Welcome to the Vallejo Copwatch website

Report abuse by Vallejo Police to us: [vallejocopwatch@lavabit.com]
Our email is secure and encrypted.

For all other business, or press inquiries, you may contact us at [vallejocopwatch@gmail.com]

An (in)complete list of Vallejo Police Misconduct/Excessive Force Incidents [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/10/an-incomplete-list-of-vallejo-police.html]

Know your rights
The Miranda Rights
[vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-miranda-rights.html]

Know your Rights! Civil Rights laws provided for in the United States code [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/know-your-rights-civil-rights-laws.html]

You Have the Right to Remain Silent: A Know Your Rights Guide for Law Enforcement Encounters
[vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/you-have-right-to-remain-silent-know.html]

Declaration of Human Rights
[vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/declaration-of-human-rights.html]


Resources
Links to various resources [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/vallejo-copwatch-resources.html]
Copwatch groups [northbaycopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/04/copwatch-chapters.html] 
Alternatives to Police [northbaycopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/07/alternatives-to-police.html]
Social Justice Network [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/social-justice-network.html]
People's Media guide [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/peoples-media-guide.html]


Vallejo Copwatch news
DOWNLOADING RADIO SHOWS:
Instructions: Use your computer mouse, and use the button on the right ("right-click") to click on the link. A menu should show itself, with the option to "Save as"... choose this option, and you should have the option to save the Mp3 on your computer or storage device.

2012-10-11 "Vallejo Cop Watch Town Hall meeting: Brush up on your civil rights" [http://www.examiner.com/article/vallejo-cop-watch-town-hall-meeting-brush-up-on-your-civil-rights]: We got a press release this morning from Vallejo Cop Watch, letting us know that another Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for tonight. We talked to Rev. Floyd D. Harris Jr this morning and he says that there will be representatives from the National Network in Action, the Oscar Grant Foundation as well as Vallejo Cop Watch. He says that residents attending tonight's workshop will learn about their civil rights not only if they are the victim of police harassment or brutality. They will also learn about what their rights are when they observe such actions. Additionally, Harris says that folks will get tips about filing complaints with the Vallejo Police Department. Vallejo Cop Watch has created a blog where you can follow media coverage and other activities related to the organization.

2012-10-02, 9pm (pacific time), The Rev. Floyd Harris interview on "Keeping It Real" radio with Dr. Jean Kennedy [http://www.kfcf.org/streaming.php]. They'll talk about the fascism in Vallejo, their unaccountable police force, the murder of her cousin, the search for justice, and more! "Justice for Guy Jarreau!" "Justice for Mario Romero and Joseph Johnson!" "Justice for Jared!"

2012-09-27 "Justice for Guy Jarreau!" interview with Dr.G. on the Northbay Uprising radio news, (Thursdays 5 to 6pm, KZCT 89.5 FM in the northeast San Pablo bay area):
[nburadio.blogspot.com/2012/09/justice-for-guy-jarreau-interview.html]
NOTE: the first minute is chopped off. an advertisement is placed at the beginning. the man seen in the video is Ozcat Radio DJ Doug the Jitterbug. [northbayuprising.blogspot.com]
Dr.G. interviews Bunnie, cousin to Guy Jarreau, jr. and a leader in the Civil Rights movement in Vallejo with "God First!", and organization founded by Guy Jarreau's mother which is working to seek justice for all victims of community fascism in Vallejo including People's Programs such as aid to the homeless. She updates us on the latest weapon in defense of the people... a CLASS ACTION lawsuit which will enable folks to seek justice on an equitable level by joining with the lawsuit their reality of murder and terrorism by the Police.

2012-09-21 Vallejo Copwatch on KPFA radio:
[http://archives.kpfa.org/data/2012/20120921-Fri1600.mp3]
Rev. Harris was interviewed by Hard Knock Radio, hosted by Davey Dee (KPFA 94.1 FM in the Bay Area [www.kpfa.org]) to talk about the recent brutal murder of Mr. Mario Romero by the Vallejo Police Department, and other street executions of community members.

2012-09-18 Vallejo Copwatch on KFCF radio:
Rev. Harris was interviewed by "Keeping it Real" with Dr. Jean Kennedy (KFCF 88.1FM in Fresno [www.kfcf.org]), to talk about "The Vallejo Police Department - THE JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER!"
Part 1 [https://www.dropbox.com/s/g0vt8lb2k6kye35/September%2018%202012.%20Vallejo%20Shooting.mp3]
Part 2 [https://www.dropbox.com/s/vsc2ptjrft08omn/Part%202%20of%20Vallejo.mp3]

2012-09-16 "Copwatch instructs Vallejo citizens about their rights in dealing with police"  from "Vallejo Times-Herald" [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/2012-09-16-copwatch-instructs-vallejo.html]

Vallejo Cop Watch presents "Know Your Rights" training and People's Picket [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/vallejo-cop-watch-presents-know-your.html]

2012-09-13 "Vallejo Cop Watch" established to protect community members [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/vallejo-copwatch-is-established.html]

An (in)complete list of Vallejo Police Misconduct/Excessive Force Incidents

Pertinent Information Regarding “Vallejo Police Outsourcing Report Writing”
 
An article entitled “Vallejo Police Outsource Report Writing” (Tuesday, September 29, 2009) stated the following:  “The Police Department is now using a transcription service based in Tennessee—(Nashville-McLintock Transcription and Consulting Services) to write up its police reports.  The reports are dictated into a digital audio file then sent via a secure connection to Nashville-McLintock, where retired law-enforcement officials write them up.”
 Note:  The Vallejo police officers DO NOT write their own police reports!  They are “outsourced!”  So, are the “outsourced” police reports a TRUE representation of what actually occurred the day of an incident?!?!?!?!
 
California Public Records Act (CPRA):
 Is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of governmental bodies in California.  Statues 6250-6270 define the law.  In 1968, the Legislature enacted the CPRA ‘for the purpose of increasing freedom of information by giving the members of the public access to information in the possession of public agencies.’  Consistent with this purpose, the Legislature declared that “access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state.”  Since 2004, the California Constitution has confirmed the principle:  “The people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business, and, therefore, the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny.”
 
Officer Names Are Not Exempt Disclosure: 
 An officer’s name is typically not private and is available to the public when an officer wears a badge depicting his or her name or signs a police report.
Note:  Citizens of Vallejo can send the Vallejo Police Department a California Public Records Act (CPRA) Request, requesting the police report as well as the names of ALL police officers involved in the shooting death of their loved ones.  A sample letter can be found on the internet!

Police Misconduct/Excessive Force Incidents by the Vallejo Police:
·         Anton Barrett, Sr. (May 28, 2012)-shot and killed by a Vallejo police officer after allegedly running toward the officer with, what turned out to be, his black metal wallet.  The officer thought the object was a gun.  The officer fired, several times, mortally wounding Anton Barrett, Sr., although he tried to get up and was shocked with a stun gun after the shooting officer told other officers that he had a gun.

·         Peter Mestler (May 2012)-shot and killed by a Vallejo police officer after allegedly reaching into his jacket and pulling out a gun and refusing to drop it after police officers instructed him to do so.  The officer(s) opened fire.  Peter Mestler was allegedly armed with a BB gun.

·         Belle (11 year-old Labrador-DOG) (May 16, 2012)-shot, twice, in the head by Vallejo police officer, Chase Calhoun, who came to a family’s home, unannounced, to follow up on an identity theft report filed by the homeowner.  It was stated that Officer Calhoun checked for dogs before entering the fenced yard.  After seeing none, he entered through the gate and walked about 15 feet toward the porch.  Then, suddenly, two-medium-sized dogs came charging around the house from the backyard.  They were reportedly “lunging and snarling.”  Officer Calhoun tried to back up and get out of the yard, but both dogs closed the distance on him.  In defense, Officer Calhoun fired two rounds, killing the dog closest to him.  Calhoun, then, retreated out of the yard and called for backup.

·         Lonnel Duchine (April 15, 2011)-handcuffed and cited for recording, from his garage, four people being arrested near his home.  Officer Scott Yates approached him and asked for his cellphone, saying it was “evidence.”  After Duchine refused, he was handcuffed and issued a ticket for obstructing justice.

·         Michael Todd White (June 15, 2010)-It was reported that White had been involved in a minor dispute with a neighbor.  After a brief altercation, he retreated back to his home where he resided with his girlfriend.  The Vallejo Police Department responded to a call about the incident, with a full force of six police cruisers, followed by additional six or more cruisers plus motorcycle law enforcement personnel.  After entering the home and trapping White in the small bathroom of his trailer home, the Vallejo Police Department took the hinges off of his bathroom door and arrested him without incident.  A Code 4 call went out to dispatch alerting that the situation was under control.  However, after removing all residents from the home and handcuffing White, a disturbance took place and White was tasered several times.  A Code 3 call then went out to dispatch to send an ambulance.  The call to dispatch never occurred while arresting White leading many to believe White was tasered while handcuffed.  White was removed from the residence lifeless, dropped on a cement slab and then put on a gurney.  Although reports have White expiring at Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo, it is widely believed that his body was taken to Kaiser so a doctor could pronounce him dead on arrival and his body could be taken to the city morgue.

·         Ronar J. Inocencio (July 3, 2010)-Inocencio, 33, was in a group of 800 to 1,000 gathered in North Vallejo Community Park, celebrating Mac Dre Day around 9 p.m. when a man was robbed and shot.  Police arriving at the shooting scene saw Inocencio running away.  Officer Fabio Rodriguez chased Inocencio, who dropped a gun, picked it up and continued running.  Inocencio stopped, turned and pointed the gun at the officers.  He was shot twice and wounded.  Inocencio later pleaded no contest to felony assault on a peace officer and brandishing a firearm.

·         Dennis J. Merrida (December 30, 2009)-Minutes after a 3 p.m. armed robbery on Sheridan Street, Merrida, an ex-con and parolee, was spotted by Officer James Melville.  He matched the description of one of the robbers and was standing on a nearby street corner.  Melville saw a gun in Merrida’s hand.  It turned out to be a replica hand gun.  Merrida started to run away, but turned around and ran toward Melville.  Merrida raised his gun and Melville shot him once in the chest.  Merrida who was wounded still faces pending felony charges.  In February, he was declared mentally incompetent and was sent to a secured state mental hospital.

·         Kevin A. Trapps (June 13, 2005)-formally accused two police officers of assaulting him with excessive force after he checked on his teenage son, who had just been shocked with a police stun gun.  Kevin A. Trapps alleged that Vallejo police officers Dustin Joseph and Jeremy Huff “jumped me from behind” and Huff “kicked me and twisted my wrists to the point I thought he had broken them.”
more info [http://vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2005/06/2005-06-13-kevin-trapps-and-family.html]

·         Melvin Ainsworth (March 2005)-blindsided by Vallejo police officer Jeremie Patzer while he was walking, alone, across a bridge.  Police said the incident began with a call that a much younger man was dangling a baby over the bridge railing.  Ainsworth said he suffered a cracked rib and knee and wrist injuries.  He had a cut lip and a blackened eye and six stitches were required to close a gash along his eyebrow.  It was only later that Ainsworth learned from police that a caller had alerted the authorities, thinking he was about to jump or had a baby dangling over the edge of the bridge.  Jeremie Patzer, 31, apologized after tackling Ainsworth.

·         Andrew Washington (September 16, 2004)-shocked 17 times, in three minutes, with a Taser by Vallejo police because he fled after hitting a parked car.  Officers only stopped shocking him when they noticed he was having trouble breathing.  Washington, 21, a father of one, died after being transported to the hospital.

·         Marwin Prado (March 26, 1998)-Vallejo police responded to a call about a man behaving strangely, tearing up the kitchen and garage.  Marwin was found sitting on a curb allegedly with a .38 caliber gun in his pocket.  When he refused to obey orders, he was shot and killed.

·         Jeffrey Tharp (November 7, 1997)-Vallejo police responded to a call about domestic violence.  Jeffrey Tharp was shot and killed when he did not respond to police orders.  Police alleged that he was holding a gun.
 
Information on the Vallejo police officer who Murdered Guy Jarreau on Saturday, December 11, 2010·         Badge Number:  588.
·         When Guy Jarreau was MURDERED, Michael “Kent” Tribble was a 10-year veteran with the Vallejo Police Department.
·         On October 28, 2011, Michael “Kent” Tribble received the 12025 Award, which is the California Penal Code for possession of a concealed firearm, for making numerous firearms arrests.
·         Officer Kent Tribble was named, among others, in a lawsuit regarding excessive force/police misconduct (Eric Garfield Williams, Plaintiff, v. Sean Kenney, Et Al., Defendants).  The Plaintiff alleged that on July 15, 2006, he was stopped by Vallejo Police Officers Sean Kenney, Kent Tribble, Cpl. Botello and other unidentified officers.  Defendants used excessive force in handcuffing him and physically assaulted him.  Plaintiff further alleged that the officers took him to the hospital where they continued to harass and assault him.

2013-02-09 "RALLY AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY AND CORRUPTION!"

12 noon at the Vallejo PD HQ.
Those who are blind to equal justice are marching in support of the rash of murders being committed by the Vallejo Police Department, they are supporting the police in their actions at a time when we are saying enough is a enough, Please join us as we march against this foolish blindness and support of these killer cops These police deserve discipline and not encouragement to continue their corrupt activities
No Justice! No Peace! Justice for Mario Romero and all who have been killed unjustly by the Vallejo Police Department!

"United We Stand! Supporting the Mario Romero family. Rosemary Duenez family united with Oscar Grant family and other. These strong Mothers and families standing together."
photo album from community justice advocate Cephus Johnson (Uncle "Bobby" to Oscar Grant III, R.I.P.):






Vallejo CopWatch notes: These are the Vallejo Police officers who felt the need to take pictures of us as we protested against police brutality corruption and murder on 2/9/12 The vallejo Times herald has reported that these cops were positioned to show support to those who were protesting in support of the Police but they appeaar more fascinated with who we were and what we were doing, don't forget ther in full uniform , police car, ...being paid on a saturday to survey us , talk mess and laugh..... who authorized this misuse of funds




2013-02-09 "Double Rally at Vallejo PD" from "Vallejo Independent Bulletin" [http://IBVallejo.com]:
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4qAWP1q8XQ]




2013-02-10 "Opposing rallies held at Vallejo Police Department"
by Irma Widjojo from "Vallejo Times-Herald" [http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_22560077/opposing-rallies-held-across-from-vallejo-police-department]:
It was a new twist on a familiar scene at the Vallejo Police Department, where two groups with opposing views on the police held rallies on Saturday.
Unlike prior demonstrations, those protesting the police stood across from the station, instead of at the steps. The steps were occupied by those holding signs in appreciation of Vallejo officers.
"We want to let people know that there's a venue for (those who support the police department)," organizer Sam Kurshan said.
Kurshan added that another such rally will be organized again in the future.
About 25 people held signs and a banner reading "Thank you Vallejo Police Department" outside the main headquarters' door.
Meanwhile, across the street, the opposing group of about 30 people was largely consisted of family members of Mario Romero and their supporters.
Romero was killed in an officer-involved shooting Sept. 2, in front of his home.
The family members have contested police allegations of Romero confronting the officers with what turned out to be a replica gun, and being in possession of Ecstacy.
In the latest demonstration, protesters chanted "No justice, no peace!" and held various signs demanding justice against police brutality.
The relatively peaceful Saturday rallies began at about noon, and lasted about an hour. While the two groups maintained their distance, at least a couple police protesters shouted from across the the street at those in support of the department.
"Thank you for what?" a protester shouted.
The shouts were met with no responses from those standing outside the front lobby.
At one point, Vallejo police Captain Ken Weaver was seen coming out of the station to shake hands with the those gathered in support of the department.





"Support Vallejo PD" rally
2013-02-08 "Support Vallejo police" letter by Sam Kurshan to the editor of the "Vallejo Times Herald"
[http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_22547577]:
It's time for the decent, law-abiding people of Vallejo to come out to show their support for our police. There will be a rally Saturday, Feb. 9, at noon, rain or shine, in front of the Vallejo Police Department at 111 Amador St. Please attend and let those who think otherwise know that we support our hard-working, heroic police. Please tell all of your friends, neighbors and family members so we can have the largest turnout in Vallejo history. I hope to see you there.
---
2013-02-12 "Cop support a success" letter by Sam Kurshan to the editor of the "Vallejo Times Herald"
[http://www.timesheraldonline.com/letters/ci_22572450/cop-support-successg]:
I want to thank everyone who attended the police support rally on Saturday in front of the Vallejo Police Department.
It was a complete success. We assembled peacefully, orderly and silently. We displayed our banner and signs from noon until 1 p.m., and despite the vile jeers and taunts from the small anti-police group down the block and across the street, we did not respond to a single one or acknowledge their existence. A special thanks goes out to Irma Widojo and Chris Riley of the Times-Herald for covering the rally.
A Facebook page is being created to keep people informed of future support events, as well as a platform to express one's appreciation of our hard-working and heroic police.
An "Adopt a Cop" program is also being created -- individual members of the community can adopt a Vallejo police officer and check in with them on their well-being as a way to boost and maintain their morale.
Thank you and God Bless you!

A Profile of Sam Kurshan, Vallejo PD's best friend -

Wasn't sure if Sam would want such a lay-out of his criminal history, but this man chooses to be the VPD's cheerleader with the VPD's approval, and associations matter alot to VPD...

2012-10-24 "Kurshan under investigation for Perjury" posted at [http://ibvallejo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1542&Itemid=1]:


KURSHAN, SAM VSC073558 KURSHAN, SAM VS. EQUIFAX INFORMATION SERV, LLC PLAINTIFF 27-MAR-2003

 KURSHAN, SAM VSC075250 KURSHAN SAM, vs U.S. BANCORP PLAINTIFF 15-FEB-2005

 KURSHAN, SAM VCM106229 CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA) NA VS. KURSHAN, SAM DEFENDANT 29-JUN-2009

 KURSHAN, SAM VCR201098 People vs. SAM KURSHAN DEFENDANT 17-DEC-2008

 KURSHAN, SAM VSC074720 KURSHAN, SAM VS WELLS FARGO BANK NT'L ASSOC., PLAINTIFF 22-JUN-2004

 KURSHAN, SAM VSC074381

KURSHAN,SAM VS.M.C.I WORLDCOM COMMUNICATIONS INC PLAINTIFF 02-FEB-2004

 KURSHAN, SAM VSC075601 DE BATTISTA, ROLANDO VS KURSHAN, SAM DEFENDANT 15-AUG-2005

 KURSHAN, SAM VSC077005 KURSHAN, SAM vs THE PEP BOYS vs KURSHAN, SAM PLAINTIFF 17-JUL-2007

 KURSHAN, SAM VCM103494 STONE, EMILY VS KURSHAN, SAM ET AL DEFENDANT 22-OCT-2008

 KURSHAN, SAM VSC077891 KURSHAN, SAM ET AL V STONE, EMILY ET AL PLAINTIFF 27-OCT-2008

 KURSHAN, SAM FCS032340 KURSHAN, SAM VS. HAYES, MYRNA PETITIONER 28-OCT-2008

 KURSHAN, SAM FFL106009 ENGLISH, TERA VS. KURSHAN, SAM RESPONDENT 16-DEC-2008

 KURSHAN, SAM
 VCR202300 People vs. SAM KURSHAN DEFENDANT 06-MAR-2009

Case ID: FFL106009 - ENGLISH, TERA VS. KURSHAN, SAM
 Filing Date: Tuesday , December 16th, 2008
 Type: DV - Domestic Violence without kids

Case ID: VCR201098 - People vs. SAM KURSHAN
 Filing Date: Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
 Type: VB - Vallejo Pursuant 17(b) PC

 Case ID: VCR202300 - People vs. SAM KURSHAN
 Filing Date: Friday , March 06th, 2009
 Type: M5 - Vallejo Misdemeanor - Group A
 Status: CRCA - CRIMINAL CASE AGING

06-MAR-2009
09:58 AM POLICE REPORT NUMBER
Entry: 09-02992

06-MAR-2009
09:59 AM DECLARATION
Entry: IN SUPPORT OF ARREST WARRANT...KF

06-MAR-2009
09:59 AM SUBMITTED
Entry: FILE TO JUDGE CARTER TO SIGN ARREST WARRANT...KF RETURNED...KF

10-MAR-2009
03:46 PM ARREST WARRANT ISSUED
Entry: JFM 03/09/09...KF

10-MAR-2009
03:47 PM ARREST WAR.RELEASED W/BAIL AMT
Entry: TO SO...KF

PEOPLE v. KURSHAN   138 Misc.2d 354 (1988)   The People of the State of New York, Plaintiff,   v.   Sam Kurshan, Defendant.   Civil Court of the City of New York, New York County.    January 5, 1988    Lori Cohen for defendant. Robert M. Morgenthau, District Attorney (Kevin Keating of counsel), for plaintiff.
[http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?xmldoc=1988492138Misc2d354_1435.xml&docbase=CSLWAR2-1986-2006]: [ ... ] STATEMENT OF FACTS - The following findings of fact are made, for the purpose of this motion only, based upon the affidavits submitted to this court: On February 4, 1987, the defendant, Sam Kurshan, was arrested and charged with a violation of Penal Law § 240.30 (aggravated harassment). The charge stemmed from a dispute in which the defendant and his upstairs neighbor (the complainant) became embroiled in a continuing disagreement over the noise level emanating from the complainant's apartment. The defendant contended that the playing of musical instruments at what he termed inappropriate hours of the evening disturbed him. In that regard, the defendant sent three letters to the complainant and her husband. The letters were sent on December 2, 1986, December 10, 1986, and February 2, 1987. These letters were alleged by the complainant to have threatened her and her husband with bodily harm. [ ... ]


2012-07-15 "Sam Kurshans Political Race-Baiting" posted in the Vallejo Forum [http://www.topix.com/forum/city/vallejo-ca/T22FRCUEOQ4VUHQIA]:

Case Files: Vallejo Police Officer Dustin Brent Joseph

[http://vallejocopwatchcasefiles.blogspot.com/2013/03/case-files-vallejo-police-officer.html]
[http://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/candce/3:2008cv01930/203510/58/0.pdf]

Cyndi Mitchell, sister of Mario Romero, writes:
‎3 years and 355 days, before my brother was murdered the city of Vallejo knew they had a monster terrorizing our city.
A monster who would kidnap a little boy inside of a patrol car, against his parents will for throwing a tantrum over crayons,
This monster would then take this horrified child to the same hospital where my brothers bullet filled body was hidden after being stolen from the scene of the crime that this monster had created and placed on a 5150 hold then transferred to another hospital and treated without parental consent, as well as held hostage for days while two parents were mortified and child is traumatized to know that they would be betrayed by the people who are paid to serve and protect our city and they would be content with kidnapping a 5year old boy for crying over crayons.
This monster is Dustin Brent Joseph and he should have been off of the force a long time before he Pulled a gun out and pointed into the face of a 4 year old child and long before he murdered my brother Mario Romero.
A demon sees no innocence because he is to busy trying to suck everyone down into the gutter where his soul lies......
No Justice..No Peace... We will not sleep until justice is achieved!