Independent Monitor Says Oakland Police Falling Behind In Reform Measures
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— An independent monitor appointed to review court-ordered reforms for the Oakland Police Department says the agency is falling behind in its efforts.
In March of 2013 U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson took what was considered an unusual step of appointing a compliance director to take control of the department and make sure it complies with 22 reforms stemming from a police brutality case in 2003.
Robert Warshaw, the independent monitor, appointed to review the department's efforts said police brass have fallen behind since his last report four months ago.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Warshaw said he was worried about conclusions made by the department's internal affairs unit involving the case of an officer who used a Taser on a suspect in handcuffs.
The unit found the officer acted properly even though a separate panel of three senior police commanders found he did not.
In a statement, Interim Oakland Chief of Police Sean Whent told the Chronicle he met with Warshaw and is committed to making swift progress in improvements.