The cases of police brutality and excessive use of force against people of color in the United States, and here in Vallejo, California, this week and historically, are unacceptable.and we have had enough!  The incidents of unlawful police brutality leading to the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and now Sean Monterrosa just this week in Vallejo, force us to take action and demand change. 

We are calling on Mayor Bob Sampayan, City Manager Greg Nyhoff, and Police Chief Shawny Williams for immediate action and a commitment to make recommended, evidence-based reforms to minimize violence and loss of life in our community. We also demand accountability in the form of charges being brought against the unnamed officer who shot and killed Sean Monterrosa. Firing shots from an unmarked police car at a kneeling, unarmed young man, and taking his life, is in violation of even our current inadequate standards for police use of force policies. A paid leave of absence is not accountability. Our neighbors and citizens will not feel safe when officers like this unnamed officer, and while David and Ryan McLaughlin, who have repeatedly perpetrated excessive use of force offenses against Vallejo citizens, still have badges. We will no longer accept the City of Vallejo paying off the ineffectual lawsuits that have historically been the only recourse for these unlawful incidents, and we won’t stand down until justice is served. 

We deserve and demand to live in a community where the police effectively serve & protect by limiting police intervention, improving community interactions, and ensuring accountability.  

We realize that getting there will be an involved and taxing process but we also understand that our Mayor, Bob Sampayan, has the authority and power to adopt the following eight policies right now to assure public safety for ALL of Vallejo's citizens.  

These recommended, evidence-based  #8CANTWAIT policy changes are:

- BAN CHOKEHOLDS & STRANGLEHOLDS

 - REQUIRE DE-ESCALATION

- REQUIRE WARNING BEFORE SHOOTING

 - EXHAUST ALL OTHER MEANS BEFORE SHOOTING

 - DUTY TO INTERVENE

 - BAN SHOOTING AT MOVING VEHICLES

 - REQUIRE USE OF FORCE CONTINUUM

 - REQUIRE COMPREHENSIVE REPORTING

Vallejo citizens deserve to live free from fear of the law enforcement that is meant to keep us safe. We believe that human life is sacred and must be protected, not targeted. We can’t afford to lose any more lives, and our community can’t bear any more trauma or heartbreak. 

Please sign this petition as a heartfelt plea to Mayor Bob Sampayan, City Manager Greg Nyhoff, and Police Chief Shawny Williams, to implement these #8CANTWAIT policies NOW, to hold Vallejo’s Police Department accountable for their unlawful violence against citizens, and to build a public safety system with a firm foundation of equality and respect for human lives, including black lives and brown lives. 

Fellow Vallejo neighbors, citizens, and allies nationwide, please add your voice and join us in demanding #JUSTICEFORVALLEJO. Your support is vital.  

In Solidarity,
Stephanie Brown & Jaclyn Nesbitt