Officials Fight For More Oakland Police Oversight Amid Sex Scandal
OAKLAND (CBS SF) --Oakland city leaders are debating the best way to watch over the troubled police force.
Many say that in light of the recent allegations of a sex scandal within Oakland Police Department, the city needs a powerful police commission now more than ever.
Oakland's Public Safety Committee is debating whether the Oakland Police Department needs stronger oversight.
Deacon Reginald Lyles, a retired officer, said police shouldn't be afraid of this.
On Tuesday, groups who have been advocating for stronger oversight of the Oakland Police Department for years, stood in front of Oakland City Hall in solidarity against recent police behavior.
Carroll Fife, co-chair of the Oakland Alliance said, "Let's not use the euphemism - misconduct. That's too nice. Let's call it what it is -- terror. This is police terror."
The proposal, sponsored by Councilmembers Noel Gallo and Dan Kalb, creates a new inspector general position over the police.
It also sets up an independent, civilian police commission that supporters say will have more teeth than the current commission, which can only offer the police department advice.
Kalb said, "Who really wants to be on a commission if they can't really do a whole lot? So, we want to get strong people, good people and give it some authority with appropriate checks and balances."
This proposal is coming on the heels of allegations that more than a dozen Oakland officers and officers from neighboring law enforcement agencies had sex with a prostitute, three of them when she was underage. In return -- they offered her protection on the streets.
Amid all this, police Chief Sean Whent is now out of a job.
City councilmember at-large Rebecca Kaplan said,"There's allegations that top people in the department knew about the misconduct and didn't do anything. And that just reinforces how important it is to have an independent oversight body. And that's what this proposal would create."
If it passes Tuesday night, it will go to the full Oakland City Council for a vote next week.
