Correspondence - Item 29 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zuniga, Diana From: Stephanie Gray < Sent: Monday, June 30, 2025 3:04 PM To: eComment Subject: Comment -Item 29 Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. To the Honorable Members of the City Council and Valeria Amezcua, I am writing today to express my deep concern and opposition to any proposal that would remove the Police Oversight Commission's ability to independently investigate lawsuits and complaints against our city's police department. The unfortunate reality is that our police department has repeatedly demonstrated it is not reliable in investigating itself. Far too often, we see officers acting with excessive force, behaving rudely towards residents, and refusing to deescalate situations that could otherwise end peacefully. This department has shown a consistent pattern of believing its officers are above the law — a dangerous mindset that leads only to injustice and harm within our community. Our officers are in dire need of basic training in human decency, dignity, and deescalation. Their behavior reflects a culture that lacks accountability, which is perpetuated by leadership. For example, in 2020, two off -duty officers were reported to have sexually harassed a minor at a local restaurant. The current chief of police failed to act on this serious matter until an anonymous complaint was filed, and even then, he protected these officers for nearly a year. This is not the conduct of a department with integrity or leadership with moral courage. Additionally, with the recent protests in our city, officers have been trigger-happy and are using excessive force against peaceful protestors. It is deeply concerning that officers who carry guns and other lethal weapons claim to be afraid when water bottles are thrown at them. How does that make sense? While I do not condone anyone throwing objects, the disproportionate response from armed officers against unarmed protestors demonstrates their inability to manage public safety situations without escalating them into violence. It is clear to many in this city that our officers are not upstanding members of the community they serve. Instead, they are quick to bring down and target those who do stand up to protect and serve their neighbors. Even council members who attempt to hold them accountable are met with disrespect and hostility from officers who refuse to accept that oversight is a necessary part of public service.