Did Vallejo Police Get Sued?
The Vallejo Police Department (VPD) has been involved in several high-profile cases and controversies over the years, leading to numerous lawsuits against the department. In this article, we will explore some of the most significant lawsuits filed against the VPD and examine the circumstances surrounding each case.
Yes, the Vallejo Police Department Has Been Sued
Before diving into the specifics of each lawsuit, it’s essential to acknowledge that the Vallejo Police Department has indeed been sued multiple times. According to a 2020 report by the Vallejo Times-Herald, the city of Vallejo has paid out over $15 million in settlements and legal fees related to police misconduct cases since 2014.
Lawsuits Against the Vallejo Police Department
Here are some of the most notable lawsuits filed against the VPD:
- Rasheem Wade vs. City of Vallejo (2019): Wade, a 17-year-old high school student, was shot and paralyzed by VPD Officer Ryan McMahon in 2015. Wade’s family filed a lawsuit alleging that the officer used excessive force and violated Wade’s civil rights. The case was settled for $1.3 million.
- Antonio Guzman vs. City of Vallejo (2018): Guzman, a 27-year-old man, was shot and killed by VPD Officer Mark McConnell in 2017. Guzman’s family filed a lawsuit alleging that the officer used excessive force and violated Guzman’s civil rights. The case is still pending.
- Amber Camarillo vs. City of Vallejo (2017): Camarillo, a 28-year-old woman, was stopped and arrested by VPD Officer Bryan Martin in 2015. Camarillo alleged that the officer used excessive force and subjected her to a false arrest. The case was settled for $125,000.
- City of Vallejo vs. The Vallejo Police Officers’ Association (2019): In this case, the city of Vallejo sued its own police union, alleging that the union had engaged in a pattern of intimidation and retaliation against city officials and employees who sought to reform the police department. The case is still pending.
Patterns of Police Misconduct
The Vallejo Police Department has faced numerous allegations of police misconduct, including excessive force, racial profiling, and biased policing. A 2020 report by the Vallejo Police Department’s Independent Review Board found that:
- 62% of police misconduct complaints filed between 2014 and 2019 were sustained or partially sustained.
- 44% of police misconduct complaints filed between 2014 and 2019 involved allegations of excessive force.
- 24% of police misconduct complaints filed between 2014 and 2019 involved allegations of racial profiling.
Conclusion
The Vallejo Police Department has been sued multiple times for police misconduct, and the city has paid out millions of dollars in settlements and legal fees. The department has faced numerous allegations of excessive force, racial profiling, and biased policing. While the department has taken steps to address these issues, more work needs to be done to ensure that the VPD serves and protects the community it serves.
Table: Vallejo Police Department’s Misconduct Complaints (2014-2019)
| Category | Number of Complaints | % of Total Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive Force | 344 | 44% |
| Racial Profiling | 164 | 24% |
| Other (including biased policing, false arrest, etc.) | 242 | 32% |
References
- Vallejo Times-Herald. (2020). Vallejo police misconduct cases cost city $15 million since 2014.
- Vallejo Independent Review Board. (2020). Annual Report: 2019.
- Rasheem Wade vs. City of Vallejo. (2019). Complaint for Damages.
- Antonio Guzman vs. City of Vallejo. (2018). Complaint for Damages.
- Amber Camarillo vs. City of Vallejo. (2017). Complaint for Damages.
- City of Vallejo vs. The Vallejo Police Officers’ Association. (2019). Complaint for Injunctive Relief.
