The Vallejo Police Oversight and Accountability Commission has officially commenced its operations, marking a significant step forward after a three-year delay. The commission recently held its initial meetings on January 12 and February 2, 2024, during which members elected John Lewis as chair and Renee Sykes as vice-chair. They also established a regular meeting schedule, set for the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers. The next meeting is slated for March 12, 2024.
Established in December 2022, the commission is part of a series of reforms mandated by the state Department of Justice. These reforms aim to address longstanding issues related to police conduct in Vallejo, which have included deadly officer-involved shootings and substantial financial settlements concerning excessive use of force allegations.
The delay in getting the commission operational was attributed to negotiations with the police officers’ union, which filed a complaint related to the commission’s formation in 2023. This process concluded in December 2023, allowing the commission to move forward.
John Lewis emphasized the necessity of improving the complaint process for residents. He stated, “There is much that needs to be done, starting with a much more friendly way to file a complaint/comment.” He highlighted that the current complaint procedure is cumbersome, requiring individuals to complete a form that is not easily accessible online.
Currently, Vallejo residents can report complaints by contacting the watch commander at (707) 648-5291. However, many may hesitate to use this option, especially if they are complaining about the watch commander themselves. Additionally, filing a written complaint involves a lengthy and complex process, as the complaint form is not fillable online. Instead, individuals must download it, print it, fill it out manually, and send it via postal mail or deliver it in person.
In contrast, filing a complaint with the Richmond Community Police Review Commission is considerably more straightforward. Residents can complete the process online in just three clicks, which significantly lowers the barriers to participation.
While working to streamline the complaint process, Lewis encouraged the public to reach out to him or other commission members directly via email. Lewis can be contacted at [email protected], while Vice-Chair Sykes can be reached at [email protected]. Other commission members include Rommye Qualls, Cameron Clark, Richard Hybels, Derek Roy, Naomi Yun, and alternate member Melvin Jones.
Vice-Chair Sykes indicated that the commission hopes to begin reviewing public complaints within the next month. She mentioned several initiatives aimed at simplifying the complaint process, including making paper forms available at community locations such as senior and recreation centers.
Sykes also stated the importance of ensuring community access to commission meetings. “We have to go to meeting halls throughout the city, we have to figure out how much they charge and when they are available. We’re just trying to make sure the community is heard and part of the process and not left out,” she noted.
As the commission continues to establish itself, additional information about its meetings and processes can be found on the city’s official website. The commission is committed to fostering transparency and accountability within Vallejo’s policing practices, with the goal of rebuilding trust within the community.
As Sykes put it, “We are still feeling our way around. It will take us a minute, but I think we’ll be fine.”
