If you've never heard of a little County called Merced nestled within the Central Valley of California before let us apologize in advance for the incoming disappointment. They call this place "Central Cal-Abama" where "you come on vacation and leave on probation." For people of color and low-income individuals justice is rarely attainable. That is in part due to the spillage of workplace toxicity here in the very City of Merced.

If you care to learn more you can search: Merced Police Assault Black UC Merced Students , Merced Police Assault William Colbert, Merced Police Lt. Under Investigation for Alleged Sexual Harassment , Merced Police Officer Hit and Kills Elderly Woman , Merced-fatal-crash-pedestrian-killed-police-car-runs-over-man , Earl Stokes husband to Merced Police Officer Krista Stokes Kidnaps Child , amongst so many others.

With this petition we are calling for an immediate independent external investigation pertaining to recent allegations of serious nature that include:

1. Racism (not only against community members but officer against officer)
2. Physical assault 
3. Hazing
4. Theft
5. Sexual coercion and rape 
6. Abuse of power (overtime, timecard fraud for favors)
7. Retaliatory targeting of whistleblowers
8. Neglect of personnel which directly effects the local community
9. Public safety risk to community at large due to improperly treated officers and staff

Recently, there have been increased causes for concern that stem from the seemingly dangerous culture within the Merced Police Department and City of Merced overall. Sworn and non-sworn personnel have endured egregious behavior by chain of command and the City. Their complaints have went nowhere although the City of Merced Attorney, Manager(s) and Mayor where well aware of multiple employee accusations. This has caused early retirement, resignation and medical leave of said personnel which pose significant hardships on dwindling staff, citizens and businesses locally.

Since, these are complex circumstances the need for transparency is at an all time high. If our law enforcement officers and their non-sworn support staff (dispatch and other civilian employees) are not receiving their due justice we are asking for help across the nation to support their cause.

The mental health and well-being of the Merced Community is at stake if these issues are not swiftly and properly addressed. Furthermore, it would behoove all community members and visitors alike to ensure public safety is being tended to at the very core of Merced.

It should be noted that the current Merced Mayor is the Chief Deputy Merced County District Attorney, two current council members are also law enforcement (Merced County Sheriff's), and another was previously in a law enforcement capacity. We believe that these factors directly impede any type of accountability in these circumstances and all of this falls into the equation of being problematic for the town.

We are hoping to gather at least 1,000 local signatures (within Merced County) before the next City Council meeting. Others signature to support this endeavor are also more than welcome.