Vallejo seeks public input on police use-of-force policy
(Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
The Vallejo Police Department is asking the public to provide feedback on proposed changes to the agency’s use-of-force policy regarding officer-involved shootings.
The police department says it is updating the policy as part of its three-year partnership with the California Department of Justice to implement changes following a string of officer-involved shootings, some of which were fatal.
The updated policy outlines several steps that officers involved in fatal shootings should take, including rendering medical attention to struck individuals, notifying dispatchers about the shooting, securing the scene and providing a statement to a supervisor upon request.
Immediate actions as outlined in the draft are stated merely as guidelines based on the appropriateness of the situation.
Under the policy, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office is listed as the investigating party that probes any criminal action in an officer-involved shooting. In prior shootings, the Solano County DA’s Office has declined to file charges against Vallejo officers, finding their use of force to be justified, and last year the DA’s Office refused to investigate the officer-involved shooting of Sean Monterrosa.
“We have a deep necessity to explore the intricacies of our policies, procedures, training, and professionalism to bring about the best in officers, staff and community,” Shawny Williams, Vallejo’s Chief of Police, said in a statement. “We are in a unique position to impact change together, and I hope that our residents and community members will continue to join us in that effort.”
The police department says its use-of-force incidents fell by 33 percent in 2021 compared to the previous year after it implemented a use-of-force dashboard that helped its officers and supervisors analyze incidents and make better training decisions. The agency said there were no officer-involved shootings in Vallejo last year.
Members of the public can read and comment on the draft use-of-force policy by clicking or tapping here.
Connect with Solano NewsNet on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news updates.
We’re proud to produce independent news for Solano County. This newsletter is an all-volunteer effort. If you would like to show your appreciation, consider making a donation in any amount or signing up for a paid subscription.