We Support the Common Ground Police Oversight Ordinance and Urge Its Immediate Adoption

We, the undersigned, strongly support the Common Ground Police Oversight ordinance. We stand with the Vallejo City Council members who expressed support for the Common Ground ordinance at the Council study session on August 23, 2022. We urge the Council to adopt the Common Ground ordinance now. 

We, of course, are grateful for the dedicated service of officers, dispatchers, and other staff who keep us safe. Their job is hard, stressful, and sometimes dangerous. But a hard job does not justify excessive force or other misconduct. Independent oversight will increase compliance with the law and the department’s new sanctity of life and de-escalation policies.

Why Does Vallejo Require Comprehensive and Independent Oversight? 

Our city has seen the death and serious injury of too many at the hands of the police. Too many of those killed and injured have been men of color. Too many of those killed have been unarmed. Vallejo officers have had the highest rate of shootings and liability payments per officer in the Bay Area. The cost of Vallejo’s annual liability insurance dramatically increased  from $500k to $2.5m in 2018 due to the systemic misconduct and lack of accountability in our police department. Chief Williams has joined the Vallejo community, calling on the city to implement strong oversight.

The Common Ground proposal is the best option 

The Common Ground ordinance will protect innocent lives, families, and the community from harm and suffering, promote accountability, reduce liability, and build trust, by enlisting the community in overseeing the VPD. 

The Vallejo City Council received a lengthy staff presentation of a variety of different Police Oversight models on August 23rd. This report does not address the main reason for having police oversight: which of the example cities had policing problems similar to Vallejo’s, and how well did these different types of oversight prevent police misconduct? 

There is no benefit in having Vallejo City Staff spend any more time creating powerpoint presentations on a subject that is outside of their area of expertise. We already have a well researched and comprehensive proposal from Common Ground that includes a strong independent police commission, independent professional investigation of citizen complaints, and an independent professional auditor.

Bay Area cities with the most serious and independent oversight have seen the largest drop in shootings and claims. 

The Common Ground ordinance will save Vallejo money in the short and long run. We urge the City Council to adopt the Common Ground ordinance now.