Vallejo Police Officer who murdered Mario Romero has been identified

2012-09-30 "OFFICER INVOLVED IN RECENT POLICE FATALITY IDENTIFIED" press release from "Justice for Mario Romero and Joseph Johnson Movement":
Vallejo, CA –
 Officer involved in Romero death had a long history of unlawful and abusive behavior.
 On September 2, 2012, Mario Romero was approached and gunned down while sitting in his parked car in front of his home by a Vallejo Police Officer, identified by multiple witnesses as Officer Dustin B. Joseph (age 32).
 Public and Court Records indicate a series of multiple complaints that detail a history of unlawful abusive and questionable, to say the least, behavior of Officer Dustin Joseph.
 Reports detail claims, that Vallejo Officer Dustin Joseph, and another officer, physically assaulted Anthony Trapps in Kaiser Hospital Vallejo. Trapps said he was angry, that his son had been Tased multiple times during an alleged break up of a fight at Vallejo High School. Mr. Trapps felt Officer Joseph used excessive force with a disregard for the life of his minor son, in light of a recent Taser Related Death involving Vallejo Police Department.
 Trapps admitted to cursing at the officer out of frustration when Officer Joseph refused him access to his son, preventing Mr. Trapps ability to ensure the wellbeing of his hospitalized son. Trapps had no idea what would follow... when he turned around to exit the hospital, Trapps was attacked from behind, beaten, and then arrested.
 Another report states Officer Dustin Joseph deployed his pepper spray recklessly on a group of students, as well as other adults with their small children, while eating at a Jack in the Box restaurant. Officer Dustin Joseph unloaded the entire contents of his canister, an Action most people believe is reserved for extreme situations. The report describes the Restaurant having to be evacuated. Vallejo Fire Department 911 Emergency Services were summoned for immediate use of their industrial blowers to restore safety and financial Productivity .
 In another report, Officer Dustin Joseph is accused of an unlawful search and arrest of a Female Minor, where a subsequent or secondary search interestingly produced 13 Ecstasy Pills. Officer Dustin Joseph claimed the minor “told” him she planned to sell the drugs. In another similar report, a complaint of inappropriate physical contact filed at Vallejo High School on behalf of a female minor attending Vallejo High school in the 2008-2009 school year claims Officer Dustin Joseph (a male Officer) performed a physical body search on the female minor. The minor stated she asked Officer Joseph not to touch her. The minor said that the Officer immediately grabbed her arm twisted the arm turning her around placed her in handcuffs that cut into her skin, then moved his hands all over her body smiling and laughing. He then placed her in his patrol car. The minor was not charged with any crime, she dropped out of High School fearful of Officer Dustin Joseph. She stated “He is a Bully and uses his big Size and job to violate us".
The Murder of Mario Romero, a man sitting in his car in front of his home, unknown to the officers at the time of the shooting, suspected of nothing except being an American exercising his right to just exist, minding his own business, murdered by this non-upstanding Police Officer "on Steroids"... the once 300 Pound menace lost a hundred pounds and decided to practice his new agility by spraying Mario full of bullets! Then, like a homicidal Rambo, he jumped on the hood of the car and emptied the next clip like the first into Mario Romero’s windshield at close range. Officer Dustin Joseph could not see him, the officer never used the loudspeaker nor did he identify himself. He ran up to the vehicle like a common thug, Murder under Color of the Law.
Officer Joseph did not want the neighborhood to witness his ongoing premeditated abuse of power. His name was not released early for good reason... He has a lot to hide! Murder, Excessive Force, brandishing firearms on people is not a new behavior for this officer, “He was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode”.
 # # # #
We ask that anyone who has had an encounter with this monster to to please leave details in comment area. Thank you.

Comments:
L.B.: Thats the same ass hole that slammed a girl on her neck 2009 at bethal what are they waiting for they clearly have proof action must be tookn into consideration this is straight bull shit... they sure did shit when that officer capoot was gun down this has everything to do with race!
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D.K.: i used to get harassed daily by him at vallejo high. we called him officer d joseph. i believe he was the one that tasered this girl when i went there n 2007. she started havin seizures and had to go to the hospital. it was horrible. that man loved pickin on people that wasnt white or if u looked like u was affiliated. he tried to say i was a gang member for wearing red. but guess what. it was Friday which was spirit day. vhs colors. red. i got kicked out of school on the last day. i wasnt able to go to my graduation cuz it said i was a danger to the school and myself. omg. my mom was so mad. and they had to let me come back. i had to do a half semester cuz i failed my last two finals for not bein there. thank u officer fuck head. he tased hella people. i wanna say atleaat three cuz kids kept going to the hospital. thats what really opened my eyes to how vpd brutalizes people. he had a partner too his name officer huff. two big white assholes.
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C.M.: Yes, D.K. this is true. I was passing through VALLEJO high when this took place. My god son who now R.I.P Kevin Morgan was also taken from school while attending Bethel in 2003- ? And taken to Richmond by officer huff n his police car. For what aparent reason it is still unclear to me.
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B.B.: I went through the same thing the young lady did at Vallejo high he used alot/too much force wen arresting me caused me to bleed cause the cuffs were too tight, tried to brake my arm wen putting it behind my back, searched me knowing a female officer was suppose to made me sit in the car wit a big ass puff coat on windows rolled up w the heater on & the list could go on . Everybody has a damn story bout this man.. I was arrested by both D joseph & Huff.
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L.H.: man i know that dirty ass cop cus i went to da high he dipped the fuck outtda me put his knee all up n a bitch neck fuk him i hope they see what type of dirty ass cop he realy is so he can b stripped of his rights as a cop n thrown n jail forever!
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L.A.: Im not sure if this is the same officer but about a year ago me and two african american men were at the park on fair grounds minding our business which is legal & two vallejo police men drove threw the grass coming from fairgrounds dr going toward whitney the side of the park we were on they got out drew there guns & demanded all three of us to get face down on the ground mind u im 17 at the time the only female & we are all guilty of no crime ... they run our names & pat us down while face down in the dirt If im remembering correctly male officers are not to touch females so I remind them that I am a minor one of the officers kneels down & whispers to me "i dont give a fuck what you are" they handcuff one of the young men I was with but made no arrest after they realized they had nithing they let us go about our business .... This is harrasment & I agree that something needs to be done about the VPD they should not be getting away with this bullshit any longer
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L.M.: I wasn't assaulted by d Joseph N officer huff while i attended Jesse bethel high school, I was harassed an treated daily an one day iwas caught by these same officers off campus and was beaten an arrested on false charges that where later droped. I remember Joseph laughing an sayin I told yu I'd catch yu
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My name I wish to withhold...
I am the uncle of the person whose Facebook this belongs to [www.facebook.com/JusticeForMarioRomero]. I lived in Vallejo but moved out because of police encounters...I too encountered officer D. Joseph...me and the mother of my child in south Vallejo at the motel 6 where I was brutally beaten and my pocket knife I held in my right front pocket was pulled from my pocket and placed to my throat by officer Joseph with him threatening to cut my throat and using racial slurs...he and his partner whose name I can't remember pulled my dreadlocks and continued to kick me repeatedly in my face because I was not wanted on the property of motel 6 by the owner...I didn't have a stay away...nor did I possess any drugs or weapons except for a four inch pocket knife...he told me not to show my face in south Vallejo any more...I obeyed...I attempted to make a police report only to have my report discarded...I never persisted after that...I just left Vallejo...
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A.L.: D. Joseph had a Long history of threatning My brothers life(rest in peace) hed told him repeatedly ” im going to get you. Ur Granny wont always be able to save you”. Hes partly responsible for my brothers reputation being tarnished & him being killed.
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S.W.: Well shit since ur talking about it dont forget the 6 yr old child that was having a temper tantrum over crayons that he snatched out of the moms car put him in the back of his patrol car against his mothers will only for this child to have a panic attack, then placed him on a 51/50 hold take him to the hospital have the doctor give him a tranquilizer and ship him off to St. Helena mental at 6yrs old. Vallejo filed bankruptcy after the family filed a lawsuit. Oh and dont forget the civil rights violation lawsuit filed on 2/29/12, this lunatic is out of control
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Justice for Guy Jarreau, jr. (God First!)

News about the campaign for Justice for Guy Jarreau, jr.:
[http://www.ktvu.com/news/26166889/detail.html] 
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQhvUtNQyQg] 
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDjMnQA-jrw]
[http://redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net/node/730]
[http://ibvallejo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1054&Itemid=69]


2012-09-27 "Justice for Guy Jarreau!" interview
with Dr.G. on the Northbay Uprising radio news, broadcast Thursdays 5 to 6pm, 89.5 FM-KZCT Vallejo [http://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.
[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.
Vallejo Copwatch feels it is important to mention that "God First!" is helping to better the conditions of all victims of fascism. Right on! Including a "Gobble, Gobble!" program with Thanksgiving Turkeys for the Homeless, with a "Blanket, Blanket!" aid program providing blankets for those in need. This program was originally organized by Guy Jarreau, jr. before he was murdered by Vallejo Police plain-clothes officers.


2010-12-05 "Guy Jarreau's Mom Speaks"
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uQ9UkURQ1A]:
RIP Guy Jarreau, shot and Killed by Vallejo PD -- this is his mom standing in the alley where Guy was smoked by the police.


Guy Jarreau Documentary (produced by Joshua Henry):
Pt. 1 [www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehim5hNgsOc]

Pt. 2 [www.youtube.com/watch?v=-15H1w7gEKE]
Pt. 3 [www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMkWGeLVqPw]

Pt. 4 [www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpVeHPikwek]


March For GUY JARREAU'S JUSTICE
[www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeRY3Uw6kw8]:
MARCH 11TH 2011!!! {3PM} (Sonoma & Florida st)
MARCH FOR GUY JARREAU'S JUSTICE!!!!
WITH Music Video Shoot for Joshua and Marty JR Song Called, "Natural."
(PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THIS POSITIVE MOVEMENT)
We will be walking where Guy Jerreau was shot and killed by Police to the police station.
PLEASE WALK WITH US! 
* God First
* Umoja (Black Student Union)
* Associated Students, Napa Valley College
* Indecent (SLAP-MASTERS)
* Karl McKnight

Documenting the People's Voice: A Mother speaks

2012-09-25 Rev. Harris interviews a Mother who explains how the Vallejo Police murdered her Son
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxBlG3RoxNA]:
There are more and more stories residents are telling about how Vallejo Police officers have abused their families.
This mother was in jail when the Vallejo Cop murdered her son, and she requested to go to her son funeral but the request was turn down by the Vallejo Police Department.
A heart breaking story!!!

What is at Stake (a persepctive that matters)

2012-09-25 Oscar Grant's Uncle Bobby tells Vallejo City Council "You Don't Want Your City To Go Up In Flames"
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuept1dlhBE]:
Uncle Bobby gave a very powerful message to tell the community that they have the power to put people in office and to take them out of office. The Vallejo community is fired up and ready to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vallejo Man Filming Police is Threatened (2011)

This video shows that Vallejo police has broken the law by taking his phone and then arresting him... 
He has the right to file a lawsuit for the camera filing and violation of civil rights, as it is an illegal detention.
Check out this video on YouTube:  

2011-04-22 "Man Filming Police Threatened"
by "The Alyona Show" from "Russia Today" news
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzGqDYhSICk]:
Lonnel Duchine, a Vallejo California man, was handcuffed and fined for shooting cell phone footage of police while standing in his garage. Filming a police officer is not illegal, at least not in California. It's just one of the latest cases where police get caught on camera, and the photographer ends up in handcuffs. Shouldn't the public have the right to document the police's actions?

"Vallejo police shooting 2012"

repost of "KTVU.com" television news, 2012-09-08 upload to "Youtube.com" by "bubbywilliams55" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iglJZBMSNw]:

2012-09-03 "Police Shooting Men 35 times After Mistaking Air Pistol For Gun"

by "LRJTV News" [www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e8Ev8H-U3c]:
Family outraged at police for fatally shooting her son and injuring another in an officer-involved shooting in Vallejo, The 23-year-old man was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The 21-year-old passenger was struck by a bullet or shrapnel in the buttocks and was taken to a hospital to be treated.

Deep analysis of the murder of Anton Barrett by Vallejo Police

2012-05-28 "VALLEJO POLICE MEMORIAL DAY SHOOTING OF UNARMED BLACK MAN; CORRUPT NORTH BAY POLICE DEPARTMENT PLAYING PART OF THE SYSTEMATIC \ INSTITUTIONAL OPPRESSION OF BLACKS IN VALLEJO" by RBG scholar Ming Wu, analysis of the root racism shown by Vallejo Police
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT7seX3JPhA]:

2012-05-29 "Vallejo officer shoots, kills man after mistaking wallet for gun" from "Bay City News"
[http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=194772]:
(BCN) - A man fatally shot by a police officer following a vehicle pursuit in Vallejo early this morning has been identified by police as 41-year-old Anton Barrett.
The pursuit began shortly after midnight when officers on a DUI saturation patrol saw a white 1999 Lexus driving without its headlights on near the intersection of Santa Clara and Indiana streets, according to police.
The Lexus was speeding and did not stop at controlled intersections, and did not yield when the officers tried to pull over the vehicle, police said.
The Lexus led police on a pursuit and eventually stopped behind an apartment complex in the 200 block of Wilson Avenue, where the driver and two passengers got out and began running away in different directions.
The driver of the car, later identified as Barrett, and an officer encountered each other in between the apartments, and the officer told him to stop and put his hands up, police said.
Barrett did not comply and continued running toward the officer, who began backing up and telling him to show his hands, police said.
The officer then saw Barrett allegedly reach into his jacket pocket and pull out a dark-colored metal object, prompting the officer to fire his gun several times, striking Barrett, according to police.
The object was later determined to be a metal wallet.
Barrett tried to get up but was immobilized by another officer who used his Taser to subdue him.
He was taken to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek where he succumbed to his injuries at 5:34 a.m.
The front passenger in the car, Barrett's son 18-year-old Anton Barrett Jr., was arrested after running south toward Farragut Avenue and hiding from officers, according to police.
A police canine was used to search for the younger Barrett, who was eventually found hiding in some bushes and suffered some minor injuries from the dog, police said.
The officer handling the canine also suffered bites from the animal. Both the officer and Barrett were taken to hospitals and were later released, and Barrett was then booked into county jail on suspicion of resisting arrest, according to police.
The passenger in the back seat of the Lexus fled north toward Hichborn Street when the car stopped. He has yet to be found or identified, police said.
Vallejo police and the Solano County District Attorney's Office will conduct a joint investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The officer who shot Barrett is a seven-year veteran of the force, and has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation, as is standard department policy.
Investigators planned to discuss the case further at a news conference scheduled for noon at Vallejo police headquarters.
The fatal shooting is the second involving a Vallejo police officer in the past week. Late Thursday night, an armed man, whose name has yet to be released, was shot and killed by an officer in the 2000 block of Sonoma Boulevard, police said.

2012-09-20, Stand for Justice at the Solano District Attorney's Office

Justice for Mario Romero and Joseph Johnson!

Location: Solano County District Attorney’s Office, 355 Tuolumne Street, Vallejo, CA
Rev. Floyd D. Harris Jr., founder of the National President of The National Network in Action [www.nationalnetworkinaciton.org], a civil and human rights organization, has called for a demonstration in front of the Solano County District Attorney’s Office.
The community is demanding Justice for Mr. Mario Romero & Mr. Joseph Johnson, who were both gunned down by two Vallejo Police Officers while sitting in their parked car in front of their home on September 2, 2012.
We can not and we will not let the fire simmer beneath the Vallejo Police Department's feet. As a community we must all continuously remind them that we are going to keep our feet to the pavement in making sure that we get JUSTICE and that we are not tolerating these types of malicious attacks. We seek justice, not only for the brutal murder of Mr. Mario Romero and attempted murder of Mr. Joseph Johnson but for all individuals and families that have endured unjust attacks from any Vallejo Police Officers (i.e. Police brutality, Harassment , Racial Profiling, Excessive Force or Deadly force ) in our city. These suspicious officer-involved shootings and murders are becoming quite alarming with a total of 7 so far this year. None of us should be a victim of these types of gruesome circumstances. We encourage you all to come out and support our demands for JUSTICE & EQUALITY.
These officers should not only be charged, but should stand trial and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The Vallejo Police Department does not have the right to be the JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER!

Pressure by the People does yield Results

Politicians who are scared of the People will attempt to secure their standing in the community, and secure votes for their ideology, by making concessions, such as "Investigations" which may white-wash evidence of a department-wide system of obstruction... as long as the public is fooled to think that some type of progress is made, no Justice is met.
Remember: Justice for Guy Jarreau, jr.! Justice for Jared! Justice for Mario Romero, and Joseph Johnson! Justice for ALL Victims of Harassment, Violent Abuse, Smear Tactics, and for the Families of those Murdered by Police.


2012-09-19 "Vallejo mayor seeks independent probe of Romero shooting; Davis says state attorney general should review controversial officer-involved fatality" by Ted Vollmer, Sarah Rohrs and Irma Widjojo from "Vallejo Times-Herald"
[http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_21583987/vallejo-mayor-seeks-independent-probe-romero-shooting]:
Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis said Wednesday that he will seek an independent investigation into the recent officer-involved shooting death of Mario Romero.
Davis said he will ask the City Council to request that Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris' office look into concerns raised since police officers killed Romero while he sat in his car outside his North Vallejo home early Sept. 2.
Police contend that when officers approached Romero's car, he reached for a weapon that turned out to be a pellet gun, and that is why they fired at him. Family members, however, have vehemently denied that he had such a weapon. They also denied contentions that there were 50 ecstasy pills in the vehicle.
"It must be understood that this request should not be taken as an indication of a lack of confidence in the established Solano County Officer Involved Shooting Protocol, or any lack of confidence in the Vallejo Police Department or the ability of the District Attorney's office to conduct fair investigations," Davis said in a statement.
"However, it is my belief that under the current circumstances a secondary review will help to establish trust in the process."
Family members who had called for an outside investigation were not immediately available for comment.
Under the current protocol, officer-involved shootings are investigated not only by the Vallejo Police Department, but also by the Solano County District Attorney's office. No results of those investigations have been completed, but Romero supporters last week called for an independent investigation either by an outside police agency or the attorney general.
Interim Vallejo Police Chief Joseph Kreins said shortly after Davis issued his statement that he sees the independent review as a good thing if it will "restore or enhance the public's trust and the department's credibility."
"The more set of eyes you can put on something is a good thing," Kreins told the Times-Herald. Kreins added that he does not think that any attorney general review will produce a different outcome than the district attorney's office investigation.
"The (D.A's investigation process) has worked for many years and continues to work," Kreins said. "But when folks are suggesting that they don't have the confidence in that process, then I have no problem with an independent review."
Davis' statements were issued a day after the Vallejo City Council abruptly ended a study session on the economy after protesters suddenly filled the council chambers and demanded to speak about the officer-involved shootings. The week before, dozens spoke to the council decrying not only the Sept. 2 incident but also four other fatal officer-involved shootings this year.
In addition to asking that Harris intervene, Davis said he will ask that the city manager move to buy in-car cameras to be integrated with the vehicle's mobile data computers and emergency systems in every Vallejo police patrol vehicle.
He also proposed buying more body cameras for all patrol officers. Currently, only some officers wear them, and then only on a voluntary basis.
Neither camera type were available in the Romero case, Kreins said.
Kreins said his goal is to have all officers issued a body camera, but keeping it as a discretionary process.
"My issue with not keeping it discretionary is that it might interfere with the officer's safety and the critical incident at hand," Kreins said. "The last thing I want my officer is worried about the cameras at a critical scene. In our job things happen very quickly."
However, it might take months until all 45 vehicles in the Vallejo police fleet to be equipped with these cameras.
"I'm hoping it's something that we can do in the next few months. But there's the issue of money and technology," Kreins said. He added that it will cost about $10,000 per car to get the cameras set up and the officers trained with them.
"I'm hopeful the City Council will authorize those funds," Kreins added.
A proponent of in-car cameras, Kreins said that they will eliminate those worries since they will turn on and off automatically.
Davis also asked City Manager Dan Keen to:
• Conduct research to select and implement a decision-based firearms/use of force training simulator system.
• Reaffirm the Police Department's protocol and procedure for communicating with the public and families in incidents concerning loss of life or great bodily injury as a result of violence. The Romero family, in particular, has angrily contended that police have not communicated properly with them, or in a timely way about the shooting.
• Propose a time frame for re-establishing and reconstituting the Vallejo Human Relations Commission.
"It becomes difficult at times to protect and serve when trust and communication may be in doubt," Davis said. "City Hall, including our police department, must have the trust of the public."

Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis (Times-Herald file photo)

Human Rights abuse in Vallejo

(Read the "Declaration of Human Rights" [vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com/2012/09/declaration-of-human-rights.html])

All governments are beholden to a set of standards which, if broken, are called "Human Rights Violations". Often, we hear about violations of Human Rights in Iraq, Colombia, China and elsewhere... and nowhere near do we hear about similar violations happening against our own People. But it is happening systematically in Solano County, and in the City of Vallejo (the "city of God").
Human Rights abuse by agencies of the City of Vallejo is made manifold by the common discourtesy by many residents of Vallejo to not advocate for Human Rights alongside those who are abused, including (sad to say) many churches, faith and civic organizations. 
Many people still view the many incidents of violence by police against their neighbors to be an issue affecting only a certain "minority" or of people with a criminal history, as an issue of no consequence by the dominant set of the "good ol' boys" of the many races & cultures within the City of Vallejo.
As seen by the conduct recently of Vallejo's Civilian Review Board, those who are of the dominant set will shut down any criticism of their regime. "Their" officers of law have all the power to obstruct any inquiry into history of violations of Human Rights against people not of the society in power. 
Until these goodly folk of "High Society" subordinate themselves to a higher purpose for truth and justice, nobody in any of Vallejo's higher offices will seek to uphold Human Rights.
And this problem is repeated in any tyranny across the world, so what is seen as good by the monopolized media when reporting about "people's movements" against tyranny abroad, is vilified here, at home by our neighbors, and by fascists elsewhere who care not to uphold Human Rights and the Constitution.

2012-09-17 "Our own Civil War" by James D. Davis
[http://ibvallejo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1502&Itemid=69]:
Note: All opinions expressed in the "Primal Scream" column are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Vallejo Independent Bulletin.
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This is the first town I’ve lived in where there is a civil war between a part of the community and the police. 
A part of the community thinks it is disrespected, mistreated, and murdered by the police. 
[ ... ]
The police, on the other hand, slough off accountability. 
The mother could not see the body. The chief told her it was out of his hands. 
Whether she can see the body is the business of the coroner, not the chief. 
And the coroner? 
He’s unavailable. 
The police have not explained why officers thought it necessary to fire more than thirty times at a young man with a replica gun. 
What was so scary for the police about this encounter?
The police have not taken the statement of the mother. 
She’s welcome to come down to the station any time. 
The police have not met with the mother. 
(It’s not likely she has any useful information, but it might make her feel better to talk about it, or shout, if she chooses).
I’ve encountered this lack of government responsibility throughout my years in Vallejo. 
I was told plainly by a council member that whether or not the chief busts marijuana dispensaries, wasting police resources, is none of the member’s business; it is out of the member’s hands. 
When I tried to investigate the officer-killing of another man (Guy Jarreau, Jr.), a few years ago, I was told the police and DA were doing an investigation. 
They weren’t sure when it would be done; I was not going to be given a copy of the report anyway. 
No one was going to be given a copy. 
It was police business.
I don’t blame the complaining community.  
They are overcome with emotion, resentment, and victimhood. 
They generally lack the sophistication and maturity to deal with the government. 
I blame the police department and an incompetent council and city manager. 
They should have been on top of this; that is why we have a government. 
They are supposed to be the adults in the room, but they are helpless.
This civil war has to stop. 
It feeds on itself. 
There are ways to stop it. 
This should be at the top of the agenda for the newly created Public Safety Committee. 
Our city-manager form of government is not working. 
The council has no jurisdiction over anyone. 
The mayor stays out of it (he “prays”). 
And the city manager? 
He leaves it up to the police. 
No one is in charge.

2012-09-16 "Copwatch instructs Vallejo citizens about their rights in dealing with police"

 from "Vallejo Times-Herald" [http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_21556449/copwatch-instructs-vallejo-citizens-about-their-rights-dealing]:
Always know your rights.
That was the message Saturday of Andrea Pritchett, co-founder of Berkeley Copwatch, to about 40 people at Wilson Park.
Pritchett came at the behest of Fresno Rev. Floyd D. Harris Jr., who hopes to establish a Vallejo Copwatch in response to this year's officer-involved shootings. Five of them, including that of Mario Romero on Sept. 2, were fatal.
Romero's family, as well as family members of Guy Jarreau, who was shot and killed by Vallejo police in December 2010, were at the meeting.
The training session began in front of the Vallejo Police Department before moving to Wilson Park in order for people to sit down and discuss both what to do when approached by police, and how to document interactions with officers.
"We have a right to refuse a search," Pritchett said.
The Berkeley Copwatch members went over the difference between a consensual encounter with a police officer, being detained and being arrested.
If a police officer is asking permission to search a house or a bag, then a person can say no, Pritchett said.
Additionally, Pritchett said the rights of assembly, due process and freedom from unlawful searches and seizures contained within the Bill of Rights gives people the right to record police officers.
For more information, visit [www.vallejocopwatch.blogspot.com].

Vallejo Cop Watch presents "Know Your Rights" training and People's Picket

Date: Saturday, 2012-09-15
Location: 111 Amador St, Vallejo CA 94590 (Vallejo Police Department)
Time: 5:30pm
Contact: Rev. Floyd D Harris Jr [559-803-0286]
Vallejo Cop Watch will conduct a “Know Your Rights When Confronted by A Police Officers Training” to teach local residents on how to Record Video, Take Pictures and Document the Actions of ROUGE COPS. There will also be a "People's Picket" to raise awareness of the tragedy of the violence seen by an unaccountable police department.
The African American community in Vallejo, and people of low-income in general, are under attack by the Vallejo Police Department and its local government. The people of the community are taking a stand for JUSTICE against the ROUGE COPS of the Vallejo Police Department, declaring that the Vallejo Police Department DOES NOT  have the right to be the JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTOR!!
Since May of 2012 there has been 7 police officers involved shooting and 5 have been fatal. The Vallejo Police Department history and current method of operations shows an attitude of "Shoot first, ask questions later", as seen in the recent brutal murder of Mr. Mario Romero by the Vallejo Police Department, and many others who are harassed, brutalized, and murdered.  Witnesses reported that Mr. Romero, who was a father who had just been hired after a clean drug test and a vacating of his probation for a non-violent offense, never got out of his car or made threatening gestures when officers open fire shooting 30 times into his car's windshield in front of his family, and there were no reports of Mr. Romero shooting at the Vallejo Police.
Vallejo Citizens have said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

2012-09-14 "Vallejo police fire shot at end of high-speed chase; Two arrested after Vallejo to Pleasant Hill pursuit"

by "Vallejo Times-Herald Staff" and "Bay City News Service" [http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_21544898/vallejo-police-fire-shot-at-end-high-speed]:
PLEASANT HILL - A high-speed chase from Vallejo to Pleasant Hill ended Thursday night in front of an elementary school where Vallejo police fired at a suspect, according to reports.
Two men, who were apparently wanted on weapons and drug charges were arrested.
The chase began about 7:45 p.m. at Lincoln Road East and Magazine Street when officers attempted to pull over a truck containing two men that detectives identified as part of an investigation, Sgt. Kelly Schroeder said.
During the pursuit, speeds in excess of 100 mph were reached as drivers flew over the Benicia Martinez Bridge and on and off I-680.
Vallejo Police Lt. Joel Salinas said a local law enforcement task force asked officers to track down and detain the suspects, an action which apparently triggered the chase.
The driver sped off, Schroeder said, and pulled onto Interstate 780. The suspects may have discarded evidence later found to be drugs along I-780 and also along surface streets in Concord when the vehicle briefly left the freeway there, Schroeder said.
Police continued pursuing the suspects after the vehicle got back onto I-680 and exited again at Monument Boulevard.
The driver then turned onto Lisa Lane, which dead-ends at a roundabout in front of Pleasant Hill's Fair Oaks Elementary School. There, the chase ended about 8:20 p.m. when the suspects crashed into protective poles.
The driver fled and made a gesture that caused police to think he had a gun, so an officer fired one shot that did not hit the suspect, Schroeder said.
Contra Costa County police officials, reportedly helping with the pursuit, took two suspects into custody at gunpoint.
Suspect names, ages and cities of residence weren't immediately available.
Police had not discovered a gun as of around 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

"Vallejo Cop Watch" established to protect community members

[the following was adapted from press releases issued by Vallejo Cop Watch]
2012-09-13 -
Vallejo residents form "Vallejo Cop Watch" to document actions of violent Vallejo Police Officers and other security agents, with solidarity from the Rev. Floyd D. Harris Jr., National President of "The National Network in Action" civil and human rights organization [www.nationalnetworkinaction.org], who is instrumental in bringing "Cop Watch" to the City of Vallejo.
Vallejo CopWatch hosted the "BLOW THE WHISTLE! On Police Brutality and Murder, Racial Profiling, and the Pipeline Leading To Mass Incarceration" public gathering at the steps of Vallejo City Hall on High-Noon, Sept. 13th, in conjunction with a National campaign against anti-Constitutional "Stop & Frisk" practices being used by Police agencies across the USA.
Vallejo Cop Watch used the event to teach Vallejo residents how to Video, Document and take pictures of ROUGE COPS, and a training titled “Know Your Rights When Confronted by Police Officer(s)”.
The African American community and the community at large are under attack by the Vallejo Police Department and its local government. Since May of 2012 there has been 7 police officers involved shooting and 5 have been fatal.
The Vallejo Police Department history and standard method of operations is "Shoot first, ask questions later", as seen by the recent brutal murder of Mr. Mario Romero by the Vallejo Police Department early Sunday morning, whom witnesses reported that Mr. Romero never got out of his car or made threatening gestures when officers open fire shooting 30 times into the car. There were no reports of Mr. Romero having a gun or shooting at the Vallejo Police.
Vallejo Citizens has said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. The minority community and the community at large are taking a stand for JUSTICE against the ROUGE COPS of the Vallejo Police Department. Vallejo Police Department DON’T have the right to be the JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTOR!!
Brutality and harassment are a fact of life for millions of people all across the U.S. and in Vallejo, especially poor people and Black and Latino people. It is a precious thing when people refuse to accept this, and rise up in protest and defiance against these injustices, like the people in NYC ‒ thousands strong, challenging the racial profiling of “Stop and Frisk”, the people in Vallejo, Fresno, Oakland, San Francisco and Anaheim, CA are all challenging the murders by Police of thousands of our people every year... Like the 12,000 CA prisoners who went on a hunger strike to stop torture... Like the thousands who protested the unjust execution of Troy Davis and have demanded justice in the modern-day lynching of Trayvon Martin...
... To youth and students tired of knowing every time you leave your house you might be harassed by cops…
... to parents who fear that no matter what you tell your kids about surviving an encounter with the cops it won’t be enough to keep them safe…
… to Black and Latino people or immigrants, youngsters or a little older, racially targeted for mass incarceration in the era of the “New Jim Crow”… to all the former prisoners discriminated against even after they’ve served their sentences and to all the families and loved ones of people ensnared in the criminal “injustice” system…


2012-09-14 "New Vallejo police officer oversight group to offer public training" form "Vallejo Times-Herald"
[http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_21542053/new-vallejo-police-officer-oversight-group-offer-public]:
Vallejo's recent fatal officer-involved shooting has spurred one Vallejo family to join forces with an out-of-town organization to learn to "police the police."
On Saturday, local chapter members of the national Cop Watch organization are scheduled to provide public training that will help launch a branch of the organization in Vallejo.
Rev. Floyd D. Harris Jr., president of his Fresno-based civil rights organization, National Network in Action, is assisting the efforts.
The training will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Vallejo Police Department, 111 Amador St.
"The community has said enough is enough," Harris said Thursday afternoon, joined by about 20 people, many related to Mario Romero, on the steps of Vallejo City Hall.
Harris, whose National Network in Action "works toward the upliftment of all people particularly the poor, the working class and people of color," (www.nationalnetworkinaction.org) said he was drawn to Vallejo to assist after a string of officer-involved shootings here this year, including Romero's on Sept. 2.
According to police reports, Romero got out of his parked vehicle with a replica pellet gun in his waistband and crouched behind his car door when police pulled in front of him. Front seat passenger Joe Johnson also received a single bullet wound during the fracas.
Family members inside the home at the time deny allegations that Romero had a gun or that he ever got out of the car.
For more information, call  Rev. Harris at (559) 803-0286.