Stockton, CA–
The activists behind the Stockton Police Department, Corruption Reporting Page are causing a stir in Stockton with a flyer they’ve been distributing. The flyer offers a $2,500 reward for any information leading to the arrest or firing of any Stockton Police officer, and names 14 officers they accuse of excessive force.
Some Stockton residence told a local Fox affiliate they like the idea:
“I think it’s a good idea, especially with all the events going on now with police brutality and that whole thing,” said Chajan Douglas.
“Everyone needs to be more aware of what they’re doing, and us regular folks,” said Douglas.
Rubin Glenn said:
“Police corruption has been going on since the beginning of time and they’re not going to cut it off. But it would be good if they could slow it down.”
“Yeah I agree. Because the police shouldn’t be corrupt, because that’s the last people on the planet should be corrupt. I can understand politicians,”
But Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones wasn’t happy about the flyer, telling Fox40:
“This flier appears to invite retribution against our officers. I’m concerned that the flier might be intended to put officers at risk, which would be reprehensible, and it is sad and disheartening to see a flier like this with a $2,500 bounty.”
“I’m concerned for them [police officers] and their families — very concerned,” Jones said. “We have many mechanisms in place for police accountability. This is what’s concerning about the intent of this flier, because it appears to be that anti-law enforcement sentiment as opposed to dialogue and discussion for police trust and accountability.”
Community activist Aaron Paradiso denounces the reward being called a bounty and the Chief’s implications that the activists mean to incite violence. Aaron told recordnet.com:
“It’s just informing the public that these people should be monitored and watched, and that it’s your right and responsibility to film the police.”
“If there’s nothing that was done wrong, there’s nothing to be afraid of. If you’re calling a reward for accountability and wrongdoing a bounty, then that kind of infers that somebody did something wrong.”
Aaron adds:
“If there’s nothing to hide, they would laugh at it, but they know it’s serious.”
Stockton Police Department, Corruption Reporting Page:
“Chief Jones does not like this reward because he KNOWS that he has bad men employed under him, and he refuses to acknowledge or change that.”
The Stockton activists didn’t stop at offering cash rewards to the regular folks of Stockton. Today, they published a flyer responding to Chief Jones’ comments and offer a $10,000 reward for any member of law enforcement to come forward with information leading to the termination, or incarceration of another officer in Stockton or the San Joaquin County Area.
The group is also calling for a protest on January 27, demanding the termination of Stockton Police officer Houston Sensabaugh.
“Officer Houston Sensabaugh is responsible for the deaths of multiple citizens. In August of 2012 Houston shot and killed Edwardo De La Nieves, and also opened fire on Edwardo’s female passenger, hospitalizing her. She was innocent and did not deserve to be shot. Houston said he had to open fire because De La Nieves was going to “back over him with his vehicle”.
6 months later, in February of 2013, Houston would use the same reason to open fire (with SJ Sheriff Deputy Nicholas Tariol) through the driver and passenger side windows of a vehicle occupied by Stockton citizen Gary Hawkins.”
This isn’t the only time Stockton Police have been accused of wrongdoing after shooting people in cars. Last year Stockton P.D. made headlines when they killed Misty Holt-Singh after she was taken hostage by bank robbers, and in 2010, unarmed 16 year old James Rivera Jr. was shot to death in a car, outraging many residents, resulting in protests and accusations of a cover-up.
Perhaps a large sum of money rewarding honesty is exactly what Stockton needs to advance police accountability; time will tell, but it’s a bold strategy.
