HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200622plCC3701-32
DOCUMENTS IN THIS PACKET INCLUDE:
LETTERS FROM CITIZENS TO THE
MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL
RESPONSES FROM STAFF TO LETTERS FROM CITIZENS
ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
ITEMS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES AND AGENCIES
ITEMS FROM CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
Prepared for: 06/22/2020
Document dates: 6/3/2020 – 6/10/2020
Set 3 of 12
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet
reproduction in a given week.
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Ben Foutty <bfoutty@stanford.edu>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 7:33 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:What are we doing to support Black lives?
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I'm a (relatively new) Palo Alto resident, and I'm writing with regard to my concerns about the murder of Black
Americans at the hands of police across the country and wondering what our city is doing to address this issue.
I attended the protest in Downtown Palo Alto today (as I know many officials did as well) and thought I might
ask what exactly we're doing about this and share my thoughts.
A good place to start would be the points laid out here, particularly whether we should be excluding non‐
residents from Foothills Park and how we might begin to reform our police department to avoid systemic
racism and violence. As an avid hiker myself, I've avoided Foothills Park over the year I've lived here because I
find it incredibly offensive that my driver's license with a Palo Alto address is required to enter there.
Especially given the abhorrent history of redlining in Palo Alto (absolutely not unique to Palo Alto but a historic
fact nevertheless), we should be particularly sensitive about using residency as a requirement for something
as simple as a park. This is not a zero‐sum game! It's a public park! Dozens of parks throughout the South
Peninsula hills are open to whomever might like to be there, without a residency requirement ‐ I'm personally
ashamed to live in the town that can't contribute to the wider region in that way. This is literally the least we
could do ‐ and hopefully could start a conversation about how Palo Alto could be remotely more
accommodating to our more racially and socio‐economically diverse neighbors.
On a more specifically police level, the reform points from the article above (8can'twait) which I trust you're
familiar with are a necessary place to start. I'll add that the recent allegations of racism of Capt. Perron are
extremely unacceptable, and I hope that the city can address this in a more complete way than "no comment"
‐ taxpayer dollars pay that man's salary and we should be entitled to at least a cursory explanation of how the
city dealt with this explicit racism, especially as recent events show that accountability can be so lacking. But
even more generally, I believe the police in Palo Alto are used for far more than they should be in the first
place. About a month ago, a homeless man, who seemed he was suffering from mental illness, had the cops
called on him in my alley (Bryant Ct.). Palo Alto police responded, and 8 officers showed up with force to lead
this man to their car in handcuffs (including an officer with a military style, automatic weapon in his hands). I
was extremely unsettled as I watched this out my front window; published police reports confirmed that they
were transported to a Medical Center for attention. What are we doing having 8 armed officers apprehend
homeless people in need of medical attention??? Do these officers possibly have the training to do this
effectively? Is this a remotely cost‐effective way to deal with people in need of medical attention? A cursory
glance at Police Logs show that this is a shocking percentage of police reports made on any given day. Why are
we asking our police to do this and how could this money be better spent on other forms of intervention?
I'll note that I'm not the usual demographic to be involved in civic politics (under 25). But I am extremely
concerned about the expansion of policing in this country and particularly how it intersects with the
oppression of Black people, as well as towards the oppression of other groups in our city (e.g. unhoused
2
people). If this is not the proper forum to air my grievances, please direct me to where I might go with these
problems. Unfortunately my work schedule prevents me from attending the Council meeting on Monday, but I
wanted to air these points nevertheless. Thank you for your time.
Best,
Ben Foutty
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Raul Cabrera <306raul@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 7:33 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Restrict Police Brutality
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I believe that the primary purpose of the police is to ensure public safety. The police should also inspire confidence and
should make people FEEL safer.
It is clear that our black brothers and sisters have been unreasonably killed by police. It is also clear that many people in
the U.S. don't feel safe in the presence of police.
Therefore, I urge Palo Alto to make policy changes and provide trainings to officers to:
Minimize the use of excessive force, especially deadly force
Encourage officers to discuss and report incidents in which they witness the use of excessive force by their co‐workers
Help officers recognize biases, to ensure that all people are treated with respect
Swiftly hold officers accountable for their mistakes.
Regards,
Raul Cabrera
Palo Alto Resident
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Soumya Jhaveri <soumyajhaveri@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 7:51 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Soumya Jhaveri and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of
violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto Police
Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video
footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Soumya Jhaveri
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Kallee Bareket-Shavit <kallee.bareket.shavit@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 7:56 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Support Black Lives Matter by Addressing these Concerns
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello!
My name is Kallee. I am a Palo Alto resident, raised in Palo Alto (I attended Ohlone Elementary, JLS, and Paly).
Right now, we all have an opportunity to act in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and be a part of a
cultural shift to protect black people from unjust police brutality. Many have chosen to act through protest,
petitions, and donations. I choose to act with your help.
According to Campaign Zero, there are eight main police protocol policies every local government should
implement to protect its people. Palo Alto only honors two of these policies. I ask that this council make it a
priority to implement the following:
‐ Ban Chokeholds and Strangleholds
‐ Require De‐escalation whenever possible
‐ Exhaust all alternatives before shooting
‐ Ban shooting at moving vehicles
‐ use of Force Continuum
‐ Demand Comprehensive Reporting
We as a public are desperate for our community leaders to not only assert their support for the movement but
to show us the active steps they are taking to represent our values and needs. With your help, so many people
will not only feel physically more safe, but they will also feel heard. Please help me correct these wrongs and
please address these issues as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Kallee Bareket-Shavit
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Anjali Biswal <anjalibiswal@icloud.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 8:06 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Firing of DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Anjali Biswal and I am a resident of Palo Alto and Stanford student. I am emailing you today to demand that
Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply
disturbing history of violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney.
The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses
to release video footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely, Anjali Biswal
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Ali Stancheva <ali.stanchevaa@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 8:07 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Firing Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Ali Stancheva and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of
violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto Police
Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video
footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Ali Stancheva
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Maggie Gibbons <maggieanngibbons@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 8:18 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:PAPD Black Lives Matter
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Maggie Gibbons and I am a resident of Palo Alto and a graduating senior at Gunn High School. I am emailing
you today to demand that Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know,
DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo
Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this
behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being
mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Maggie Gibbons
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Jaime Furlong <jaimeleilanif@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 8:41 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear city council,
My name is Jaime Furlong and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that
Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know,
DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio
Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto
is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Jaime Furlong
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Warren Wagner <warrenwagner42@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 8:41 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Doing Less Than The Bare Minimum on Police Accountability
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To the City Council,
My name is Warren Wagner and I am a Paly grad and palo alto resident. I am emailing you today to
demand that Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately.
This is the type of action that I would describe as "less than the bare minimum." Palo Alto as a city
was formed by a white residents' association conspiring with real estate companies to push black
residents out, redlining the communities we now know as Palo Alto and East Palo Alto. Now we sit as
Palo Alto and EPA are a prime example of segregated, vastly unequal school districts, as PA boasts
unthinkable wealth. If we wanted any real 'justice,' we should be looking at some forms of reparations.
But today, we must take the tiniest, baby step towards a signal of interest in making some start at
racial justice, by firing a cop who has profiled residents and practiced obvious excessive force.
As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents,
specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and
the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video
footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Warren Wagner
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Chloe Kim <chloejoykim@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 9:12 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Fire DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Chloe Kim and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of
violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto Police
Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video
footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely, Chloe
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Allison Mou <allison.mou@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 9:24 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Fire Officer DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear all,
My name is Allison Mou and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of
violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto Police
Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video
footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Allison Mou
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Frida Rivera <fridarp@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 9:42 PM
To:Fine, Adrian
Subject:Demanding Change
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Frida Rivera and I am a recent graduate of Palo Alto High School where I served as the
senior class president and as an editor in chief of the school newspaper. I am emailing you today to
demand that Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all
know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically
Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of
Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Frida Rivera
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Vivian Feng <vivianfeng119@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 9:44 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:JUSTICE
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Vivian Feng and I am a Paly Alumn (‘19) and resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that
Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply
disturbing history of violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney.
The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses
to release video footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Vivian Feng
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Isabel Harding <isabelmharding@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 9:51 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr
Cc:Police
Subject:Thomas destefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Fine, city officials, and the PAPD,
My name is Isabel Harding and I am a Palo Alto resident. I am emailing you today to demand that
Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know,
DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio
Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto
is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
IH
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Sarah O'Riordan <sarahdor429@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 10:05 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Sarah O’Riordan and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately.
As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio
Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit
in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite
being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force. I will not forget about this.
Sincerely, Sarah O’Riordan
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Lucia Amieva-Wang <luciaamievaw@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 10:10 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Call for Immediate PA Police Accountability
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Lucia Amieva‐Wang and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto
Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing
history of violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Lucia Amieva‐Wang
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Kaitlyn Lee <lee.kaitlyn@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 10:14 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Please read!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To all,
My name is Kaitlyn Lee and I am a resident of Palo Alto and recent graduate of PAHS. I am emailing you today to
demand that Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano
has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and
Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as
PAPD refuses to release video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to
do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Isabel Coxe <izzycoxe1@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 10:18 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Isabel Coxe and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of
violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto Police
Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video
footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely, Isabel
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Ariana T <arianantabrizi@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 6, 2020 10:18 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Fire Office Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Adrian Fine,
My name is Ariana Tabrizi and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that
Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know,
DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio
Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto
is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Ariana Tabrizi
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Evelyn Usich <eusich20@missporters.org>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:09 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Evie Usich and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Evie Usich
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Audrey Ward <mizaudie@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:36 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Audrey Ward and I am aStanford student. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano is fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of
violence against Palo Alto residents, specifically Julio Arevelo, Gustavo Alvarez, and Tyler Haney. The Palo Alto Police
Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video
footage from DeStefano's horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Audrey Ward
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Andrew Ku <KuA@cusm.org>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:18 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear all,
My name is Andrew Ku and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Andrew Ku
California University of Science and Medicine - School of Medicine (CUSM-SOM)
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Noor Navaid <noornnavaid@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:28 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Noor Navaid and I am a resident of Palo Alto and alumni of Palo Alto High School. I am emailing you today to
demand that Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano
has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and
Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as
PAPD refuses to release video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to
do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Noor Navaid
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Claire Chen <cecpaloalto@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 2:08 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Justice
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear whoever this may concern,
My name is Claire Chen, and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that
Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know,
DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio
Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto
is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Claire Chen
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Lauren Koo <lauren.e.koo@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 3:29 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Lauren Koo and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Lauren
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Josh Tycko <joshtycko@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 3:53 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Could you cancel the new police station project and divert the funds?
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Councilmembers,
I am concerned that Palo Alto is paying an enormous sum for a new Public Safety building. I believe this construction
would fly in the face of the huge numbers of people currently rallying and asking for the diversion of funds from policing
and into other community services. Do you agree?
Palo Alto is known as an innovative place. There is an opportunity to lead by demonstrating how a safe and flourishing
community can be supported without spending massive sums on policing. Will any of you propose ways to seize that
opportunity?
Will you call for a vote to end the new building project and to take new input from the community on how to spend
these funds?
Thank you,
Josh
‐‐
Josh Tycko
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Elaine Uang <elaine.uang@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 6:37 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Palo Alto needs reform now
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
In light of all the recent national events and local calls for action, I wish to support a series of reforms that Pastor Kaloma
Smith outlined in his recent Op‐Ed.
Police Reform, Hiring and Practices:
Identify strategies that reduced violence against minorities
Craft policy that explicity states PAPD will not hire officers with disciplinary actions, and
Adopt Campaign Zero's #8cantwait, such as banning chokeholds & stranglehods, requiring de‐escalation
Diversity Equity Inclusion for City Staff
Training: Pastor Smith mentions implicit bias training, which Diversity Equity and Inclusion training provides, but
offers a more comprehensive set of tools. Having participated in two DEI trainings the last three years, I strongly
support this effort, especially for City of Palo Alto leadership and managers. I know funds are tight, but starting
with leadership can are the foundation for the achieving the next two points
Hiring: implementing policies to hire, and elevate minority staff
Leadership Cultivation: increase representation of different voices
The murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmad Arbery were horrific, and calling us all to action. But the work
of changing system racism means we must take a good hard look at our own selves and communities. We must act
locally here to change our culture: so we can SHOW that Black Lives Matter, not just say it.
Sincerely,
Elaine Uang
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Samantha Embersits <samanthaembersits@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 7:14 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; City Mgr; Council, City; Police
Subject:Immediate action needs to be taken against Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Community Leaders,
My name is Samantha Embersits and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand
that Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know,
DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio
Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto
is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Samantha Embersits
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Christine Boehm <cboehm@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 7:23 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:use of force and racism
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council Members,
I am a long‐time Palo Alto resident and am writing to ask you to have certain policies, practices, agreements, and
training reviewed to ensure that the police can serve our city in accord with our values.
I’m sure you agree that inappropriate/excessive force has no place in Palo Alto. From the Palo Alto Police’s 2019 annual
report, I understand that Palo Alto police officers get training in de‐escalation and do not often use force. Nevertheless,
would you please take action to ensure that both the de‐escalation training and use of force policies and practices are
the best they can be? In addition, please refuse to accept any collective bargaining agreement provisions that may
encourage or protect excessive use of force.
I’m sure that you also agree that racism has no place in Palo Alto. Would you please have the PAPD’s policies, practices,
training, and collective bargaining agreements reviewed to ensure that they are as good as they can be to stop all forms
of racism in policing, including unconscious bias?
Best,
Christine
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Danny Ari Ritz <dritz23@stanford.edu>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 8:47 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Danny and I am a Stanford Student. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police Department
officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence
against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police
Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video
footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Danny
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Stephanie Peng <stephaniepeng24@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 9:37 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Stephanie Peng and I am a Paly student. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Peng
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Nora Bajor <nbajor@icloud.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 11:07 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Nora Bajor and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Nora Bajor
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Mayumi Perez <mayapereztwd@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 11:18 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto PD,
My name is Mayumi perez, and I am a student at Palo Alto High school. I am emailing you today to
demand that Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all
know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically
Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of
Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Mayumi Perez
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Gail Thompson <Gail.thompson2018@outlook.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 11:23 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Needs Support
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I support Rev. Kaloma Smith’s stated needs reform and will work for these reforms.
Gail Thompson, RN, Palo Alto resident, member of the First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Claire Fiorentino <clairefiorentino1@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 11:31 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Claire Fiorentino and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Claire Fiorentino
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Sky Austin <n0qq32@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 11:51 AM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear all, My name is Sky Kareht and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so. Any statements
you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand to see swift
action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force. Sincerely, Sky Kareht
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Emily Lacroix <elacroix92@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:08 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Defunding the Police
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello city council,
My name is Emily Lacroix, and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am writing to demand that funding is reallocated from the
PAPD to social and public programming that takes place in our community and in neighboring communities.
Policing is rooted in racism and classism. Our city's police department has perpetuated these social ills, showing more
racial bias than 81% of other police departments in California and a history of over‐policing. I'm sure you will be
receiving many emails regarding the "8 Can't Wait" initiative. Although these policies may provide a small bandaid for
the wound that is state‐sanctioned violence against Black people, I'm of the mindset that the PAPD has proven it is no
longer deserving of the increased attention and funding that will come with these policies.
Instead, I am asking the city of Palo Alto to:
1) Suspend the use of paid administrative leave for police officers under investigation
2) Withhold pensions and don't rehire officers involved in excessive force
3) Require police officers to be liable for misconduct settlements
4) Cap overtime accrual and overtime pay for military exercises
5) Withdraw participation in police militarization programs
6) Prioritize spending on community, health, education, and affordable housing
7) Reduce the size of the police force.
Finally, I would like to suggest that the funds recovered from minimizing our police force be directed, in part, to East
Palo Alto; consider them to be reparations for racist redlining policies.
Let's do the right thing,
Emily Lacroix
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:SARAH BURGESS <sburgrval@aol.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:14 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Police Department use of force policy
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
In light of the recent tragic events as well as our city’s recent police use of force history, I ask that the City Council review
and adopt the use of force policies promoted by the organization 8cantwait.org. In addition, I request the city council
adopt a policy prohibiting contributions by the peace officer’s union to any local election.
Our city and surroundings are physically beautiful. Let’s keep them peaceful and fair as well.
Sarah Jane Burgess
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Kat Merk <kmerk101@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:20 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Officer DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
My name is Katarina and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo
Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano
has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo,
Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is
entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Katarina Merk
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Mary Alice Thornton <4mat@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Time to act now
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please, City Council, now is the time for structural change in Palo Alto. #8can'twait is needed now.
Mary Alice Thornton,
Member, First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto
850 Webster St. Apt. 735
Palo Alto, CA 94301
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Esme Stotland <estotland@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:27 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Esme Stotland and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Esme Stotland
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Aisha Chabane <chabaneaisha@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:28 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Aisha Chabane and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Aisha Chabane
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:David Thornton <dgthor@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:33 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Time to Act
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
This is the moment to move beyond words to transformative action to address racism in our community. #8can’twait is
needed now!
Dave Thornton
850 Webster, #735
Palo Alto, 94301
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Nicolas Diaz Magaloni <nicolasdiazmagaloni@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 12:58 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Nicolas Diaz‐Magaloni and I am resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto
Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing
history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo
Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Nicolas Diaz‐Magaloni
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Carla Kong <kalrac888@icloud.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:06 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Carla Kong and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Carla Kong
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Alice On <alice.zhou.on@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:26 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Alice On and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Alice On
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Sawyer Ranzetta <21sranzetta@castilleja.org>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:27 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Defund and Demilitarize the Police
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Sawyer and I am a resident of Palo Alto, California. I am writing to demand the following
legislative changes you can make to eradicate the decimation of Black people at the hands of police officers.
The following is a compilation of background information and implementation strategies for necessary
legislative actions derived from collecting the pleas of Black organizers, activists, and journalists:
1. Redirect Police Funding
Phillip McHarris (doctoral candidate focusing on race) and Thenjiwe McHarris (strategist with the Movement for
Black Lives) explain the problem with current police reform efforts:
“More training or diversity among police officers won’t end police brutality, nor will firing and charging individual
officers. Look at the Minneapolis Police Department, which is held up as a model of progressive police reform.
The department offers procedural justice as well as trainings for implicit bias, mindfulness and de-escalation. It
embraces community policing and officer diversity, bans ‘warrior style’ policing, uses body cameras,
implemented an early intervention system to identify problematic officers, receives training around mental
health crisis intervention, and practices ‘reconciliation’ efforts in communities of color.”
Evidently, that was not enough. Instead of heightening the resources that officers have, they advocate
redirecting funds to alternative emergency response programs, which can also be fueled by state-level and
local-level grants. The McHarris’ argument is that we should work towards a reality in which healthcare workers
and emergency response teams should handle substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, or mental
health cases, while rapid response social workers provide individuals with the care they need. Community
organizers would be responsible for spearheading responses to the pandemic. “The average police recruit
spends 58 hours learning how to shoot and only 8 hours learning how to de-escalate.” Police officers are not
trained nor necessary in reacting to such crises—specialized responders are.
Most police funding is budgeted and taxed at the local level, with city-level and county-level votes periodically
increasing budgets. In 2017, Oakland allocated the highest share of its general fund to policing nationwide, at
41 percent and $242.5 million. It is crucial to establish state-level and local-level bans on heightening police
funds, while simultaneously redirecting budgets to the aforementioned alternatives.
For-profit policing is a large culprit. Even though Governor Brown’s 2016 bill helped protect Californians from
civil asset forfeitures, this is far from sufficient. As of 2020, 66.25% of forfeiture profits go to police—a C+
rating.
The Black Lives Matter Movement demands “acknowledgment and accountability for the devaluation and
dehumanization of Black life at the hands of the police… We call for a national defunding of police. We
demand investment in our communities and the resources to ensure Black people not only survive, but thrive.”
The McHarris’ conclusion states, “We need to reimagine public safety in ways that shrink and eventually
abolish police and prisons while prioritizing education, housing, economic security, mental health and
alternatives to conflict and violence.”
A persistent, genuine, and well-thought-out legislative effort to redirect police funds and end for-profit policing
is imperative.
2. Abolish Legislative Police Protections
Murderers who wear a badge have consistently been given a free pass to decimate Black life. BLM “demand[s]
accountability [for] those who are victims of police violence.”
2
It is vital to ensure that police officers are met with precisely the same consequences as their badgeless
counterparts. Accountability has been denied to Black people for centuries, and it is crucial to impose
legislative confirmation that accountability is ensured.
Campaign Zero is an organization dedicated to “limiting police interventions, improving community interactions,
and ensuring accountability.”
They propose a solution of independent investigations. Because only 1% of all killings by police lead to an
officer being charged with a crime, “independent investigations and prosecutions of police officers” must be
mandated to eliminate biases. A broken system should not be evaluating itself.
3. Demilitarize the Police
Campaign Zero emphasizes that studies show how “more militarized police departments are significantly more
likely to kill civilians.” Unfortunately, “the federal 1033 program transfers military weapons to police
departments.”
Campaign Zero continues that to demilitarize, we must “prohibit cities and counties from using federal funds to
purchase military equipment.”
California is not void of this indictment. In total, 41 MRAPs are in the possession of law enforcement agencies
in California. All in all, California’s quantity of purchasing such outlandish and high-level military technology is
unmatched: “In terms of cash value, California gets more 1033 gear than other states.”
Even though the LAPD has refused to take on more military equipment, they stated that “the department will
replenish and replace” existing equipment. Such measures must be barred in an effort to eventually
demilitarize the police force entirely in the long run.
Police departments should be restricted from using federal grant money to purchase military equipment, using
the SWAT team, or conducting no-knock raids. Over-weaponized departments must reduce their use of
weapon stockpiles, as “agencies should seek to return to the federal government the military equipment that
has already been received” as places like San Jose already have.
The warranting is simple: “Military equipment naturally increases military-style training for said equipment. That
training can increase the other dimensions of militarization,” contributing to the war-like mentality implicitly
enforced by the police, who have no place fighting wars against the most disenfranchised members of their
communities.
I hope that our legislators can take tangible, policy-level initiatives to defend Black lives, something they have
failed to do so up until this point. Please listen to the pleas of the Black entities listed above and countless
others, and help give rise to a future where Black folks do not have to fear for their lives on a daily basis.
Sincerely but not silently,
Sawyer
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Yesenia Castaneda-Gallegos <yeseniacastanedag@my.smccd.edu>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:29 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Defund the Police
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To the city council and people of Palo Alto,
We need to defund the police, instead of another failed attempt to reform the police.
The campaign for 8Can'tWait is actually derailing us from the real conversation that needs to be had. Police reform has
proven to be ineffective. Police brutality has occurred in cities where one or more of these eight policies have already
been implemented. We cannot expect police to listen to these policies when they have proven time after time that they
do not care about them.
Police need to be defunded. This money could be better used if invested directly into our poor communities of color
through public services. Defunding the police may sound radical, until you realize the government has been defunding
education for years.
Defund police now, it can't wait.
Sincerely,
A fed up citizen
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Melissa Kirven-Brooks <melissa@kirvenbrooks.org>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:49 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City
Subject:#8CantWait Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To the City Council of Palo Alto:
As a 25 year resident of Palo Alto, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto and an African American
mother of three children, I’m emailing you to urge you to take the pledge to enact the #8CantWait Use of Force policies.
At a service at First Pres a few years ago, the congregation spoke out about negative experiences with police over the
years that took place in our little bubble and I know our city would benefit from these policies.
The #8CantWait policies are simple, common‐sense and would make our community safer. PALO ALTO, CA has 2 policies
that are part of the #8CantWait pledge. Can you please commit to enacting these additional policies right now?
Ban Chokeholds and Strangleholds
Requires De‐escalation
Requires Exhaust All Alternatives Before Shooting
Ban Shooting at Moving Vehicles
Has Use of Force Continuum
Requires Comprehensive Reporting
I am willing to help and know others are as well. Please let me know what I can do. The 8Can’tWait campaign was raised
in this morning’s service, as well as the response received from a similar letter written by Holly brady. We appreciate
your attention to these issues at tomorrow’s City Council meeting.
Sincerely,
Melissa Kirven‐Brooks
690 Wildwood Lane
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:RICH STIEBEL <w6apz@comcast.net>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 1:58 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:No More Violence 060720o
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members;
I generally agree with Pastor Smith's message, but I think we need to add a few points.
- Police body camera content must be released to the public within 24 hours after any incident in
which there is violence. If police have followed the rules, this should not be a problem. Police are
human; humans make mistakes sometimes. When this happens the officers involved need to learn
from their mistakes and the public needs transparency to continue to have confidence that our police
force is working for all of us.
- When several officers are confronting a suspect who is holding anything other than a gun and the
suspect moves threateningly toward the officers, only one officer should shoot the suspect. This
officer should aim for the suspect’s legs to disable the person without killing them.
- According to what I’ve heard when Palo Alto was planning to purchase and develop the area now
known as Foothill Park, Palo Alto invited the other cities around to join in the project. None wanted to
put any money in then, but now they all want access. This reminds me of the children’s story of the
Little Red Hen who asks: Who will help me plant the wheat? Who will help me harvest the wheat?,
Who will help me grind the flour? Who will help me bake the cake? To all these questions the hen’s
friends respond: Not I, Not I, Not I. But when the Little Red Hen asks Who will help me eat the
cake? All her friends want the hen to share the cake. Keep Foothills Park for Palo Alto only!
- Regarding Shooting Moving Vehicles, I believe that if police think it’s important to stop a suspect,
they should shoot out the tires or disable the car in other ways. Stopping a vehicle in this way
prevents the possible high speed chase which frequently results in innocent people being hurt or
killed.
Aside from the above, I generally support Pastor Smith’s suggestions. Please enact all of the above.
Rich Stiebel
840 Talisman Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94303-4435
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Carole Stivers <carole@stivers.cc>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 2:30 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City
Subject:8CantWait and other issues
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hi Mayor Fine,
It was great seeing you at the rally on Saturday, June 6. What a wonderful rally and march it was!
Moving forward, I would urge the council and City Manager to LISTEN to the sentiments expressed at
that rally. First off, the six remaining policies contained in the Campaign Zero #8cantwait list
need to be addressed in Palo Alto. I understand that these will be discussed at your June 8
meeting, and they should be top of the agenda.
Then, in my opinion, we need to move on to housing. I know that housing and transportation were two
issues that you ran on when I voted for you. I also know that many Palo Altans would like to shrink
away. They wish they lived in some long-ago "simpler times," when Palo Alto was a tiny bedroom
community with homes affordable to the local grocer and teacher. But now, if we are to maintain any
sort of vitality as a city, when young people like yourself have to move away just to stay solvent, I feel
that we can't move quickly enough on low-cost housing in Palo Alto. This would not only be more
fair to diverse members of our community, but to ALL members of our community.
Hand in hand with this would be caps on rent for small businesses. We must stop landlords from
gouging our small businesses. I think that the blighted look of University Avenue, stores and
restaurants boarded up even prior to the pandemic, speaks for itself in this regard.
Thank you,
Carole Stivers
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Prahalad Mitra <prahaladmitra@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 2:37 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Prahalad Mitraa and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto Police
Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history
of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto
Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release
video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Prahalad Mitra
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Masako Perez <masako.c.perez@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 2:38 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; City Mgr; Council, City; Police
Subject:BLACK LIVES MATTER
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Masako and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo
Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano
has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo,
Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is
entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Masako
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Carolyn Johnson <rhunterg@ix.netcom.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 2:51 PM
To:Council, City; Police
Cc:BPA News
Subject:Police Accountability ?
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To the City of Palo Alto City Council, and Chief Jonsen:
Thank you for posting a Response to the 8 Can’t Wait list of much-needed law enforcement policies. For those
of the public who might want to read it, perhaps the following path may be helpful? I was finally able to locate
the Response only after scouring the Police Dept. Home Page>sidebar “Explore”>Accountability>Helpful
Resources>Use of Force Preliminary Comparison.
1. Perhaps your Response might be moved to a less obscure location where the public might locate it more
easily ?
2. The Responses you have provided are coached in language that would take the Law Review staff at
Stanford to translate! At this point, I can only assume that is deliberate? Additionally, the Response continually
refers to the “training” of its’ employees. We are all far too painfully aware that “training” and “action” are not
the same thing.
3. Can you please tell me why it is apparently not possible to respond to public concern with a straight-forward
sentence ?
e.g. “Any employee of the Palo Alto Police Department using any body maneuver or restraint that cuts off
another person’s oxygen or blood supply will be summarily terminated from their employment”? ( And BTW -
what in the name of God is a “safe application” of such a technique?)
I look forward to receiving your straight-forward, personal replies.
Thank you for your attention.
Carolyn M. Johnson
Kendall Ave
Palo Alto
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Mary Ellen Luck <maryellenluck@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 2:53 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Public Comment/Request for June 8th City Council Meeting - Police Brutality
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I, like many of my fellow citizens, am deeply disturbed by the widespread police brutality in this country, and I am
particularly outraged by the police violence that occurs within our own community.
It is encouraging to see that Action Item 4A of tomorrow's City Council meeting will address police and public safety
practices. In addition to evaluating how to put an end to police violence in our community, I am asking that you also use
this time specifically to re‐address the case filed by Julio Arevalo against PAPD officer Thomas DeStefano in response
to the violence Arevalo faced at the hands of DeStefano in July 2019, resulting in a shattered orbital bone and a
concussion.
As far as I am aware, DeStefano is still an active member of the police force, and Arevalo has not yet received justice for
the unjustified violence he faced. I would like to request that this case be further reviewed and addressed. Specifically, I
am asking that the city hold PAPD accountable. The following needs to occur:
PAPD to release body cam footage of the cruel incident to the public
PAPD to remove DeStefano from the police force
Julio Arevalo to receive justice in the form of monetary payment that he has requested as part of his case filed
against PAPD
Thank you for your time.
Mary Ellen Luck, a Palo Alto resident
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Kevin Ma <kevinma.sd@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 2:54 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Fine, Adrian; Cormack, Alison; DuBois, Tom; Filseth, Eric (Internal); Kniss, Liz (internal); Kou, Lydia;
Tanaka, Greg
Subject:Reform Police Forces
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
In our current situation, those in leadership have a duty to look at our police and their policies. I understand that Mayor
Fine has signed the Obama Mayor's Pledge and has taken a look at Project Zero recommendations, of which includes
civilian oversight boards and demilitarization. It is wonderful to see such action taken up quickly, but we should be
aware of some of the difficulties, shortfalls, and limitations of such actions. San Jose has gone back‐and‐forth about their
auditor, with drama leading to previous auditors hounded out and the office left toothless. Oakland police using rubber
bullets that are prohibited by their internal policies. Louisville police are under fire for a fatal shooting where bodycams
were "not activated." Minneapolis city council is very close to declaring their police as "Irredeemably beyond reform."
The road is going to be tough, and always in danger of not being implemented as we have seen so often before. And as
to the idea of "our police would never do that," Shara Watkins, a school board member in San Mateo and one of the few
Black elected officials on the Peninsula, has shared her thoughts on a crackdown of a peaceful protest by San Mateo
police and sheriffs (on that note, we should ban the use of tear gas, which are banned in warfare by the Chemical
Weapons Convention).
There have been recent calls for a redirection of police funds into community‐based alternatives. Black Lives Matter and
Movement for Black Lives both advocate for this. San Francisco and Los Angeles are taking steps in this direction. News
outlets like CNN and The Atlantic have brought it up, so it's fair to say it's now in the general discourse. Even the person
who helped make Project Zero puts police abolition as the end goal. And you've heard it from our own Palo Alto
protests. Police have always been a quick (and perhaps dirty) reaction to society's problems: Narcan from failures to
address opioid and drug policy, homeless abatements from failures to address our housing crisis, and petty crime
generally from gross economic disparities. Regarding the umbrella of "Public Safety", some police funding can be
redirected to alternative forces, like nonprofits for homeless and drug use outreach so we don't escalate a bad situation.
And some to address root issues, like education and housing. The budget hasn't finalized yet, so you still have time to
readdress.
Sincerely,
Kevin
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Jennyfer Avila-Zavala <jennyferaz@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 4:44 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fire Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
City Council,
My name is Jennyfer Avila-Zavala and I am a resident of Palo Alto. I am emailing you today to
demand that Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all
know, DeStefano has a deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically
Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of
Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from
DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Jennyfer Avila-Zavala
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Citlali Guzman <citlaliguzman241@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 4:57 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; City Mgr; Police
Subject:Demand to Fire PAPD Officer Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear all,
My name is Citlali Guzman and I am a resident of Palo Alto and College student. I am emailing you today to demand that
Palo Alto Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a deeply
disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo Alvarez and Tyler Harney.
The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses
to release video footage from DeStefano’s horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their actions. I demand
to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Citlali Guzman
Sent from my iPhone
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:David Ye <dzy689@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 5:20 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City
Subject:Community Based Safety
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Fine and City Council,
I support the following proposal from Katie Causey, a fellow Palo Alto resident.
David Ye
1160 Welch Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phase 1 (Immediate)
A formal apology is released in regard to the issuing of this week’s curfew order. Earlier this week in
response to online threats from white supremacists, Palo Alto issued a curfew order. The issue of a
curfew order is a tactic that was used by Palo Alto and other cities in the 1800s and 1900s to intimidate
people of color. That is not forgotten history, and by issuing a curfew order, Palo Alto did exactly what
white supremacists intended, invoke fear and anxiety in our community. Again and again this
community has united for forward thinking solutions to local and national tragedies; falling back on a
painful and antiquated tactic goes entirely against our values as a community.
In response to the growth of white nationalism across the country, the city establishes an initiative to
combat white supremacy. Under this initiative, appointed community members collaborate with
community partners to research and advise the city on how to prevent the reach of white supremacists
from having any presence in Palo Alto.
Pass the proposed resolution to stand with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Inspired by the fact that nearly every Palo Alto student in the class of 2020 graduated displaying a
Black Lives Matter sign, establish an entirely youth led Commission for Justice to advise City Council
on how to ensure Palo Alto is a safe and accepting place for all community members. Seek our youth
leaders from organizations within our school district such as Black Student Unions, Black Scholars
United, Muslim Student Associations, Queer Straight Allliances, and Gender Sexuality Alliances (just to
name a few) for this advisory role.
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce begins to establish a free program modeled after the services of
Washington, DC’s Collective Action for Safe Spaces. Within this program local bars, restaurants, and
businesses are trained in preventing, identifying, and de-escalating harassment and violence targeted
at many communities. Businesses that complete this training can display a sign identifying that they
have been trained in creating a safe space for all communities. This effort not only makes Palo Alto
safer for every resident, it promotes and strengthens our local businesses and allows us to lead the Bay
Area’s efforts to protect diversity.
Establish a list of current nonprofits and community partners who can help in a variety of of situations
(conflict, mental health, addiction, discrimination, harrassment, abuse, assualt, restorative justice, etc.)
if individuals do not feel comfortable going to the police for assistance. Have that list widely available on
the city website, in city hall, libraries, etc.
2
A budget study is established to research the costs and benefits of investing in community based public
safety and to present a specific measure of time to be followed for assisting, establishing, and investing
in the actions listed below in Phase 2 and Phase 3.
Phase 2
Begin to invest in regular community wide training for safety issues such as, supporting survivors, self
defense, identifying abuse, de-escalation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and substance use
intervention.
Establish an incentive program for new and current businesses whose owners are from historically
underrepresented communities in order to support neighborhoods from the ground up, investing in
people’s livelihoods and increasing their access to resources.
Begin to adapt our already existing safety initiatives such as crossing guards, our local Safe Routes to
School program, and our block preparedness coordinators, to address other public safety issues such
as de-escalating conflict between neighbors, overseeing community event safety, traffic control, etc.
Begin to expand our 311 services by adding the services in the above bullet point to them.
Add our community partners and non-profits who assist with homelessness, substance use, restorative
justice, mental health, and conflict resolution to be accessible through 311.
Establish a program in partnership with local auto-shops wherein vehicles with illegal disrepairs (broken
tail lights, etc.) receive free repairs.
Begin to create a formal network wherein community members of all ages can seek conflict resolution,
resources if facing discrimination, support for surivovors, mental health assistance, restorative justice,
support for addiction, etc. without fear of police or state intervention. Consider assisting with housing
these resources together in conveniently located and accessible community and youth centers.
Phase 3
Continue to allocate more funding overtime to strengthen all the described public safety resources.
Create a program where individuals can relinquish firearms without interacting with the police.
Hire Community Crisis Teams and Specialists to respond to more intense needs such as, responding to
calls to those who are intoxicated and or violent, disarming and de-escalating conflicts involving
firearms, etc.
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 5:46 PM
To:Council, City; Fine, Adrian; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Molly.ONeal@pdo.sccgov.org; chuckjagoda1
@gmail.com; wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com; paloaltofreepress@gmail.com;
roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu; city.council@menlopark.org; Perron, Zachary;
citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Jeff Rosen; Anna Griffin; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Raj;
epatoday@epatoday.org; PD Dan Mulholland; michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com; Richard Konda;
Fellissa Richard; Dennis Upton; paloaltofreepress@gmail.com; james pitkin; Jack Ajluni; City Mgr;
Human Relations Commission; JIM MINKLER1; Miguel Rodriguez
Subject:Comments by Aram James re the Alto Police Department’s long history of police brutality, racism,
lack of transparency, etc. ( June 6, 2020)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
2
Daily Post Saturday, June 6, 2020
i rom1
BY SARA TABIN
Daily Post Staff Writer
Palo Alto's city leaders are promis-
ing police reform in the wake of George
Floyd's murder, but what reforms they
are promising aren't clear, nor is it
certian that any increased transparen-
cy will include releasing videos of an
alleged police brutality incident from
July.
Meanwhile, criti
in transparency
ing Black Lives Matter and co1
the city to police reform on C.
cil 's agenda for their Monday
City Manager Ed Shikada and May-
or Adrian Fine put a resolution support-
Shikada told the Post that
can always make improvem1
Palo Alto should help lead th
al conversation by being proa~
transparent. Fine told the Pos·
POLICE
city for $3 .8 million in November. He said his civil
rights were violated by Palo Alto officers and that he
was "v iolently attacked" by Agent Thomas DeStefa-
no on July 10.
Arevalo alleges that he was falsely arrested and
that DeStefano included fal se information in his po-
lice report of the incident. Arevalo also alleges that he
was denied proper medical care and has suffered pain
and emotional distress because of the incident.
A law that went into effect in July 2019 requires
tlte elease of oolice bodvcam video and audio re-
Agencies ~
the video wo
Scheff said "~
the open inve:
with witnesse~
TheAreval1
police brutalit
Destefano,
one of the offi
of breaking a
The city settle
attorney startc
claim that twc
tb .. 01'1"'""t
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:chuck jagoda <chuckjagoda1@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 5:46 PM
To:Aram James
Cc:Kniss, Liz (internal); Jonsen, Robert; Fine, Adrian; Shikada, Ed; Council, City;
citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Molly.ONeal@pdo.sccgov.org; Perron, Zachary; Jeff Rosen; PD Dan
Mulholland; Maximilian Goetz; MGR-Melissa Stevenson Diaz; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Ian Bain;
Stump, Molly; Raj; rubenabrica@gmail.com; Palo Alto Free Press; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Cary
Andrew Crittenden; Roberta Ahlquist; Richard Konda
Subject:Re: NYTimes: Cities Ask if It’s Time to Defund Police and ‘Reimagine’ Public Safety
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I like the idea of trying to do the jobs of the police with less violence and less expense.
Andrew Cuomo just said, "Without the police, you get looting."
How about proving him wrong with good will, reaching out to groups who organize and help them,
establish relationships with them? Fixing the problems the demonstrators are asking to have fixed. It
used to be called cooptation. It can be a good thing, if it's done right.
Chuck Jagoda
On Sat, Jun 6, 2020 at 12:47 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
FYI: Yes, we can do this too!!!!
And should we also imagine defunding ( or drastically reducing the budgets) other institutions in our criminal justice
that have a history of being non‐responsive to the needs of African‐Americans, other people of color, the poor? At least
we need to have this discussion with our communities...
Cities Ask if It’s Time to Defund Police and ‘Reimagine’ Public Safety
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/us/defund‐police‐floyd‐protests.html?referringSource=articleShare
Sent from my iPhone
‐‐
Chuck
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Laura Driscoll <lndriscoll@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 6:08 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Black Lives Matter : Defund and Disarm Palo Alto Police
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
City Council of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA
94301
Dear Mayor Fine and City Council,
I am a resident of Palo Alto for about 3 years now and a postdoctoral researcher with Stanford University. I'm greatly
concerned by the amount of money that the city of Palo Alto spends on policing compared to housing, education, and
mental health resources. Police do not make me feel more safe, especially given the weapons police officers carry. From
my research, I see that chokeholds are not banned in our city. It also appears that police are not trained in de‐escalation.
Given that only 3% of arrests in Palo Alto stem from violent crime, I see no reason why police should regularly carry
firearms. In reading the police department policy manual I found that tear gas is currently allowed in the city of Palo
Alto for crowd dispersal. This is unconscionable given that tear gas is prohibited in warfare, as with all other chemical
weapons, by the Geneva Protocol of 1925.
The resolution that the council will pass on Monday is completely unacceptable. There is a serious omission in that
there is no mention of recent examples of police violence in Palo Alto. There is no mention of concrete action items
especially regarding the redirection of police funds.
I've read Katie Causey's proposed timeline and support her plan to transition police funds towards community based
public safety resources. Her plan is reasonable and detailed. The additional point that I would like to add to her list
would be to meet and discuss these topics with East Palo Alto City Council and East Palo Alto activist organizers to serve
the broader community. Over the course of these three phases there should be a drastic divestment in the Palo Alto
police.
Palo Alto is an incredibly well resourced city, that has been a leader in so many ways. Please continue to invest in
housing, education, and mental health resources which help every community member stay safe. I hope you consider a
future where Palo Alto is the nation’s leader in community based safety.
Thank you for your leadership.
Laura Driscoll
Phase 1 (Immediate)
A formal apology is released in regard to the issuing of this week’s curfew order. Earlier this week in response to online
threats from white supremacists, Palo Alto issued a curfew order. The issue of a curfew order is a tactic that was used
by Palo Alto and other cities in the 1800s and 1900s to intimidate people of color. That is not forgotten history, and by
issuing a curfew order, Palo Alto did exactly what white supremacists intended, invoke fear and anxiety in our
community. Again and again this community has united for forward thinking solutions to local and national tragedies;
falling back on a painful and antiquated tactic goes entirely against our values as a community.
2
In response to the growth of white nationalism across the country, the city establishes an initiative to combat white
supremacy. Under this initiative, appointed community members collaborate with community partners to research and
advise the city on how to prevent the reach of white supremacists from having any presence in Palo Alto.
Inspired by the fact that nearly every Palo Alto student in the class of 2020 graduated displaying a Black Lives Matter
sign, establish an entirely youth led Commission for Justice to advise City Council on how to ensure Palo Alto is a safe
and accepting place for all community members. Seek our youth leaders from organizations within our school district
such as Black Student Unions, Black Scholars United, Muslim Student Associations, Queer Straight Allliances, and Gender
Sexuality Alliances (just to name a few) for this advisory role.
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce begins to establish a free program modeled after the services of Washington, DC’s
Collective Action for Safe Spaces. Within this program local bars, restaurants, and businesses are trained in preventing,
identifying, and de‐escalating harassment and violence targeted at many communities. Businesses that complete this
training can display a sign identifying that they have been trained in creating a safe space for all communities. This
effort not only makes Palo Alto safer for every resident, it promotes and strengthens our local businesses and allows us
to lead the Bay Area’s efforts to protect diversity.
Establish a list of current nonprofits and community partners who can help in a variety of of situations (conflict, mental
health, addiction, discrimination, harrassment, abuse, assualt, restorative justice, etc.) if individuals do not feel
comfortable going to the police for assistance. Have that list widely available on the city website, in city hall, libraries,
etc.
A budget study is established to research the costs and benefits of investing in community based public safety and to
present a specific measure of time to be followed for assisting, establishing, and investing in the actions listed below in
Phase 2 and Phase 3.
Phase 2
Begin to invest in regular community wide training for safety issues such as, supporting survivors, self defense,
identifying abuse, de‐escalation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and substance use intervention. [using divested
funds from police budgets]
Establish an incentive program for new and current businesses whose owners are from historically underrepresented
communities in order to support neighborhoods from the ground up, investing in people’s livelihoods and increasing
their access to resources.
Begin to adapt our already existing safety initiatives such as crossing guards, our local Safe Routes to School program,
and our block preparedness coordinators, to address other public safety issues such as de‐escalating conflict between
neighbors, overseeing community event safety, traffic control, etc.
Begin to expand our 311 services by adding the services in the above bullet point to them.
Add our community partners and non‐profits who assist with homelessness, substance use, restorative justice, mental
health, and conflict resolution to be accessible through 311.
Establish a program in partnership with local auto‐shops wherein vehicles with illegal disrepairs (broken tail lights, etc.)
receive free repairs.
Begin to create a formal network wherein community members of all ages can seek conflict resolution, resources if
facing discrimination, support for surivovors, mental health assistance, restorative justice, support for addiction, etc.
without fear of police or state intervention. Consider assisting with housing these resources together in conveniently
3
located and accessible community and youth centers.
Phase 3
Continue to allocate more funding overtime to strengthen all the described public safety resources.
Create a program where individuals can relinquish firearms without interacting with the police.
Hire Community Crisis Teams and Specialists to respond to more intense needs such as, responding to calls to those who
are intoxicated and or violent, disarming and de‐escalating conflicts involving firearms, etc.
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Raja Narayanan Ramesh <nramesh@stanford.edu>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 6:20 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fire Thomas DeStefano
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
My name is Raja and I am a recent Stanford alum. I am emailing you today to demand that Palo Alto
Police Department officer Thomas DeStefano be fired immediately. As we all know, DeStefano has a
deeply disturbing history of violence against community residents, specifically Julio Arevalo, Gustavo
Alvarez and Tyler Harney. The Palo Alto Police Department and the City of Palo Alto is entirely
complicit in allowing this behavior, as PAPD refuses to release video footage from DeStefano’s
horrifying attack on Arevelo despite being mandated by law to do so.
Any statements you release are empty words until officers in Palo Alto are held accountable for their
actions. I demand to see swift action taken to remove DeStefano from your police force.
Sincerely,
Raja
1
Brettle, Jessica
From:Jack Lane <lane.jack.b@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 7, 2020 7:42 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Black Lives Matter : Defund and Disarm Palo Alto Police
Attachments:PA_city_council_BLM Movement.pdf; Redacted PAPD Policy Manual 11-19-2019 for web.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
City Council of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA
94301
Dear Mayor Fine and City Council,
I have been a resident of Palo Alto for about 3 years before and during my pursuit of a Mechanical Engineering Master's
Degree from Stanford University. I'm greatly concerned by the amount of money that the city of Palo Alto spends on
policing compared to housing, education, and mental health resources. Police do not make me feel more safe, especially
given the weapons police officers carry. In fact, police often make me feel actively unsafe, and I am a white man. I can't
imagine how black and brown people in Palo Alto feel. From my research, I see that chokeholds are not banned in our
city. It also appears that police are not trained in de‐escalation. Given that only 3% of arrests in Palo Alto stem from
violent crime, I see no reason why police should regularly carry firearms. In reading the police department policy manual
I found that tear gas is currently allowed in the city of Palo Alto for crowd dispersal. This is unconscionable given that
tear gas is prohibited in warfare, as with all other chemical weapons, by the Geneva Protocol of 1925.
The resolution that the council will pass on Monday is completely unacceptable. There is a serious omission in that
there is no mention of recent examples of police violence in Palo Alto. There is no mention of concrete action items
especially regarding the redirection of police funds.
I've read Katie Causey's proposed timeline and support her plan to transition police funds towards community based
public safety resources. Her plan is reasonable and detailed. The additional point that I would like to add to her list
would be to meet and discuss these topics with East Palo Alto City Council and East Palo Alto activist organizers to serve
the broader community. Over the course of these three phases there should be a drastic divestment in the Palo Alto
police.
Palo Alto is an incredibly well resourced city, that has been a leader in so many ways. Please continue to invest in
housing, education, and mental health resources which help every community member stay safe. I hope you consider a
future where Palo Alto is the nation’s leader in community based safety.
Thank you for your leadership.
Jack Lane
Phase 1 (Immediate)
A formal apology is released in regard to the issuing of this week’s curfew order. Earlier this week in response to online
threats from white supremacists, Palo Alto issued a curfew order. The issue of a curfew order is a tactic that was used
by Palo Alto and other cities in the 1800s and 1900s to intimidate people of color. That is not forgotten history, and by
issuing a curfew order, Palo Alto did exactly what white supremacists intended, invoke fear and anxiety in our
2
community. Again and again this community has united for forward thinking solutions to local and national tragedies;
falling back on a painful and antiquated tactic goes entirely against our values as a community.
In response to the growth of white nationalism across the country, the city establishes an initiative to combat white
supremacy. Under this initiative, appointed community members collaborate with community partners to research and
advise the city on how to prevent the reach of white supremacists from having any presence in Palo Alto.
Inspired by the fact that nearly every Palo Alto student in the class of 2020 graduated displaying a Black Lives Matter
sign, establish an entirely youth led Commission for Justice to advise City Council on how to ensure Palo Alto is a safe
and accepting place for all community members. Seek our youth leaders from organizations within our school district
such as Black Student Unions, Black Scholars United, Muslim Student Associations, Queer Straight Allliances, and Gender
Sexuality Alliances (just to name a few) for this advisory role.
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce begins to establish a free program modeled after the services of Washington, DC’s
Collective Action for Safe Spaces. Within this program local bars, restaurants, and businesses are trained in preventing,
identifying, and de‐escalating harassment and violence targeted at many communities. Businesses that complete this
training can display a sign identifying that they have been trained in creating a safe space for all communities. This
effort not only makes Palo Alto safer for every resident, it promotes and strengthens our local businesses and allows us
to lead the Bay Area’s efforts to protect diversity.
Establish a list of current nonprofits and community partners who can help in a variety of of situations (conflict, mental
health, addiction, discrimination, harrassment, abuse, assualt, restorative justice, etc.) if individuals do not feel
comfortable going to the police for assistance. Have that list widely available on the city website, in city hall, libraries,
etc.
A budget study is established to research the costs and benefits of investing in community based public safety and to
present a specific measure of time to be followed for assisting, establishing, and investing in the actions listed below in
Phase 2 and Phase 3.
Phase 2
Begin to invest in regular community wide training for safety issues such as, supporting survivors, self defense,
identifying abuse, de‐escalation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and substance use intervention. [using divested
funds from police budgets]
Establish an incentive program for new and current businesses whose owners are from historically underrepresented
communities in order to support neighborhoods from the ground up, investing in people’s livelihoods and increasing
their access to resources.
Begin to adapt our already existing safety initiatives such as crossing guards, our local Safe Routes to School program,
and our block preparedness coordinators, to address other public safety issues such as de‐escalating conflict between
neighbors, overseeing community event safety, traffic control, etc.
Begin to expand our 311 services by adding the services in the above bullet point to them.
Add our community partners and non‐profits who assist with homelessness, substance use, restorative justice, mental
health, and conflict resolution to be accessible through 311.
Establish a program in partnership with local auto‐shops wherein vehicles with illegal disrepairs (broken tail lights, etc.)
receive free repairs.
Begin to create a formal network wherein community members of all ages can seek conflict resolution, resources if
3
facing discrimination, support for surivovors, mental health assistance, restorative justice, support for addiction, etc.
without fear of police or state intervention. Consider assisting with housing these resources together in conveniently
located and accessible community and youth centers.
Phase 3
Continue to allocate more funding overtime to strengthen all the described public safety resources.
Create a program where individuals can relinquish firearms without interacting with the police.
Hire Community Crisis Teams and Specialists to respond to more intense needs such as, responding to calls to those who
are intoxicated and or violent, disarming and de‐escalating conflicts involving firearms, etc.
City of Palo Alto (ID # 11414)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 6/8/2020
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Resolution Supporting Black Lives Matter Movement
Title: Adoption of a Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto
Expressing Support of the Black Lives Matter Movement
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Attached is a resolution for Council’s consideration and adoption.
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Black Lives Matter Resolution
Resolution
PROCLAIMING BLACK LIVES MATTER
WHEREAS, the inhumane murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020 by officers of
that city’s Police Department breaks our hearts and breaks the promise of this country, which is that all
people are created equal. Our nation is understandably outraged, scared, and worried; and
WHEREAS, as your city government, we have an obligation to protect and serve everyone, no matter
who they are or where they come from. At this moment of reckoning, we are called upon to listen and
to speak, to kneel and to stand, to reflect and to improve; and
WHEREAS, we deeply appreciate the dedicated women and men of our police force who work, day
and night, to keep our community safe. At the same time, the tremendous power of our police officers
must always be balanced with the tremendous responsibility they have. We will recommit to a shared
understanding of how we treat the members of our community -- who gets the benefit of the doubt and
who gets pulled over, who gets let off with a warning and who is injured or killed. Our community is
not immune to nor exempt from this soul-searching work; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto commits to the affirmation that Black lives matter because so
many black and brown lives have for so long been discounted, undervalued, abused, and taken from
us. We cannot and will not accept this here in our city, and here in our country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City Palo Alto does hereby
express its support and proclamation that Black lives matter, and commits our local government to do
everything within our powers to review our police and public safety practices with the community and
then implement measures that reflect no tolerance for police violence, prejudice, discrimination, and
harm.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: June 8, 2020
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________ _________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________ _________________
City Manager City Attorney
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Redacted Version for Website*
Uploaded November 2019
* See explanation and additional information on the following page.
Please note that we have redacted (that is, removed) certain policies from this publicly-
available version of the Palo Alto Police Department Policy Manual. The policies not disclosed
relate to sensitive security issues, police tactics, and/or officer safety, and are withheld from
disclosure in accordance with California Government Code §§6254(f), 6254(aa), 6254 (ab),
and/or 6254.19. The policies we have withheld pursuant to these state laws are as follows:
Policy 216: Staffing Levels
Policy 310: Officer-Involved Incidents
Policy 312: Firearms
Policy 314: Vehicle Pursuits
Policy 316: Officer Response to Calls
Policy 322: Search and Seizure
Policy 378: Public Safety Video Surveillance System
Policy 408: Crisis Response Unit
Policy 414: Hostage and Barricade Incidents
Policy 416: Response to Bomb Calls
Policy 424: Rapid Response and Deployment
Policy 432: Patrol Rifles and Shotguns
Policy 442: Criminal Organizations
Policy 450: Use of Audio Recorders
Policy 458: Foot Pursuits
Policy 600: Investigation and Prosecution
Policy 608: Informants
Policy 704: Vehicle Maintenance
Policy 814: Computers and Digital Evidence
Also, please note that not every sequential number has an associated policy. Some numbers
are unassigned and are simply placeholders in the event future policies are needed.
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS - 1
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard
lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or
intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights
of all to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does
not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger,
scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest
in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law
and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is
confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in
the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations,
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with
relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without
fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting
gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be
held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption
or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally
authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take
every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.
I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my
chosen profession . . . law enforcement.
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department MISSION STATEMENT - 2
MISSION STATEMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
To Proudly Serve and Protect the Public with Respect and Integrity.
VISION STATEMENT
Through the Leadership and Commitment of Employees, the Palo Alto Police Department will
build Trust and Respect with the Public and the Law Enforcement Profession.
CORE VALUE STATEMENT
We value and expect teamwork, trust, integrity, accountability, a positive attitude and the
professional, impartial treatment of all.
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Table of Contents - 3
Table of Contents
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS ............... 1
MISSION STATEMENT ..................... 2
Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority ............ 7
100 - Law Enforcement Authority .................. 8
102 - Chief Executive Officer ................... 10
104 - Oath of Office ..................... 11
106 - Policy Manual ..................... 12
Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration ............. 15
200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility ............ 16
204 - Interim Directive ..................... 19
206 - Emergency Management Plan ................ 20
208 - Training Policy ..................... 24
212 - Email/Personal Mail/Telephone Usage/Voicemail .......... 32
214 - Administrative Communications ................ 38
216 - Staffing Levels ..................... 39
218 - License to Carry a Firearm ................. 41
220 - Retiree Concealed Firearms ................. 49
Chapter 3 - General Operations .................. 54
300 - Use of Force ...................... 55
302 - Use of Force Review Boards ................. 64
306 - Handcuffing and Restraints ................. 67
308 - Control Devices and Techniques ............... 71
309 - Conducted Energy Weapon ................. 77
310 - Officer Involved Incidents .................. 83
312 - Firearms ....................... 88
314 - Vehicle Pursuits .................... 103
316 - Officer Response to Calls ................. 116
317 - Opioid Medical Aid and Response ............... 122
318 - Canines ....................... 125
320 - Domestic Violence .................... 135
322 - Search and Seizure ................... 138
324 - Temporary Custody of Juveniles ............... 144
326 - Adult Abuse ...................... 159
328 - Discriminatory Harassment ................. 169
330 - Child Abuse ...................... 174
332 - Missing Persons .................... 181
334 - Public Alerts ...................... 187
336 - Victim and Witness Assistance ................ 191
338 - Hate Crimes ...................... 194
340 - Standards of Conduct ................... 199
Palo Alto Police Department
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Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Table of Contents - 4
342 - Department Computer Use ................. 210
344 - Report Preparation ................... 213
346 - News Media Relations .................. 217
348 - Subpoenas and Court Appearances .............. 222
350 - Reserve Officers .................... 227
352 - Outside Agency Assistance ................. 233
356 - Registered Offender Information ............... 235
358 - Major Incident Notification ................. 238
360 - Death Investigation ................... 240
362 - Identity Theft ..................... 244
364 - Private Persons Arrests .................. 246
366 - Anti-Reproductive Rights Crimes Reporting ............ 248
368 - Limited English Proficiency Services .............. 250
370 - Communications with Persons with Disabilities ........... 256
372 - Mandatory Employer Notification ............... 264
374 - Biological Samples ................... 266
376 - Chaplains ...................... 269
378 - Public Safety Video Surveillance System ............ 274
379 - Child and Dependent Adult Safety ............... 278
381 - Service Animals .................... 281
385 - Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions .............. 284
390 - Illness and Injury Prevention ................ 286
391 - Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation ......... 292
392 - Gun Violence Restraining Orders ............... 294
Chapter 4 - Patrol Operations .................. 297
400 - Patrol Function ..................... 298
402 - Racial- or Bias-Based Profiling ................ 300
404 - Briefing Training .................... 303
406 - Crime And Disaster Scene Integrity .............. 304
407 - Community Service Officers Assigned to Patrol .......... 306
408 - Crisis Response Unit ................... 309
410 - Ride-Along Policy .................... 321
412 - Hazardous Material Response ................ 324
414 - Hostage and Barricade Incidents ............... 326
416 - Response to Bomb Calls .................. 331
418 - Mental Illness Commitments ................ 336
420 - Cite and Release Policy .................. 341
422 - Foreign Diplomatic and Consular Representatives .......... 345
424 - Rapid Response and Deployment ............... 349
426 - Reporting Police Activity Outside of Jurisdiction .......... 353
428 - Immigration Violations .................. 354
430 - Emergency Utility Service ................. 356
432 - Patrol Rifles and Shotguns ................. 357
434 - Aircraft Accidents .................... 362
436 - Field Training Officer Program ................ 367
438 - Obtaining Air Support ................... 370
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Table of Contents - 5
440 - Field Interviews & Photographing of Field Detainees ......... 371
442 - Criminal Organizations .................. 377
444 - Watch Commanders ................... 382
446 - Field-Based Video Policy ................. 383
448 - Mobile Data Computer Use ................. 392
450 - Use of Audio Recorders .................. 395
452 - Medical Marijuana .................... 399
454 - Bicycle Patrol Program .................. 404
458 - Foot Pursuits ..................... 408
459 - Global Positioning System ................. 413
462 - Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) ............ 415
471 - Terrorism Liaison Officer .................. 418
Chapter 5 - Traffic Operations .................. 422
500 - Traffic Function and Responsibility .............. 423
501 - Traffic Motorcycle Units .................. 426
502 - Traffic Collision Reporting ................. 428
510 - Vehicle Towing and Release ................ 437
512 - Vehicle Impound Hearings ................. 442
514 - Impaired Driving .................... 444
516 - Traffic Citations ..................... 450
520 - Disabled Vehicles .................... 454
524 - 72-Hour Parking Violations ................. 455
Chapter 6 - Investigation Operations ................ 457
600 - Investigation and Prosecution ................ 458
602 - Sexual Assault Investigations ................ 464
606 - Asset Forfeiture .................... 470
608 - Informants ...................... 476
610 - Eyewitness Identification .................. 483
612 - Brady Material Disclosure ................. 486
Chapter 7 - Equipment .................... 488
700 - Department Owned and Personal Property ............ 489
702 - Personal Communication Devices ............... 491
704 - Vehicle Maintenance ................... 494
706 - Vehicle Use ...................... 496
707 - Personal Protective Equipment ................ 503
709 - Reflectorized Vests ................... 505
711 - Digital Imaging ..................... 506
713 - Patrol Team Boxes ................... 510
Chapter 8 - Support Services .................. 511
800 - Crime Analysis ..................... 512
802 - Communication Operations ................. 514
804 - Property and Evidence .................. 516
806 - Technical Services Division ................. 533
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Table of Contents - 6
808 - Restoration of Firearm Serial Numbers ............. 537
810 - Records Maintenance and Release .............. 539
812 - Protected Information ................... 546
814 - Computers and Digital Evidence ............... 549
820 - Animal Control ..................... 553
Chapter 9 - Custody ..................... 564
900 - Temporary Custody of Adults ................ 565
902 - Custodial Searches ................... 576
904 - Prison Rape Elimination .................. 582
Chapter 10 - Personnel .................... 592
1000 - Recruitment and Selection ................. 593
1002 - Evaluation of Employees ................. 599
1004 - Promotional and Transfer Policy ............... 602
1006 - Grievance Procedure .................. 617
1008 - Anti-Retaliation .................... 619
1010 - Reporting of Employee Convictions .............. 623
1011 - Address and Telephone Number Changes ............ 625
1012 - Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace .............. 626
1014 - Sick Leave ...................... 629
1016 - Communicable Diseases ................. 631
1018 - Smoking and Tobacco Use ................ 642
1020 - Personnel Complaints .................. 643
1022 - Seat Belts ...................... 650
1024 - Body Armor ..................... 652
1026 - Personnel Records ................... 654
1030 - Employee Commendations ................. 663
1032 - Fitness for Duty .................... 667
1033 - Sleeping Quarters ................... 670
1034 - Meal Periods and Breaks ................. 671
1035 - Lactation Break Policy .................. 672
1036 - Time Card Procedures .................. 674
1038 - Overtime ...................... 675
1040 - Outside Employment .................. 685
1042 - On Duty Injuries .................... 690
1044 - Personal Appearance Standards ............... 700
1046 - Uniform Regulations ................... 702
1048 - Police Explorer Program ................. 709
1050 - Nepotism and Conflicting Relationships ............. 715
1052 - Department Badges ................... 718
1054 - Modified Duty Assignments ................ 720
1058 - Employee Speech, Expression and Social Networking ........ 722
1059 - Illness and Injury Prevention ................ 727
1060 - Peer Support ..................... 732
Attachments .......................
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Law Enforcement Role and Authority - 7
Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority
Policy
100
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Law Enforcement Authority - 8
Law Enforcement Authority
100.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to affirm the authority of the members of the Palo Alto Police
Department to perform their functions based on established legal authority.
100.2 PEACE OFFICER POWERS
Sworn members of this department are authorized to exercise peace officer powers pursuant to
applicable state law (Penal Code § 830.1 et seq.).
100.2.1 ARREST AUTHORITY OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE PALO ALTO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
On-duty arrests will not generally be made outside the jurisdiction of this department except in
cases of hot or fresh pursuit, while following up on crimes committed within the City or while
assisting another agency. On-duty officers who discover criminal activity outside the jurisdiction
of the City should, when circumstances permit, consider contacting the agency having primary
jurisdiction before attempting an arrest.
When an officer makes an out-of-county arrest pursuant to a warrant, the officer shall inform the
arrestee of the right to be taken before a magistrate in that county (Penal Code § 821; Penal
Code § 822).
100.2.2 ARREST AUTHORITY WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE PALO ALTO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
The arrest authority within the State of California is as follows (Penal Code § 830.1):
(a)As to any public offense committed or which there is probable cause to believe has
been committed within the jurisdiction of the Palo Alto Police Department.
(b)Where the peace officer has the consent of the Chief of Police.
(c)As to any public offense committed or which there is probable cause to believe has
been committed in the officer’s presence and there is immediate danger to a person
or property, or of the escape of the perpetrator of the offense.
(d)Arrest pursuant to a warrant.
1.For out-of-county warrants, the arresting officer shall inform the arrestee, in
writing without delay, of the right to be taken before a magistrate in this county
(Penal Code § 821; Penal Code § 822):
100.3 INTERSTATE PEACE OFFICER POWERS
Peace officer powers may be extended to other states:
(a)As applicable under interstate compacts, memorandums of understanding or mutual
aid agreements in compliance with the laws of each state.
(b)When an officer enters an adjoining state in close or fresh pursuit of a person believed
to have committed a felony (ARS § 13-3832; NRS 171.158; ORS 133.430).
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
Law Enforcement Authority
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Law Enforcement Authority - 9
The person arrested out of state must be taken without unnecessary delay before a magistrate of
the county in which the arrest was made (ARS § 13-3833; NRS 171.158; ORS 133.440).
Peace officers of another state who enter the State of California in fresh pursuit to arrest a person
who has committed a felony in the other state have the same authority to arrest and hold in custody
such person as peace officers of this state have to arrest and hold a person in custody (Penal
Code § 852.2).
100.4 POLICY
It is the policy of the Palo Alto Police Department to limit its members to only exercise the authority
granted to them by law.
While this department recognizes the power of peace officers to make arrests and take other
enforcement action, officers are encouraged to use sound discretion in the enforcement of the
law. This department does not tolerate the abuse of law enforcement authority.
100.5 CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
All members shall observe and comply with every person’s clearly established rights under the
United States and California Constitutions.
Policy
102
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
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Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Chief Executive Officer - 10
Chief Executive Officer
102.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) has mandated that
all sworn officers and dispatchers employed within the State of California shall receive certification
by POST within prescribed time periods.
102.1.1 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REQUIREMENTS
Any chief executive officer of this department appointed after January 1, 1999, shall, as a condition
of continued employment, complete the course of training prescribed by POST and obtain the
Basic Certificate by POST within two years of appointment.
Policy
104
Palo Alto Police Department
Policy Manual
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Published with permission by Palo Alto Police Department Oath of Office - 11
Oath of Office
104.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that oaths, when appropriate, are administered to
department members.
104.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Palo Alto Police Department that, when appropriate, department members
affirm the oath of their office as an expression of commitment to the constitutional rights of those
served by the Department and the dedication of its members to their duties.
104.3 OATH OF OFFICE
All department members, when appropriate, shall take and subscribe to the oaths or affirmations
applicable to their positions. All sworn members shall be required to affirm the oath of office
expressing commitment and intent to respect constitutional rights in discharging the duties of a
law enforcement officer (Cal. Const. Art. 20, § 3; Government Code § 3102). The oath shall be
as follows:
“I, (employee name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution
of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign
and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States
and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental
reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon
which I am about to enter.”
104.4 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
The oath of office shall be filed as prescribed by law (Government Code § 3105).
104.5 POLICY ISSUE DATE
Updated: 12-8-16
Policy
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Policy Manual
106.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The manual of the Palo Alto Police Department is hereby established and shall be referred to as
the Policy Manual or the manual. The manual is a statement of the current policies, rules and
guidelines of this department. All members are to conform to the provisions of this manual.
All prior and existing manuals, orders and regulations that are in conflict with this manual are
rescinded, except to the extent that portions of existing manuals, procedures, orders and other
regulations that have not been included herein shall remain in effect, provided that they do not
conflict with the provisions of this manual.
106.2 POLICY
Except where otherwise expressly stated, the provisions of this manual shall be considered
as guidelines. It is recognized that the work of law enforcement is not always predictable and
circumstances may arise which warrant departure from these guidelines. It is the intent of this
manual to be viewed from an objective standard, taking into consideration the sound discretion
entrusted to members of this department under the circumstances reasonably available at the
time of any incident.
106.2.1 DISCLAIMER
The provisions contained in the Policy Manual are not intended to create an employment contract
nor any employment rights or entitlements. The policies contained within this manual are for the
internal use of the Palo Alto Police Department and shall not be construed to create a higher
standard or duty of care for civil or criminal liability against the City, its officials or members.
Violations of any provision of any policy contained within this manual shall only form the basis for
department administrative action, training or discipline. The Palo Alto Police Department reserves
the right to revise any policy content, in whole or in part.
106.3 AUTHORITY
The Chief of Police shall be considered the ultimate authority for the content and adoption of the
provisions of this manual and shall ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and local
laws. The Chief of Police or the authorized designee is authorized to issue Interim Directives,
which shall modify those provisions of the manual to which they pertain. Interim Directives shall
remain in effect until such time as they may be permanently incorporated into the manual.
106.4 DEFINITIONS
The following words and terms shall have these assigned meanings throughout the Policy Manual,
unless it is apparent from the content that they have a different meaning:
Adult - Any person 18 years of age or older.
CCR - California Code of Regulations (Example: 15 CCR 1151).
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CHP- The California Highway Patrol.
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations.
City - The City of Palo Alto.
Civilian - Employees and volunteers who are not sworn peace officers.
Department/PAPD - The Palo Alto Police Department.
DMV - The Department of Motor Vehicles.
Employee/personnel - Any person employed by the Department.
Juvenile- Any person under the age of 18 years.
Manual - The Palo Alto Police Department Policy Manual.
May - Indicates a permissive, discretionary or conditional action.
Member - Any person employed or appointed by the Palo Alto Police Department, including full-
time sworn officers, reserve officers, civilian employees and volunteers.
Officer - Those employees, regardless of rank, who are sworn peace officers of the Palo Alto
Police Department.
On-duty - A member's status during the period when he/she is actually engaged in the
performance of his/her assigned duties.
Order - A written or verbal instruction issued by a superior.
POST - The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Rank - The title of the classification held by an officer.
Shall or will - Indicates a mandatory action.
Should - Indicates a generally required or expected action, absent a rational basis for failing to
conform.
Supervisor - A person in a position of authority regarding hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion,
discharge, assignment, reward or discipline of other department members, directing the work of
other members or having the authority to adjust grievances. The supervisory exercise of authority
may not be merely routine or clerical in nature but requires the use of independent judgment.
The term "supervisor" may also include any person (e.g., officer-in-charge, lead or senior worker)
given responsibility for the direction of the work of others without regard to a formal job title, rank
or compensation.
When there is only one department member on-duty, that person may also be the supervisor,
except when circumstances reasonably require the notification or involvement of the member's
off-duty supervisor or an on-call supervisor.
USC - United States Code.
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106.5 ISSUING THE POLICY MANUAL
An electronic version of the Policy Manual will be made available to all members on the department
network for viewing and printing. No changes shall be made to the manual without authorization
from the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
Each member shall acknowledge that he/she has been provided access to, and has had the
opportunity to review the Policy Manual and Interim Directives. Members shall seek clarification
as needed from an appropriate supervisor for any provisions that they do not fully understand.
106.6 PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE POLICY MANUAL
The Chief of Police will ensure that the Policy Manual is periodically reviewed and updated as
necessary.
106.7 REVISIONS TO POLICIES
All employees are responsible for keeping abreast of all Policy Manual revisions. The Personnel
and Training Lieutenant will forward revisions to the Policy Manual as needed to all personnel via
electronic mail. Each unit manager will ensure that employees under his/her command are aware
of any Policy Manual revisions.
All employees are responsible for keeping abreast of all Policy Manual revisions. All changes to
the Policy Manual will be posted on the S:drive link, PD folder - Policy Manual Interim Directives.
Lieutenants will forward interim directives and/or revisions to the Policy Manual as needed to all
personnel via electronic mail.
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Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration
Policy
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Organizational Structure and Responsibility
200.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The organizational structure of this department is designed to create an efficient means to
accomplish our mission and goals and to provide for the best possible service to the public.
200.2 DIVISIONS
The Chief of Police is responsible for administering and managing the Palo Alto Police
Department. There are four divisions in the Police Department as follows:
•Administration
•Field Services
•Investigative Services
•Technical Services
200.2.1 ADMINISTRATION DIVISION
The Administrative Services Division commanded by the Police Chief whose primary responsibility
is to provide general management direction and control for the Administrative Services Division.
The Administrative Services Division consists of Administrative Services and the Personnel and
Training Unit.
200.2.2 FIELD SERVICES DIVISION
The Field Services Division is commanded by a Captain whose primary responsibility is to provide
general management direction and control for that Division. The Field Services Division consists
of uniformed Patrol and Special Operations, Traffic, and Reserve Officers.
200.2.3 INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES DIVISION
The Investigative Services Division is commanded by a Captain whose primary responsibility is
to provide general management direction and control for that division. The Investigative Services
Division consists of Investigations, Property and Evidence and Animal Services.
200.2.4 TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION
The Technical Services Division is commanded by the Technical Services Coordinator. The
Technical Services Division consists of the Records Unit, Communications, Crime Analysis,
Technology and Radio Services.
200.3 COMMAND PROTOCOL
200.3.1 SUCCESSION OF COMMAND
The Chief of Police exercises command over all personnel in the Department. During planned
absences the Chief of Police will designate a Division Captain to serve as the acting Chief of Police.
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Except when designated as above, the order of command authority in the absence or unavailability
of the Chief of Police is as follows:
(a)Field Services Division Captain
(b)Investigative Services Division Captain
(c)Watch Commander
200.3.2 UNITY OF COMMAND
The principles of unity of command ensure efficient supervision and control within the Department.
Generally, each employee shall be accountable to one supervisor at any time for a given
assignment or responsibility. Except where specifically delegated authority may exist by policy or
special assignment (e.g., K-9, SWAT), any supervisor may temporarily direct any subordinate if
an operational necessity exists.
200.3.3 ORDERS
Members shall respond to and make a good faith and reasonable effort to comply with the lawful
order of superior officers and other proper authority.
200.3.4 RESPONSIBILITY OF RANK
In order to ensure that the Palo Alto Police Department can effectively accomplish its mission, it
is essential that all supervisors represent the values of the organization and serve as role models
to the officers and the community. The higher rank an individual achieves, the higher level of
expectation is applied.
200.3.5 PROCEDURE
Members within each of the following ranks will at all times discharge their duties in a manner,
which reflects a commitment to the highest standards of the Palo Alto Police Department and the
law enforcement profession.
•Chief of Police
•Assistant Police Chief
•Captain/Technical Services Coordinator
•Administrative Services Coordinator
•Lieutenant/Manager
•Sergeant/Supervisor
•Agent/Lead
Duties and responsibilities of each rank shall include, but not limited to the following:
(a)Display positive, professional leadership;
(b)Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity;
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(c)Enforce City and Department rules, regulations, policies and procedures consistently
and fairly;
(d)Provide timely, accurate and complete communications to superiors, peers and
subordinates;
(e)Clarify goals, objectives and performance standards for subordinates;
(f)Provide clear direction and timely feedback to subordinates;
(g)Recognize and reward good work;
(h)Confront problems and initiate timely and appropriate corrective action;
(i)Maintain professional competency in administrative, cognitive, technical and tactical
areas;
(j)Demonstrate an understanding of the City budget and administrative processes.
Manage assigned budget and resources;
(k)Seek ownership in problems;
(l)Ensure accountability in superiors, peers, and subordinates;
(m)Be a visionary leader. Support innovation and change;
(n)Follow through on commitments in a timely manner;
(o)Be fair and consistent in decision making and in dealing with all people;
(p)Train, mentor and develop subordinates;
(q)Have a thorough knowledge of conditions, which affect his/her unit or work group (e.g.,
crime, traffic, legal issues, local political and social issues);
(r)Appropriately delegate tasks and monitor status;
(s)Seek innovative strategies, and community partnerships in problem solving;
(t)Insure that work plans and operational plans are consistent with Department and City
plans and priorities;
(u)Encourage a team approach to problem solving;
(v)Be approachable. Be interested and involved in the work of subordinates;
(w)Create a positive work environment.
Policy
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Interim Directive
204.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Interim Directives establish an interdepartmental communication that may be used by the
Chief of Police to make immediate changes topolicy and procedure consistent with the current
Memorandum of Understanding and as permitted by Government Code § 3500 et seq. Interim
Directives will immediately modify or change and supersede sections of this manual to which they
pertain.
204.1.1 INTERIM DIRECTIVE PROTOCOL
Interim Directives will modify and supersede existing policies or create a new policy or procedure
as appropriate. They will then be incorporated into the next regular full revision of the Policy
Manual.
All Interim Directives shall be issued Department-wide via e-mail.
Once distributed via e-mail, the Interim Directive will also be stored online at "S:\PD\Policy Manual
Interim Directives" until such time as they are incorporated into the next regular full revision of the
Policy Manual. They will also be printed and kept in the hard copy Policy Manuals kept throughout
the Department until such time as they are incorporated into the next regular full revision of the
Policy Manual.
204.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
204.2.1 STAFF
The staff shall review and approve revisions of the Policy Manual, which will incorporate changes
originally made by a Interim Directive.
204.2.2 CHIEF OF POLICE
The Chief of Police shall approve all Interim Directives. The Chief or his/her designee may
distribute the Interim Directives to the Department.
204.3 ACCEPTANCE OF INTERIM DIRECTIVES
All employees are required to read and obtain any necessary clarification of all Interim Directives.
All employees are required to acknowledge in writing the receipt and review of any new
Interim Directive. Signed acknowledgement forms and/or e-mail receipts showing an employee's
acknowledgement will be maintained by the Personnel and Training Lieutenant.
204.4 POLICY ISSUE DATE
9/14/17
Policy
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Emergency Management Plan
206.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The City Office of Emergency Services (OES) has prepared an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
for use by all employees in the event of a major disaster or other emergency event. The plan
provides for a strategic response by all employees and assigns specific responsibilities in the
event that the plan is activated (Government Code § 8610).
206.2 ACTIVATING THE EMERGENCY PLAN
The Emergency Operations Plan can be activated on the order of the official designated by local
ordinance.
206.2.1 RECALL OF PERSONNEL
In the event that the Emergency Operations Plan is activated, all employees of the Palo Alto
Police Department are subject to immediate recall. Employees may also be subject to recall
during extraordinary circumstances as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police or the authorized
designee.
Failure to promptly respond to an order to report for duty may result in discipline.
206.2.2 PROCEDURE
The Incident Command System should be utilized for critical incidents that are planned and non-
planned. The Incident Command System shall be used whenever a critical incident:
(a)Will be prolonged in duration;
(b)Utilizes a large amount of resources or personnel;
(c)Includes inter-agency assistance;
(d)Involves multi-agency assistance;
(e)Becomes a multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional operation.
Critical incidents include, but are not limited to: earthquakes, flood, fires and explosions, search
and rescue, hazardous materials incidents, aircraft crashes, officer involved shootings, riots and
other major incidents.
206.3 LOCATION OF THE PLAN
The Emergency Operations Plan is available in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
All supervisors should familiarize themselves with the Emergency Operations Plan.
The Personnel and Training supervisor should ensure that department personnel are familiar with
the roles police personnel will play when the plan is implemented.
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206.4 UPDATING PLANS
The Office of Emergency Services (OES) will consult with the Chief of Police to keep the
Emergency Operations Plans and other such documents updated.
206.5 RESPONSIBILITIES OF FIRST RESPONDERS
Very often the beat officer will be the first emergency personnel at the scene of a critical incident.
The First Responder has responsibilities which include:
(a)Establishing on-scene command;
(b)Formulating and broadcasting a situation assessment;
(c)Setting up a command post;
(d)Requesting personnel and other resources;
(e)Providing a staging area for responding personnel.
To accomplish these tasks, the First Responder should assume command responsibility, appoint
others to control activities, assign missions, gather intelligence, and delegate other tasks as
necessary to establish control until relieved.
206.5.1 MUTUAL AID
Personnel shall follow the guidelines set forth in the Santa Clara County Protocols Section 16 -
Mutual Aid Protocol when requesting formal Law Enforcement Mutual Aid at the Operational Area
level.
206.6 RESPONSIBILITIES OF ON-SCENE SUPERVISOR
The first supervisor to arrive on scene may assume the role of the Incident Commander at the
scene of a critical incident. The on-scene Supervisor should immediately conduct his or her own
situation assessment, regardless. The on-scene Supervisor should immediately ensure that an
Incident Command Post and a journal log for recording major activities have been established.
The on-scene Supervisor should ensure the implementation of the Incident Command System
and assign staff to critical control functions (i.e., Planning/Intelligence, Operations, Logistics and
Finance).
The on-scene Supervisor should support the IC with:
(a)Perimeter control provisions;
(b)Interior control provisions;
(c)Evacuation procedures;
(d)Liaison with other emergency agencies;
(e)Traffic control plans;
(f)Mobilization of on-duty personnel;
(g)Mutual Aid contingencies;
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(h)Notification of command staff (See Policy 358).
206.7 RESPONSIBILITIES OF ON-DUTY WATCH COMMANDER
The on-duty Watch Commander may relieve the on-scene Supervisor or the First Responder,
when necessary. The on-duty Watch Commander should conduct a situation assessment and
further implement the Incident Command System.
The on-duty Watch Commander will ensure that Communications has notified each Division
Captain/Coordinator, and the Police Chief.
206.8 RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMAND STAFF
Command Staff may relieve the on-duty Watch Commander or fill other roles when necessary.
The Command Staff should:
(a)Conduct a situation assessment and provide command support for the Incident
Commander.
(b)Coordinate notification of affected City Departments and outside agencies as required.
(c)Policy Manual §408 should be consulted if the Command Staff designates the incident
as a Crisis Response Unit operation.
(d)Assess the need for mutual aid and coordinate any request for mutual aid.
206.9 EQUIPMENT
The following Incident Command System equipment shall be made available whenever the ICS
is implemented:
(a)Incident Command System Manual - All recipients of the Incident Command System
manual are responsible for its care and maintenance. The ICS manual is to be utilized
whenever the ICS is implemented. Supervisors and Managers shall ensure that a copy
of the ICS manual is readily available.
(b)Incident Command System Vests - Vests designating the Incident Commander,
Planning/Intelligence Officer-in-charge, Field Operations Officer-in-charge, Logistics
Officer-in-charge, Finance Officer-in-charge and Public Information Officers are
located in the Watch Commander's office and the evidence van. Additional
Incident Commander and Public Information Officer vests are located in the Watch
Commander's vehicle and the two Sergeant's vehicles. Incident Command System
vests will be immediately distributed and worn by the designated personnel when the
ICS is implemented.
206.10 TRAINING
Supervisors should receive ICS training. Managers and Command staff should receive mutual
aid refresher training in addition to ICS training.
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The ICS training may be conducted in-house or by a POST certified trainer.
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Training Policy
208.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
It is the policy of this department to administer a training program that will provide for the
professional growth and continued development of its personnel. By doing so, the Department will
ensure its personnel possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a professional level
of service that meets the needs of the community.
208.2 PHILOSOPHY
The Department seeks to provide ongoing training and encourages all personnel to participate
in advanced training and formal education on a continual basis. Training is provided within the
confines of funding, requirements of a given assignment, staffing levels, and legal mandates.
Whenever possible, the Department will use courses certified by the California Commission on
Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
208.3 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Training Program are to:
(a)Enhance the level of law enforcement service to the public
(b)Increase the technical expertise and overall effectiveness of our personnel
(c)Provide for continued professional development of department personnel
208.4 TRAINING PLAN
A training plan will be developed and maintained by the Personnel and Training Lieutenant. It is
the responsibility of the Personnel and Training Lieutenant to maintain, review, and update the
training plan on an annual basis. The plan will address the following areas:
•Legislative Changes
•State Mandated Training
•Critical Issues Training
•Department Policy
•Mentoring and Development
208.5 TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The Personnel and Training Unit will conduct an annual training-needs assessment of the
Department. The needs assessment will be reviewed by staff. Upon approval by the staff, the
needs assessment will form the basis for the training plan for the fiscal year.