Police Chiefs in East Contra Costa are behind a new policy announced Monday by Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton that will publicly release reports in all law enforcement involved fatal incidents if no charges are filed.
The goal, according to Becton, is to provide information to the public in a timely and transparent banner.
According to the policy, the public reports will summarize the results of the independent criminal investigation and give a legal analysis of the facts. DA Becton will review the report prepared by the assigned deputy district attorney before they are released. Previously, reports were not publicly released from the district attorney’s office in a consistent manner.
Scott Alonso, Public Information officer for the DA’s office provided the incidents involving law enforcement which resulted in fatalities n the past year:
- December 18, 2017: Richmond PD, Antonio Cacatain (Suicide in the field, SF PD Officer)
- January 12: Pittsburg PD, Terry Amons (OIS, Death)
- January 17: Sheriff’s Office, Noe Saucedo (Pursuit)
- January 24: Sheriff’s Office, James Cooper (ICD) jail death
- February 7: Sheriff’s Office, David Hubbard (ICD) jail death
- February 8: Antioch PD, Lloyd Harris, (OIS, Death)
- March 27: Concord PD, Keith Griffin (Pursuit)
- June 4: Sheriff’s Office, Linda Thomas (ICD) jail death (suicide)
- June 12: Sheriff’s Office, Philip Jacobson (ICD) jail death (suicide)
- July 21: Orinda PD, Danny Lockett Jr. (Pursuit)
Pittsburg Police Chief Brian Addington stated he supported the decision and in prior cases has asked for a report like this.
“Prior to implementing the change, DA Becton met with all the County Chiefs to discuss the changes,” said Addington. “I think it is important for our community to understand all the facts and have the opportunity to review the decisions made throughout the process.”
Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks agreed.
“I fully support the District Attorney’s new reporting policy,” said Brooks. “This layer of transparency regarding events where a life is lost when law enforcement is involved should instill a greater level of trust with our community. Now, the public will have increased access to factual information about what actually occurred, versus rumor, speculation, or hearsay. Additionally, this report provides a layer of assurance to the involved law enforcement personnel that their actions were thoroughly investigated and deemed lawful.”
Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen also agreed with the policy.
“Anything we can do to provide more transparency to the public, it’s a good thing,” said Hansen. “I am okay with it.”
For more information: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1641
1 comment
VOTE YES ON 6. REPEAL THE GAS TAX.
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