SLPD Refused to Help OPD Unless They Can Brutalize Civilians

(Mural credit: local artists, Lucinda and Neha. Found at The Sistas Soul Food Kafe.)

A federal judge recently eased weapons restrictions on law enforcement agencies to use against peaceful protesters in Oakland. (See https://oaklandside.org/2020/11/03/federal-judge-eases-restrictions-on-law-enforcement-agencies-to-use-crowd-control-weapons-in-oakland/.)

The reason? "OPD and the city pleaded for the changes after multiple Bay Area police and sheriff’s departments told Oakland that if the city asks for help, they won’t show up because they can’t use banned weapons on protesters ... police departments of Fremont, Newark, Union City, and San Leandro, and the San Mateo County Sheriff, have all sent letters or emails stating they won’t send officers to Oakland to help OPD."

This revelation is not necessarily shocking, but it's most definitely shameful. Especially in light of a complete lack of independent new reports verifying SLPD's latest press release (see https://local.nixle.com/alert/8342720/?sub_id=0) about alleged criminal activity at the Bayfair mall. Indeed, according to local residents, teenagers showed up to the mall (as teenagers will do, especially when bored), did nothing illegal, left when told to do so by law enforcement, and yet were called looters!

Again, the San Leandro Police Department has made what could've been a moment to highlight good police work instead another reminder of how necessary oversight, transparency, and accountability are in order to improve public safety.

Take note and take care.