Scapegoating the Police for Society’s Ills Takes the Heat off Politicians and Bureaucrats
As the anti law enforcement rhetoric continues to flood the media print and airways in this country, and as certain groups and politicians are jumping on this bandwagon to bolster their own status or posture for a possible better political position, some police associations and responsible individuals are saying, “Enough is enough.”
Now in San Francisco, a labor organization (San Francisco Labor Council), a political organization (Democratic County Central Committee), and Gavin Newsom-appointed District Attorney George Gascon – who was also a seat-warming Chief of Police for a few months -- have either introduced ill-conceived anti-law enforcement resolutions, or have organized a task force to investigate alleged “systemic racism in the SFPD.”
As a labor leader I’m saying, “Enough!”
Let me be the first to say that there are problems within the SFPD. Name an organization of over 2200 members that has zero problems. You can’t, simply because they do not exist. If the Public Defender and the District Attorney believe that there is explicit and implicit bias among police officers, then they must also concede that they too have these biases, as do their employees. There are problems within the District Attorney’s Office, as well as in the Public Defender’s Office. The common denominator is that we are all human and prone to make mistakes. The question is can we learn and advance from those mistakes?
When problems have arisen with the SFPD, our Chief has taken swift action. The Chief has demonstrated more transparency, and has been more forthcoming with information than any Chief in the past 30 years. This is not necessarily true with other agencies throughout the country. Perhaps that is why we are seeing resolution after resolution from certain organizations and politicians. They attempt to lump our department in with every agency that are dealing with some extremely controversial issues. They paint all of the SFPD with a broad brush then, try and grab their 15 minutes of fame on the backs of the hard working, dedicated, and committed members of the SFPD.
Recently, I was compelled to respond in writing to the DCCC regarding their Racial Justice Committee resolution (see Page ___). After requests to meet with them to discuss the resolution were denied, I had no recourse but to send a formal opposition letter to every committee member. As of this writing, this resolution has yet to pass at the DCCC. On the other hand, The San Francisco Labor Council was willing to meet with the POA and the Chief to discuss their resolution. A healthy dialog took place where much of the Adachi 9 point plan was refuted, and an amended resolution was put forward with no objection from the POA.
I also felt obligated to send a letter to every assistant district attorney at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office demonstrating the support of the POA for his and her tireless work on behalf of the residents of this great city (see Page ____). They are the attorneys that deal directly with the rank and file of the SFPD, and they are the ones who work countless hours ensuring that the violent and harden criminals, who have victimized the people of San Francisco, are held accountable. The ADAs have proven themselves in court, and they have earned that respect regardless of who their boss might be.
There is, and should be, accountability on all levels of the SFPD. Few American law enforcement agencies have more oversight. The men and women of the SFPD are reviewed by both civilian and government entities. I believe that accountability and responsibility rest not only with the SFPD but with all members of our community. These include faith-based leaders, community activists, elected officials, and yes even those accused of violating the law. Even suspects have the responsibility to follow a lawful order from a peace officer. The venue to challenge that authority lies not on the streets of the City; it lies in court of law.
Having served as POA Treasurer for nine years, Vice President for a year, and as President for over two years, I can unequivocally state that we (SFPD and SFPOA) are committed to the community and have taken a level of responsibility for those who we serve. The personal involvement of our members in concert with the fiscal contributions to worthy non profit organization, in predominately under privileged or low income neighborhoods, clearly demonstrates our hope and aspiration for the youth, the elderly, and minorities in these neighborhoods. Let me name a few: Recently, Officer Jason Johnson of Bayview Station chaperoned a group of African American youth from the Bayview/Hunters Point on a trip to West Africa to learn about their ancestral heritage. Known as Operation Genesis, the program was primarily funded by the Department and the POA. Also, Officer Todd Burkes of Mission Station recently escorted a youth group from the Mission District to Washington DC to learn about American civics. This was also funded by the Department and the POA. The POA is also an annual and major contributor to Operation Dream, SFPAL, The Wilderness Program, Hanna Boys Club, Helpers of the Mentally Retarded, Make a Wish Foundation, Omega Boys Club, SF Youth Fishing Program, and the UCSF Pediatric Ward. All of these groups serve some of the most vulnerable individuals of our community.
I wish that those politicians and organizations who vilify, chastise, and criticize what we do and how we do it would publicly acknowledge what this department and this association has done and continues to do for our community. Get off of your bandwagons and get as involved as we. When it comes to compassion and charity, there can never be enough!
Slainte!
