BPD Scandal: Whistleblower reveals racism, anti-homeless sentiment, overtime abuse and arrest quotas
We have recently been made aware of a number of illegal and unsavory activities within the Berkeley Police Department’s Downtown Task Force/Bike Unit based on emails containing screenshots from group text messages that were sent to City Council on November 10th. This ranges from racism and anti-homeless sentiment to overtime abuse and arrest quotas (which are illegal under California law). More information can be found in this press release. It is very possible that Interim Police Chief Jen Louis had knowledge of this information prior to its publication, and given she runs the department she certainly should have - but we cannot know until a proper investigation has been completed.
This scandal is actively unfolding and we are seeking more information.
We demand a thorough and independent investigation.
Link to Allegations Press Release from Nathan Mizell (Vice Chair of the Police Accountability Board)
