Amend San Jose Peace Officers Bill of Rights and Reform City of San Jose's General Budget

Amend San Jose Peace Officers Bill of Rights and Reform City of San Jose's General Budget

Started
July 3, 2020
Petition to
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen and 3 others
Signatures: 11Next Goal: 25
Support now

Why this petition matters

Started by vidal.vibes

In the recent weeks, people from all over the Bay Area have gathered in front of San Jose's City Hall to demonstrate solidarity and protest against the systemic racism that has long plagued our country. Through peaceful protest, people hoped to enact change to prevent future crimes against humanity and bring justice to all those in law enforcement who have abused their power.

Supporters came seeking justice, and instead were met with an overwhelming amount of police force. On May 29th alone, Special Operations Commander Capt. Jason Dwyer said police used "..31 OC blast grenades — devices that spread pepper spray when detonated — and 400 foam rounds against protesters... as many as 32 tear gas canisters". Police officers aimed to diffuse the situation but instead were seen instigating violence and showed questionable restraint while using their armaments on hand.

https://sanjosespotlight.com/public-rallies-to-defund-san-jose-police/

Another reported event recalls a story where an officer was seen inciting violence and shouting expletives at protesters. San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia dismissed the misconduct of the officer saying, "He's a good kid who made a mistake who let his emotions get the better of him".  Chief Garcia has since denounced his previous statement and claimed the officer would be held accountable. Over 140,000 members of the public have petitioned for justice against this officer and a one month later, the only updates from the "on-going internal investigation" is that the officer in question has been put on desk duty. 

https://abc7news.com/looting-san-jose-riots-protest-today/6228361/

These are only a few of countless reported events and eye witness testimonies that provide a glimpse of the poorly regulated power SJPD have at their disposal, with little to no fear of being held accountable for their actions. Furthermore, it shows the lack of urgency of SJPD to effectively deliver on commitments made to the community despite accounting for almost 30% of the city's general budget

This petition aims to get the attention of The mayor of San Jose Sam Liccardo, San Jose city manager Dave Sykes, San Jose Chief of Police Eddie Garcia, and Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, to do the following:

1. Remove or amend Peace Officer Bill of Rights laws and policies that act as barriers for effective misconduct investigation by independent parties and prevent civil accountability, starting with but not limited to: 

PORAC 3304-D

prevents cases against the peace officer older than 1 year from being considered when evaluating the officer's performance/promotion eligibility.

San Jose Police Body Worn Camera Policy: Section 14

Limits use of body cam footage for the purpose of general performance review of individual officers or to proactively discover policy violations.

 

2. Enforce minimum force rules and prevent use of deadly force unless all other options have been exhausted. Require reporting of all use of force and make records available to Independent Police Auditor to actively monitor and hold officers accountable.

 

3. Reallocate city funds in future General Fund budgets to defund police and invest in other public sectors. For reference, here are a few excerpts from the budget:

Police Budget                                                                         $444,024,755.00

Public Works budget                                                               $49,115,111 

Capital Improvements budget                                               $28,380,000

Financial and Human Resources                                           $30,829,560

Thank you to everyone who is helping, PLEASE help spread awareness by signing and sharing this petition.

 

Amplify the voice of those who are not being heard! Together, we can bring forth change that will empower people and communities to live without fear of oppression and discrimination.  

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Signatures: 11Next Goal: 25
Support now
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Decision Makers

  • Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen
  • San Jose Chief of Police Eddie Garcia
  • San Jose City Manager Dave Sykes
  • Mayor of San Jose Sam Liccardo