Correspondence - #24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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to light a satirical and insensitive "be on the lookout" (BOLO)bulletin, circulated by the police, which made reference to the 2021 killing of Brandon Lopez, the cousin of City Councilmember Jonathan Hernandez. The BOLO revealed that officer Nelson Menendez, who was on duty at the time, falsely claimed through radio communication that Lopez was carrying a gun. The BOLO has been the subject of an internal affairs investigation for over a year and a half, yet no one has been held accountable. The article also highlights two lawsuits filed by two former officers against the City, alleging retaliation from the Police Chief and Command Staff.' The SAPD's ongoing, appalling patterns of misconduct damage the City's reputation and integrity, and erode public trust in the Department. Instead of opposing legislation like AB 742, which aims to end cruel and deeply racialized practices, the City needs to address the shortcomings of its own police department. Currently, the City is taking proactive steps to improve police accountability with the implementation of the historic Santa Ana Police Oversight Commission. We applaud these efforts. The City must continue to adopt higher standards that will hold the police department accountable, and ensure transparency. For these reasons, Chispa urges you to vote NO on Item 24, and instead adopt a resolution to support AB 742. The City must also determine next steps to address Santa Ana Police Department's most recent disturbing and shameful misconduct. Sincerely, Signature Bulmaro Vicente Policy and Political Director CC: vamezcuaLsanta-ana.org PBacerra(a),Santa-ana.org TPhan c(e santa-ana.org DPenaloza&santa-ana.ors JessieLopez&Santa-ana.orb JRyanHernandez(a)santa-ana.org bvazguez(a)santa-ana.or s https://knock-la.com/fake-bolo-at-sapd-reveals-culture-of-harassment/ 2