line a few nights ago..
….you know, I just don’t see color…the only way I know that I’m white is that the police call me..SIR.
Steven Colbert of the Colbert Report had a line a few nights ago..
….you know, I just don’t see color…the only way I know that I’m white is that the police call me..SIR.
Steven Colbert of the Colbert Report had a line a few nights ago..
….you know, I just don’t see color…the only way I know that I’m white is that the police call me..SIR.
Steven Colbert of the Colbert Report had a line a few nights ago..
….you know, I just don’t see color…the only way I know that I’m white is that the police call me..SIR.
Davisite, that’s funny. When a person tells me that they are confused about their racial identity, I tell them to ask the police – they will tell them.
Race, class and gender bias is embedded in the police culture. In the past I have worked in mostly temporary clerical capacity for the Sacramento Co. jail, Sac. D.A., Sac. Muni Court, etc., and Davis Police. This gave me access to a lot of police reports and files plus on site experience. So I support Doug’s observations. For what it’s worth, I must say that as an employee I was always treated decently.
Please be aware that DPD rank and file officers work three day weeks and consider possible impact that has on their service to the community.
Davisite, that’s funny. When a person tells me that they are confused about their racial identity, I tell them to ask the police – they will tell them.
Race, class and gender bias is embedded in the police culture. In the past I have worked in mostly temporary clerical capacity for the Sacramento Co. jail, Sac. D.A., Sac. Muni Court, etc., and Davis Police. This gave me access to a lot of police reports and files plus on site experience. So I support Doug’s observations. For what it’s worth, I must say that as an employee I was always treated decently.
Please be aware that DPD rank and file officers work three day weeks and consider possible impact that has on their service to the community.
Davisite, that’s funny. When a person tells me that they are confused about their racial identity, I tell them to ask the police – they will tell them.
Race, class and gender bias is embedded in the police culture. In the past I have worked in mostly temporary clerical capacity for the Sacramento Co. jail, Sac. D.A., Sac. Muni Court, etc., and Davis Police. This gave me access to a lot of police reports and files plus on site experience. So I support Doug’s observations. For what it’s worth, I must say that as an employee I was always treated decently.
Please be aware that DPD rank and file officers work three day weeks and consider possible impact that has on their service to the community.
Davisite, that’s funny. When a person tells me that they are confused about their racial identity, I tell them to ask the police – they will tell them.
Race, class and gender bias is embedded in the police culture. In the past I have worked in mostly temporary clerical capacity for the Sacramento Co. jail, Sac. D.A., Sac. Muni Court, etc., and Davis Police. This gave me access to a lot of police reports and files plus on site experience. So I support Doug’s observations. For what it’s worth, I must say that as an employee I was always treated decently.
Please be aware that DPD rank and file officers work three day weeks and consider possible impact that has on their service to the community.