The following message is from Walnut Creek Police Chief Jay Hill:
Dear Walnut Creek Community Members,
As I read through the comments on our social media sites about the events of this past Saturday evening, I see that many of you want to hear from me directly and want to know where I stand on the issues facing our community. You have a right to ask these questions and are owed a response. This has been an unusual year of protest activity in Walnut Creek. Most of it has been peaceful, but in cases where demonstrators have jeopardized the safety of others, we escalated our response. On occasions, we have been accused of being heavy-handed and doing too much and we have also received criticism for not doing enough.
As an organization, we support the rights of citizens to peacefully protest and we recognize our obligation as police officers to protect that right. We also believe that protests should be lawful and that protesters do not have the right to infringe upon the rights of others. We believe everyone should have the ability to enjoy a night out without fear of being verbally or physically assaulted.
We learned late last week that a group that has been regularly marching through City streets would likely be back on Saturday night. Their protest marches have been inconvenient for some people, but with one exception, have not risen to a level where we would need to escalate our response; we had no reason to expect anything different on Saturday. Still, we had extra officers and reserve officers on hand. When the group arrived, it was apparent they were preparing for a confrontation.
Some had helmets and ballistic-type vests on, others carried sticks or other items that could be used as weapons and most were wearing backpacks. Our intention that evening, like previous protests, was to monitor from a distance but not get baited into an altercation for minor transgressions (like marching in the street). Unlike previous protests, this time they brought spray paint and vandalized several businesses with anti-law enforcement graffiti while they marched throughout downtown. Based on the totality of circumstances (including the number of officers vs. the number of protesters and type of crime being committed), the decision was made not to intervene.
Some on social media have stated that there was an order to “stand down” by the Walnut Creek Police Department.
That is simply not the case. The reality is a tactical decision was made by on-scene supervisors who used all of the information available to them at the time (including severity of criminal activity and available resources) to choose a course of action. I feel strongly about our duty as police officers to uphold the law and protect the community we serve. In fact, over the past two weeks I have personally met with nearly every member of our department and specifically discussed my position as it relates to protest activity and shared my support for holding law violating protesters accountable. I further suggested they be mindful of the intent of many of the protesters who are arriving with the intent of baiting officers into a confrontation. We are not looking to use force for a minor transgression of the law. We know, when the protesters arrive wearing ballistic type vests and carrying sticks or pepper spray, their intent is not simply to start a march or demonstration.
To be perfectly clear, the message I have delivered to our officers is to consider the safety of the public, the safety of the protestors, and their own safety when deciding whether to take action in the moment for minor offenses. Our supervisors and watch commanders are empowered to use their discretion and experience to make judgment calls as they see fit based on the totality of circumstances that are unfolding in front of them. These “judgment calls” do not apply when public safety is at risk and we see assaultive behavior occurring. When that is the case, our officers will take immediate action and respond swiftly.
In all cases, we encourage our officers to fully investigate potential violations. Often, an arrest is not made at the scene, but we hold people accountable by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and sending the case to the District Attorney for filing of charges. We have done this on several occasions since the protests began earlier this year, including arresting several looters from May 31. We have also issued citations to several protestors in recent weeks when their activities in the streets have warranted doing so.
As always, when an event like this occurs, we review our response as an opportunity to improve, and to make adjustments as necessary. We are already making adjustments and the community can rest assured that if this or any other group comes to town with unlawful intentions, the Walnut Creek Police Department will be prepared and will not stand by and let criminal behavior go unchecked. We want Walnut Creek to be a safe, welcoming community to our residents and visitors. We will continue to work to minimize instances where peaceful events turn into unsafe ones, and follow up on all leads possible to hold those who break the law accountable.
Very Respectfully,
Jay Hill
Interim Chief of Police
RELATED STORIES:
- UPDATE: Walnut Creek Police Release Information On Saturday Night’s Civil Unrest Near City Hall
- People Burning Flags, Spray Painting Businesses, Harassing Customers In Downtown Walnut Creek
I appreciate that the Interim Chief of Police decided to make a statement in regard to the public’s impression of the departments handing of this year’s protest. However, I do have to disagree with several points. The Chief stated
“…our officers is to consider the safety of the public, the safety of the protestors, and their own safety when deciding whether to take action in the moment for minor offenses”. I do not consider partaking in graffiti, burning flags, smashing windows, looting, gathering in mobs carrying bats, etc. a “minor offense”. This (in my opinion) is where the mistake is made. Law enforcement should have “enforced” the law and arrested these unlawful protestors. These so called minor offenses will only escalate when the participants see that there are no consequences to their actions. This type of behavior must be stopped now.
@TTD
You sure exactly right!!!!
Letting negative unchallenged behavior continue it just multiplies.
What about acting for the safety of the law abiding citizens?
Will you likewise ‘stand down’ when the law abiding citizens do your job and defend ourselves? It will be a minor offense, so why not?
Oh, and since you knew it was going to happen, what about a warning to residents? What about calling in for an assist from CHP or the Sheriffs dept? More resources were available to you.
Your neglect is astonishing. You are letting WC turn into Portland.
These entitled little scumbags need to be opposed and violently so if need be. They set the terms. What they did was no minor offense.
I agree TTD.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory
I suggest everybody, and especially Chief Hill and the rest of the WC City Counsel read the link above. Simply put, if you allow little infractions a free pass, then criminal behavior will escalate.
We have already seen an escalation (graffiti, helmets, sticks, etc.) in response to prior weak policing. Things will continue to get worse if proper policing does not occur. This is how Portland and Seattle started.
Finally, the police send a very dangerous message to the vandals when they allow THE FREAKING POLICE STATION to be targeted with minimal response and allow peaceful restaurant patrons to be assaulted ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE FREAKING POLICE STATION! Inactivity by the department makes you look like emasculated simps.
Completely agree, TTD!
WCPD Chief you guys dropped the ball.
I bet if I was there and defended myself or a family member you would arrest me. The Democrats own police now. I feel things are only going to get worse. Disappointed. People are losing confidence in law enforcement. Sad.
Great job WC. I will never take my family to dinner downtown again.
APPEASEMENT NEVER WORKS!
I will join the boycott of WC. Wont spend any money in their city.
So there wasn’t an order to stand down but a decision was made not to intervene while people were intimidated and assaulted!?! … That is the same thing! Also I have seen several YouTube videos of your officers standing around and literally watching looters walk by them with stolen merchandise during the mass looting last spring. Chief Hill you are a coward and should step down immediately, someone else who won’t cower in your position needs to be brought in to do the job that you will not.
@citizen – That’s pretty strong language for someone who likely has zero knowledge of what it’s like to manage and be responsible for both the officers and the public. In addition to the safety considerations, there are also legal liabilities because we know the attorney’s are salivating at the possibility to jump in and sue the city. We’re decades past the days of cracking heads with billie clubs.
@ oatmeal
Tell that to the guy assaulted while trying to eat his meal. Or the businesses vandalized. Police should not be afraid to
Police.
If this negative behavior does not get addressed it will continue to grow ten fold. People get more and more bold when unchallenged. I think you are the one out of touch. I’m not one for violence but Maybe cracking heads is the answer. If the Democrats would have let Trump bring in the National Guard in Portland, Seattle and Chicago I don’t think we would be seeing this juvenile behavior.
Darwin – I think you’re out of touch with the world we live in. The only outcome of “cracking heads” would would be endless lawsuits. The Chief is between a rock and a hard place. It is much less expensive to clean up spray paint than to pay millions of dollars to plaintiffs. I don’t like it either but it is the reality of the world we live in.
This lack of action will soon force law abiding citizens to use their constitutional right to form an armed militia to protect our rights and freedom. When that happens the blame and responsibility for violence will be on the shoulders of the police chief and the politicians who stand by and let these protests escalate. Citizens will get tired of living in fear. They will do whatever it takes to protect their lives and property . It’s getting obvious the police won’t do it.
This lack of action will soon force law abiding citizens to use their constitutional right to form an armed militia to protect our rights and freedom. When that happens the blame and responsibility for violence will be on the shoulders of the police chief and the politicians who stand by and let these protests escalate. Citizens will get tired of living in fear. They will do whatever it takes to protect their lives and property . It’s getting obvious the police won’t do it.
Sorry Chief….your response is far from how I believe my tax dollars should be spent. Does someone have to get stabbed, or worse, before you guys will step in? The ruining of the peace surrounding those people who were minding their own business should be enough to get some action out of you guys. This is ridiculous…we want more law enforcement!!!!
Pretty words.
Action’s speak louder.
Please protect our city next time.
Open mouth insert foot!
No excuses officers. Please protect our city. The looters hate Walnut Creek because it is an affluent city.
This will continue to happen if you continue to stand down and play the political game with the cowardly democrats inciting violence.
I think Loella should respond on your behalf. Unreal!
Luella the scared old woman posing as Mayor, made the Popo’s stand down…. Don’t blame the Police.!!!!
Miles Hall family needs a big lawsuit for causing this destruction on our City and milking them dry!.
Rise up Walnut Creek, Don’t let the mentally ill take your last dime and ounce of dignity!
What a despicable thing to say. As if his family hasn’t been through enough. Shame on you.
I understand where the Chief is coming from and making comments that the Chief is a coward is unwarranted and childish! I do agree that there are more things that can be done by onsite supervisors and when windows are broken and looting begins unfortunately it’s time to act! I know the fear is that by intervening will lead to further violence which is obviously what some of the demonstrators are trying to achieve, but sometimes violence is necessary to enforce the law! I know that regardless of what you do or don’t do someone is always going to be unsatisfied with the results either way. You need to draw a line in the sand and make your minds up that you will not allow anarchy to live in the streets of Walnut Creek!!
Really. WCPD is damned if they do and damned if they don’t. You people haven’t the slightest clue what you’re talking about. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to be in the law enforcement profession right now.
This is the best time to be in law enforcement, silly.
Huge paycheck, tons of overtime, but you aren’t expected to actually stick your neck out and maintain order. You just have to stand there doing nothing while people loot and steal and rape and pillage, and you collect a check at the end of the day. Maybe some federal officers come in and do your job for you if your city becomes a total war zone, like Portland – but you still get paid!
SERIOUSLY Anon?… and never knowing if you will be going home to your families at night? No Anon you are so wrong…this is the worst time to be in law enforcement…so please thank those that are putting their lives on the line for you!!!!
@ Anon
You’re comments are absolutely idiotic. “This is the best time to be in law enforcement.” And, exactly what do you base this opinion on? The fact that you sit in front of a TV in your comfortable and safe home and critique the actions of ordinary people, who are willing to put there very lives on the line to save your ignorant ass? You’re so sure what it’s like to be an officer in this day? How? When was the last time you put on a bulletproof vest and gun and left your little sanctuary with the knowledge that you may never see your family again? All this to protect a public that is constantly looking for a reason to crucify you for decisions you have to make in an instant, without the benefit of “Monday morning quarterbacking.”
Sure, YouTube videos suggest that more probably could have been done. However, try to put yourself in the shoes of the on site supervisors, albeit you can’t as you haven’t got clue. They are coming out of a time when they were strongly criticized for doing what all on here are demanding. Last time they apparently used too much force! They are also reeling from the payout of a multi-million dollar settlement to a family that sued the department over the outcome of another no-win situation, in which the officers were only protecting themselves and preventing a dangerously psychotic individual from injuring or killing innocent residents.
You complain about their paychecks and benefits. Do you have any clue what pressures, both physically and mentally, this job puts on them? Of course you don’t! Any idea what the life expectancy is for a police officer? Again, of course not! Until you’re ready to step up and be the same brave person you are on social media (Anon), and do a job like this, your comments mean little.
To the Chief, thank you for reaching out and thank you for the good and selfless work you and your officers do on a daily basis. You face many no win situations like this and the majority appreciate your efforts. I only wish city governments would stop paying out huge settlements when you are clearly in the right. This only encourages more of the same and makes parasites of society like Burris multimillionaires.
@ anon
Ahhh! More ridiculous, and unsubstantiated, comments! Yes! I must have been wrong. We all know that police work is right up there with gas station attendant, and probably babysitter as well, when it come to danger level. Idiotic comments deserve no further comment, as we can all see the intelligence level that you bring to the discussion? Oh, and yes since you went there, mommy (and education) taught me to think critically and to look at all the facts before you come to an opinion. You make a lot of interesting statements. I challenge you to provide proof to support any of the!
Thank DA Diana Beckton for that. She has informed police departments that she will not prosecute crimes by an individual until they have committed the same crime the 4th time around. She has told police departments that they must ask suspects who steal or riot if they needed the items they took. If the suspect answers yes then she will not prosecute. So she has told police departments she will not uphold laws all while demoting lawyers in the DA’s office she considered political rivals who actually took crime seriously and refused to kiss her ass and buy into her social justice platform . So the current DA has basically legalized crime by refusing to prosucute there is nothing WC or any County police department can do. Police are following what they have been told to do or not to do. Police are a tool used to enforce and uphold laws created by lawmakers to maintain safety and order. If elected DA officials, like Diana Beckton, choose to disregard current laws then instead of getting upset with police for their perceived “not doing their job” perhaps I might suggest voting for a DA who will actually follow the oath they took to uphold current law, maintain order as well as vote for other elected officials who value personal responsibility, accountability and also value law and order. It seems we currently live in an area whos elected DA (and other officials) describes those who commit crimes as victims who are not responsible for their choices and/or worse justified in committing their crimes.
Ding, ding, ding!
However, WCPD needs to make arrests at the scene and stop using the DA as an out. They have a duty to uphold the law and keep WC safe for ALL, with or without Diana Beckton‘s approval.
Well, our votes don’t count.
Perfectly stated!
That was a very long way of saying that the WCPD has a stand-down policy on rioting, looting, and political violence.
Chief Orwell, we’re not buying your lies. Try again next time, but keep it shorter.
For my part, I’m staying out of Walnut Creek after dark and on the weekends. No need to risk driving down the wrong street and get assaulted while the police stand around and watch.
Chief,
Many of us realize that you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t respond. It’s a setup event for you to fail.
All this money floating around ready to sue the police and all these cell phones with video.
The news fails you too with “Mostly peaceful protestors” at the scene.
They should have been corralled when they were setting up over on South California and searched.
Frozen water bottles (used as rocks)
Lazar pointers (blind others)
Spray paint (really, on a cold Saturday night)
And how many had mace on them?
I’d like to see their names published and where they are from. (Seems to be another no no).
I wonder who pays them to be there too?
Behind the scenes you’re going to need to demand that Becton and her crew are on your side. (I guess that won’t work) If they are not then let us the public know.
Laws or Anarchy, there’s no in-between.
Most of us expect the police to be assertive in these situations. And arrest or detain the wannabees with them. That will slow things down a bit.
Until the next one…
Wish you luck.
Interim chief should fire himself.
Thank you Interim Chief Hill for putting this statement out there. Really not much has changed in our society and in the politics of any Police Department except leadership, City Management, a Mayor pressure from a Council that won’t allow Police to do their job. If that is the case in Walnut Creek with these changes, because we all know that there has always been those driven out coming in from outside and that was controlled. Now with the DA we have and pressure of COVID, the pressure is on. That being said. I would say to you having lived in Walnut Creek, now back in Concord on the edge of Clayton for sixteen years and as an individual who lead several teams, both with Police and Corporate, I was surprised to see the “scale back” attitude from the police in WC on this one. I know where I live, I would have never felt that. No matter the politics. Again, walk in your shoes, tough job these days and more, but it comes back to what is right and the bigger picture. Stand down or Stand up.
With all due respect Chief if your are explaining you have lost the argument. Your job is to protect and serve.
After reading, my advice to Jay Hill is, to quote Abe Lincoln. ” Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”
Great quote.
Everything has already been said. Thank you, Claycordians. I pray for Walnut Creek. Chief Hill, please resign. It is clearly not your time.
I quote
These “judgment calls” do not apply when public safety is at risk and we see assaultive behavior occurring. When that is the case, our officers will take immediate action and respond swiftly.
Public safety was at risk. assertive behavior was occurring. you did not adhere to your policy as stated above. People were harassed, nervous, made to feel uneasy and in fear for their safety and yet you did absolutely nothing but stand by and stand down. This is not the job you signed up for. If you are too afraid to stand up and do your job then maybe you should quit you want to stand down do it permanently but the people of this city depend on you to get out there and take care of this problem not sit there With your thumbs up your ass.
Chief Hill, as Sgt Heskett once told me it’s the Politics that will “do it” he said it another way, but. Point is. That’s the hard part as you know. Don’t let it be.
Wow. It wasn’t that long ago that WC was a safe city to spend a night out. How exciting that we are catching up to those other fine cities, Oakland, Portland, Seattle…If I need anything from WC I will make sure to be out of there before noon. This is pure insanity.
I feel better, next time I’m spit upon, screamed at, threatened with harm, and physically assaulted, it good to know after I plant the punks face in my table, the WC Police will do nothing
All they did was show the public that it is not safe to eat or shop in Walnut Creek. Congrats Mr. Hill more businesses will be forced to move or close.
What a crock S. Chief, its obvious by your demonstrated actions that your number one priority is to toe the liberal democrat line. Protecting lives and property is not your priority.
Being a Police Officer has always been a tough job and outright brutal depending on where they work. It has now become insane. The Police are being neutered and kept from performing their oath of office by liberal wussy political clowns that are being elected to positions of political power. Police Chiefs have to answer to City Managers and City Councils and enforce policies they may not want to in order to keep their jobs. Look what happens when Police use force to protect the public or themselves. Lawsuits, riots, being fired or being charged with manslaughter or murder in some cases. Throw in Covid, the defund the Police movement, the stand down policies that are becoming common place throughout the whole country and you have a situation that enables the criminals and looters but so does an aggressive response from the Police so it really is a lose lose situation. These are just my observations and I don’t have any solutions for a society that keeps voting for soft on crime politicians and district attorneys. Tough time to be a cop for sure.
@MoJo
Hit the nail on the head
So if I chickened out of a fight, I didn’t actually run away….the reality is after I used all info available (which included severity of the challenge and my available resources) I made a tactical decision to choose a course of action…. to not respond.
Golly, that sounds alot better!
And when you think about it… nobody was paying me to confront anyone anyway!
Not like it’s MY job or something.
Thank you officer for that concise recollection of events
You did however glaze over the fact that patrons were assaulted
And since when do you protect rioters
Yes rioters …when they show up with armor and weapons
Your first priority is to the patrons and public in general
I would think
Perhaps having officers between establishments and rioters is a better strategy
I do respect the fact that you do not have an envious job nor do your officers
You did state you knew they were coming
Did you inform the public
Your statement did not reflect that
Yet again I appreciated your words
Yet you fell short
as a lot of them were formed in protecting the rioters over the public they were harassing
Protect and serve
Nowhere does it say defend rioters
Also who are you protecting them from
People defending themselves
Also your response felt coerced and concentrated on appeasing politicians
And relieving the city of any and all responsibility to the public
I applaud you and your officers for everything you do
I am however not accepting of politicians running your show
I will always support officers over politicians
It is just that
The public needs your help
Really needs it
and we want to trust
You will protect us
And not choose crime
over American citizens
Knowing that the police is not there to protect me, I no longer feel safe to go to Walnut Creek for an evening out or shopping.
All my life I was made believe that the police is here to protect me. Apparently not in Walnut Creek.
What a shame.
They are protecting when dispatch doesn’t blow you off!
Need a new team of competent dispatchers to relay urgent messages properly!
I’d ask. Did you go into Law Enforcement to protect others or just sit back and watch? What happened to protect and to serve? One more reason to protect yourself i’d say.
The left wing
Socialist are in charge and operating under the guise of democrats
We have the left running most cities including the drug and illegals in the Sanctuaryity where the scum of the earth are allowed to come ! Meanwhile the Pelosis and Newsomes live in their millionaire high security homes looking down on the masses! Buythee way the theirinside joke is the MASSES are Asses!PS the cops hands are tied!
Time to step down Chief. You’re failing your cops and the community. Take the City Manager with you.
Now it’s a ‘tactical decision.’ Um sure Chief.
From the city council meeting’s public comment tonight:
“Dear Council Members,
I am a Walnut Creek police officer. Like many of my colleagues, I am frustrated. Earlier today, you held a closed session to evaluate the City Manager’s performance. If this was an honest assessment, you are planning to replace him. This weekend’s civil unrest, where residents and visitors were left to fend for themselves, was the last straw. Rank and file officers will now be blamed for yet another failure of leadership. The City Manager’s perplexing decision to appoint an inexperienced Captain to Interim Chief continues to have negative consequences. The best explanation one can come up with is that Chief Hill is best equipped to continue the failed policies of Chief Chaplin, which include pandering to social justice groups. These are the same groups that bully the city and spread lies about the police department that go unanswered. During my one interaction with the prior Chief since COVID – Chief Chaplin worked from home 99% of the time and was mostly MIA – he told me appeasing these groups would pay off in the end. Saturday night showed us yet again that we haven’t learned anything. The most experienced Captain, passed over by the City Manager, was the only leader in the department that helped stop the looting of downtown earlier this year. He led us from the front and has a solid reputation in law enforcement circles. Apparently, standing up to social justice bullies and looters didn’t fit the City Manager’s ideal of a police leader. We are now paying the price with feckless leadership and a rudderless department. Morale has never been lower, and many of our best officers have already quit. We are blamed for acting too harshly, and now we’ll be blamed for not being aggressive enough.
You are our leaders and public safety should be your first priority. Your police officers are tired and frustrated. Start holding people accountable. Please stop with the politics and sort this mess out by bringing in a new Chief and City Manager.“
#notgoodenough
#retirealready
#dotherightthing
Thanks for posting this.
I was not in Walnut Creek on Saturday night to see this, because the live music I planned to enjoy outside at a socially-distanced table was canceled. It seems the WCPD have been spending a lot of time looking for supposed infractions in town and fining small business owners trying to make a living and spread some joy with live music. Oh, but vandalize other businesses and verbally assault their patrons and commit anti-social acts is OK? No fines? Despicable!
A few months ago, I went to buy shoes in Walnut Creek and suddenly heard a commotion. I walked outside and saw the same group with bullhorns screeching about America needing to burn down and one young woman was shaming patrons eating their lunch about the color of their skin. I must have had a pretty horrible expression on my face, because when I walked over, a cop or security guard actually held his hand up to me with a slowdown kind of gesture. Like I was in the wrong. Just like a singer who is 20 feet away from an table is a problem, but not a young woman spewing hatred through a bullhorn with her mask hanging off her ear, just feet away from a nervous grandmother trying to eat.
Way to go, WCPD and city council members. I used to spend a lot of time and money in your town, but no more.
Agreed! Thank you Lari!
Respectfully, if these protesters have the goal of baiting police into a confrontation, then perhaps you should accommodate them.
Residents are out supporting local business, and out of towners with weapons and flack jackets are out to cause trouble. Residents should be the priority. Respectfully, you work for us,
I refuse to be a victim, and I believe many Walnut Creek citizens feel the same. It’s reasonable to expect residents to be prepared.
SERIOUSLY Anon?… and never knowing if you will be going home to your families at night? No Anon you are so wrong…this is the worst time to be in law enforcement…so please thank those that are putting their lives on the line for you!!!!
SERIOUSLY Aunt Barbara?… What exactly is it I’m supposed to be thanking them for again? I am usually a huge supporter of the police. But I’ll be damned if you are going to tell me this performance and an increasingly large number of performances like it in WC or elsewhere is worthy of thanks. It’s a dereliction of duty. These guys are not paid spectators and that’s how they are acting. Leadership needs to let them do their job! I know they want to.
Chief, mutual aid? Seriously. It looked like 30ish people from videos I saw. Call the sheriffs, call Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Concord. It takes 5-10 minutes for all those departments to respond. You could have apprehended the majority of those rioters.
Exactly…the Chief’s excuses are weak and ineffective- just like the “leadership”.
One of the reasons a lock down and curfew is a very bad idea… The creeps come out at night,….Nobody is around and they own the town to loot, graffiti and destroy what’s left.
Newsom is a numbnut!
RECALL RECALL RECALL
So, here are a few things everybody should know:
Chiefs of Police are appointed by City Councils/City Managers. They are “at will” employees, which means they can be let go anytime for any reason or no reason. So clearly, they have do do whatever the city council wants them to do
Currently, Hill is the acting chief. Certainly he wants to be chief. That, of course, means he has to do exactly what city council wants or he does not get the job he wants so bad.
In a previous statement from the Mayor elect, it was stated the city council did not issue any standown order.
In Hill’s statement, he indicated that the stand down order was not made by him, but rather the street level supervisor who was on duty that night.
So, we are to believe that with all the advance knowledge of this event, with all the planning, with all the liabilities involved, the entire city council and the entire command staff just went home without providing any direction to this street level supervisor. Just, “Hey. What the hell. Do whatever you want. Later.” Then, within days, here are the city council and acting chief Hill passing the buck to to this street level supervisor.
Sounds to me like some systemic dishonesty, backstabbing, and self serving politics by people who do not deserve our respect.
This is how you get a Kenosha situation. Rioters will go after the wrong one, and you’ll have a tragedy and national news situation on your hands.
Man that footage is crazy, Kyle defended himself like a 30 year military spec ops veteran who just had 9 hours of sleep and a pot of coffee.
And this is why I will not raise my children in this city or state.
This ain’t it Chief.
Very bad situation there. I don’t think it is a good idea to participate in outside dining anyway. Sitting way too close. Mix that with the violent protests is awful. Then to see how the WCPD and the creepy Mayor allow this insanity is not my idea of a good time.
I will support the suffering restaurants that are really struggling. I will not let these racist protestors ruin our businesses and City!
Stand up Take our City back!
After reading all of the comments so far, there is one thing no one has mentioned. When a suspect is arrested, officers are taken off the street to transport, book and process the suspect. Reports have to be taken and witnesses interviewed. The city pays a booking fee to the county if the suspect goes down to the county jail. The arresting officer may also have to go to court to testify at some point down the road and prosecutors, court clerks, bailiffs and judges get involved All of this requires increased personnel and other costs and can get very expensive.
So let me ask, how many of you are willing to pay for the aggressive approach you are demanding?
No problem here…
@mtzman – those are all good points which most of us have probably not considered; however, one must look at the future. These so called “minor infractions” will only escalate if the law is not enforced. Also, one must considered the long term cost of lost customers, businesses, etc who are fed up with I will do and take what I want with no regard to the law. In addition, the cost and time involved that you mentioned is really only a short term issue. Once the word gets out that WC is NOT soft on crime then these rioters will move on.
@mtzman I am sure if the tables where turned you would be making a different comment!
@martines
They had plenty of warning about the incident and could have gotten help from local agencies. It happens all the time.
All the so called extra cost, it’s called criminal accountability. It’s what the system is designed to do. Negative behavior that goes unchallenged just multiplies. It’s cheaper in the long run to stop it immediately.
So allow unlawful behavior?
By extension then, perhaps you suggest nobody gets arrested for anything due to some cost? Here’s another question…are you willing to pay the price of doing nothing?
I don’t think County would book them due to Covid concerns. They would release them, but someone has to pick them up and they can’t throw a drink on someone or set a fire or push someone into the street in the meantime. I further do not think they would be prosecuted-yet another County issue- but that’s not the officer’s problem – Police officers are paid by us to do a different job – so yes, do it.
Mtzman there are a few fallacies in your option.
Law enforcement and the Court are getting paid weither they are making arrests or hearing cases in court or doing nothing. Yes officers may require overtime to write reports, book criminals or appearing in court but the costs are minimal in the grand scheme of things. In addition its already budgeted for, similar to an over under account. Same with booking fees. Some months are up while others are down. It even out over time. With Covid arrests have been down dramatically since March so have no fear money is not an issue.
There is no extra costs for the Courts. M-Th they are working regardless of case load. Friday is a half day so the judges can play golf.
I do agree that arrests take officers off the street but with a little forethought the Sheriff has the ability to book prisoners in mass in the field. The arresting officer simply stand next to the prisoner and takes a picture. The officer tells the booking deputy the charges and the Sheriff takes custody. Reports are written later so the officers can hook and book more criminals
Its not rocket science. It just takes the will to do it.
I will pay! where’s my checkbook?
If I double the amount will they arrest even more law breakers?
Do they want a tip? Happy to help!
I fully support law enforcement. My son and many members of my family through several generations have served in law enforcement. There is a balancing act involved in ascertaining the appropriate level of police engagement in these incidents and as we have seen countless times over the last year overly aggressive police responses have only served to escalate violence. In this case, not having been a personal witness to the events of the other night, I have to defer to the judgment of professional law enforcement.
@Ann, as a matter of fact the tables have been turned on me. Several years ago I discovered an armed burglar on a Saturday night inside my church in another claycordian city. The police responded and caught the suspect but then expressed reluctance to take the suspect to county jail because the city couldn’t afford the booking fees. The extra costs incurred by local police around the nation this year is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
So I’m quite okay if WC wants to pursue a more aggressive approach but all of you should be aware that there is a price to pay.
In these cash-strapped times for municipalities
This is a confession of a Stand Down order.
Exactly!
Maybe he should just worry about doing his job and not putting out long worded statements that mean very little after the fact.
What a pathetic response.by a Chief of Police.
Yes! My thoughts exactly.
👍
So…after 9/11, the biggest takeaway, was that law enforcement agencies had forego their egos & fiefdoms and begin to work collaboratively. And…Justice had to implement laws that gave LE the ability to investigate, arrest, prosecute and jail criminals. In the past 20 years, there have been no significant terrorist crimes. Two things; 1) lawyers are motivated by money, not principles and lawsuits are therefore never going to go away and 2) those who ignore the past are condemned to repeat it.
There you go! You hit upon a great idea for police agencies to save money – Don’t arrest anyone.
So let me get this straight if the police do nothing they are cowards but if the act as you want and would expect and as the Chief stated “Bated”. Then the media will always take the protesters side and Walnut Creek police will be a bigot police department that needs to be defunded. Guess who will win it won’t be the police. Politicians won’t support them and their union runs from this issue. We need to let the media and politicians know we are not going to stand for this type of protest. How stop supporting the media write to their sponsors let them know you will no longer buy their products and vote out the politicians who support these protesters. I don’t know why anyone wants to be a police officer today but I greatly respect the ones we have.
Just one more reason all of the rational folks are lining up to leave California. Once you all end up with crime filled cities they’ll wonder how it got this way, but need to realize you made this happen. All you need to do is read this article, a clear sign that California is literally out of control. I myself am currently selling my home as well as my parents and in-laws and we are all leaving this once great state. So very sad to see what society has become… But hey this is what we get when we stray away from integrity and good family values. Would love to see these scumbags come try this at my house. But they won’t because they are weak and scared of true patriots willing to defend their property with their lives. These are sad times indeed
Congratulations on the move.
I still don’t want to believe it, but California is too far gone. Yesterday Newsom was able to at least temporarily reinstate his dictatorship under guise of Covid, and I’m not sure I want to wait around for the recall results next March.
Several in my family are on board with the move; still working on convincing a couple of the seniors. As I mentioned before, local real estate agents are going to have a great year.
In other words….we felt like we didn’t have enough officers staffed for that evening, so we let the protestors do what they want while we watched.
Now that they know you will not act, they will be back.
California has turned into a sh*those thanks to y’all that keep electing these liberals. I hope you are happy…keep voting for the Ds like good loyal subjects and you will be rewarded with more of this. And as you watch the decline of your cities, you can take comfort in knowing that your taxes will increase too…what a deal, eh?
YOUR WORDS MEAN NOTHING. We want to see ACTION!
If a smaller group of individuals or a homeless person were screaming at innocent bystanders who were out supporting Walnut Creek small businesses they would quickly be contacted, ordered to disburse, threatened with citations and then arrested if they did not follow the law. If a small group of people or an individual were tagging Walnut Creek businesses, the boards they had purchased to shield their businesses and sidewalks downtown with spray paint they would be arrested on the spot. Why is this situation different? Because you FEAR the ramifications of being called “bad cops”? Because you FEAR being sued? Because the DA won’t prosecute so what’s the point of stopping the harassing and destructive behaviorist? Because nobody was getting hurt, the WCPD consciously decided to STAND DOWN. Disgusting.
You acknowledge you were aware this group would be present Saturday night in Walnut Creek and that extra officers were on duty …. and yet the WCPD stood PRESENT and did NOTHING … the WCPD ALLOWED this harassing and destructive behavior. You have FAILED the residents of Walnut Creek.
The Walnut Creek community WILL support you in enforcing the laws …. however, we will NOT support you or your officers ALLOWING unlawful behavior out of fear.
These “protestors” are ruining this country. Now they are making Walnut Creek unsafe to patronize. I hope the business owners in WC stand up and demand a strong police response to further protests.
@Luigi
From personal experience, if business owners (or the average citizen, for that matter) stand up for what’s right, or expose the systemic hypocrisy and favoritism, they will be shunned, their families will be shunned, participation at local clubs, organizations, events will be targeted. Their name(s) will be recognized and tainted forever more.
Once one goes against the city’s elite (inbred for decades) there is no coming back. That may be one of the reasons why citizens hesitate to get involved and stand up against situations like the going lawlessness in the city.
Chief Hill, I forwarded pictures with faces and license plates from May 31st and never heard from WCPD. As a former law enforcement officer with Los Angeles County Sheriff, I can tell you that several of your situations would have been handled a bit differently in LA. Perhaps it is because you have to work with Diana Becton? Yes, the public and elected officials in the Bay Area are challenging, keep up the good work! 108RS p.s. rescued one of your female officers a couple of months ago.
Walnut Creek is the Wild West now.
I’ve dealt with the Chief directly, he’s a good man. Look above him, look at the courts, look at what happens if you DO protect your city, self, or others. You’re prosecuted, plane and simple. We as a country have let the leftist loons gain power. These are the same kids in highschool that had all the little clicky clubs, were in student government, or got bullied. Well, now is their payback.
Stop blaming the police. YOU (and me) made them POWERLESS. It’s our fault. We screwed up. We sat and watched it happen. We sat and watched “Defund Police” rallies from our couches, and said/did nothing.
Now, the ball is in our court. We’ve made them powerless, and when you read what the chief said, he’s basically saying, “I’m powerless” and if I do anything, I’ll be in jail.
Until people start shooting rioters and looters (yes, you read that perfectly correct), and or beating the living crap out of them, this behavior will continue to worsen. YOU made that happen by not disciplining your children, and making them feel “special” by the everyone gets a trophy mentality. Now, you get to live with your creation.
Look what Florida is doing regarding these spoiled little terrorists. You loot, we shoot. Mandatory jail time if you touch a cop. You want law and order, you better buckle up buttercup, because real law and order ain’t pretty. You pull a knife and run at a cop, you get shot. You swing a bat at a cop, you get shot.
It should be the same if you loot. Business owners, you have my support.
Chief is worried about his gigantic pension, that’s all. He wants to keep his job and keep getting six figures for doing very little actual work in a very safe community. He’s a coward who puts on a diplomatic front and gives diplomatic lies to cover for his cowardice.
I agree that we, the people of Contra Costa County have created this situation.
Diana Becton is the only one out of 4 Soros-backed DA candidates who got elected. Because we, the stupid Contra Costa voters, chose this unqualified and ethically challenged person over Paul Graves.
We, the stupid Contra Costa voters, chose another ethically challenged Democrat, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan over a perfectly qualified Republican Catharine Baker.
We, the stupid Contra Costa voters, recently approved yet another tax increase, giving the County supervisors a free hand to spend the money on “equity and diversity” by declaring that racism is a health crisis.
Did you vote for any of the above? Then before blaming WCPD, go look in the mirror and repeat: “It’s my fault. Next time I will vote for a person – not a race or gender identity or party affiliation. Next time I will read the entire proposition. Next time I will vote with my brain and not listen to sound bites in TV ads”.
And then hope it’s not too late.
I see Kevin Wilk made a public statement that there was no order to stand down. He then went on to defend a stand down order. Insisting nobody wants hand to hand combat in the streets. He said it’s better to let the police try to investigate these acts of terrorism after the perpetrators have had their way and left.
My thoughts for Wilk and his ilk:
If you and your family were mostly peacefully dining when marxist fascists attacked you for no reason, I’m sure you would rest at ease knowing that instead of protecting you, police might eventually look into it. That coupled with a good health plan, modern medical procedures, and a good property insurance policy a financially well off and well connected guy like you would probably be fine…but, um, what about all us 99 percenters you rule over?
So, in conclusion, to sum up the unfortunate incident:
Whereas: No family member/friend/supporter of the elite that “run” Walnut Creek were affected by Saturday’s riot (attacks on persons and property).
Therefore: Until such time, no appropriate law enforcement is required against “a minor transgression of the law.”
Gross, I threw up in my mouth reading this sickening pablum. There’s not a soul alive who more appreciates cops and supports them than I do, but that does NOT preclude me and others with a functioning brain and dose of common sense from calling out the inexcusable (in)ACTION and the follow-up moronic statement by this idiot “chief”. And way to be a pathetic sycophant to a TERRIBLE “leader” who backed the bus over “on-scene supervisors” by saying it was THEIR “tactical decision”. What a chump, total d**k move.
@Cat’s Meow
Likely no one from the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce or City Council has been affected by Saturday’s unfortunate incident (and may actually not be affected from future incidents which are very likely to occur, DUH).
Which translates to nothing will ever be done, which translates to Walnut Creek will become the New Cesspool of Contra Costa County, which translates to at least 10 people I can speak for will no longer shop or dine in Walnut Creek.
Make that 11.
The job of the police is to do the right thing. Not the political thing. If the later is the case we have already lost. The chief used many words and I hope out of all those words was a promise to not let this happen again. Time will tell.
The moment you put that badge on and start collecting tax payer money “To Serve and Protect”, you gave up your right to “decide not to intervene” when an organized attack is committed on your City. @DVC Student’s response was perfect.
You should resign immediately and put someone in place who will honor their duty.
Take our city and country back!
Resign if you and all of the others cannot do the job you were hired to do.
Tired of excuses and the law abiding citizenry getting taken advantage of and being called racist names that are not true.
Yet those of us who obey the law get screwed over time and time again. Reverse racism by all including the leftist media, entitlement crowd and enablers. We have to take up the slack and pay more for those who lie and state they are underserved or under privileged.
Take a long hard look. They are all freeloaders and know they can continue to get away with this. Trump was not that all off base. He may have an issue with how he delivers his message but he was for America not like the controlling socialists, liberals and a great many democrats.
It is going to be a rough 4 years if people do not wake up and push back.
What an embarrassing piece of leftist drivel. He might as well just have stated “we value these protestors more than we value any business in downtown WC or any people eating in any downtown WC restaurant”. Because that’s the truth of the matter. Result? People will refuse to shop or eat in downtown WC, businesses in downtown WC will leave, tax revenues into the WC coffers will suffer.
Nice job, morons.
Remove the Commies restore order! Real dangerous game the Democrats are playing this is the kind of stuff that gets military Tribunals In the end. Do you think George Washington or Benjamin Franklin Would be cool with the police chief tucking his tail?
Police Chief’s own words: “We know, when the protesters arrive wearing ballistic type vests and carrying sticks or pepper spray, their intent is not simply to start a march or demonstration.”
So you knew these were not ‘peaceful/pieceful’ protestors, and you stood around doing nothing anyway? What kind of tactic is that?
When citizens minding their own business and not breaking the law were assaulted, you were more interested in protecting the perpetrators, the criminals. Maybe it is time to defund downtown Walnut Creek. It’s the only way to teach our Liberal politicians.
That is why I had such a hard time voting for the WC city council. You have to hold your nose and vote then hope you did the right thing.
I think that the anarchists are taking advantage of the Covid situation. In normal times, citizens and business owners would be storming City Council meetings to put to a stop to this insanity. For now, Council members can hide behind their Zoom cameras and avoid telephones.
Also there is nobody but low level managers and employees minding the store. The real owners and managers are located in another city or state. A broken window and shoplifted merchandise are small potatoes to the company.
I don’t even know what to say. That explanation was ridiculous. This is a failed state and a failed city. Criminals have all the rights and the decent citizens have none. I am from a law enforcement family and am embarrassed by the entire situation. I guess we are another San Francisco, Berkeley, Portland, Seattle now. Are the police willing to take a major salary cut when businesses leave and tax money is drastically reduced? Over the thirty plus years we have lived here we have spent a small fortune in WC, dining and shopping. As long as it remains totally unsafe to do so, we will not spend another dime there.
Guide to oppression:
1: Gain the ability to control/oppress everyone through restrictive laws governing every aspect of life
2: Do not enforce those laws on your group
3: Now only one group is living oppressed under those restrictive laws
So the police KNEW they were going to “protest?” – it was scheduled beforehand?! ARE THEY COMING BACK THIS WEEKEND?! That seems to be the plan – as the Police value the “safety” of the protestors over patrons and diners.
The very saddest result of the city’s left agenda and cowardice will be the likely and inevitable serious injury to some innocent citizen, possibly a vulnerable senior or child. All indications are this will unfortunately happen.
In advance, I feel so sorry for their loss. Be careful, cautious, extremely alert and aware when you leave your dwellings. Walnut Creek is no longer our Home.
Even more unfortunate and sad is the resulting lawsuit when an innocent citizen is injured or killed by a “peaceful protester”. What a stain on the city’s reputation with a horrible media headline. The avoidable death of an innocent citizen has taken place in the upscale California suburb of Walnut Creek . No coming back. Please keep us safe.
You voted in your politicians, who also hired your police chief.
Now you get to live with your poor decisions.
Deal with it and stop whining. Maybe next time you’ll not listen to the politicians when elections come around.
Point was well made above as to the gross options of candidates running for city council. Their “profiles” were creepy and inferior. The choices were bad, and worse.
Expect the next comment (and see above) to be made here will be if I don’t like the candidates, I should run for city council myself. Of course. At a very advanced age, with physical handicap, and no elite connections.
Haven’t been down town WC since the riot of May 31st. Will not do business, shop, dine out or walk on the streets of Walnut Creek. When you let the mob rule, no one wants to risk their lives. Plenty of other places in other towns which welcome our business. RIP WC!
With no due respect, that is a load of crap!
An absolutely pathetic response.
Protect the law abiding tax paying citizens.
Like Trump said, “Stand back and stand down.” I would be furious If I lived in WC. I feel safer in East Oakland lol
It is called mutual aid Walnut Creek P.D. Call Concord P.D., Pleasant Hill P.D., Martinez P.D. and the Sheriff’s department. Guess what, plenty of officers to take care of the situation. Chief Jay Hill you failed on this incident.
Oh well…. I give up….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FikZwgj89HI
Remember:
Police chiefs are hired and fired by their respective city council. That means they must follow the directions of the City Council…it doesn’t matter what WE think, it only what the City Council wants
Justin Wedel ran for city council, and he was the only candidate who was endorsed by the Walnut Creek Police Officers Association. Wedel did not receive enough votes NOW look at us.
So, I would argue there was one reasonable candidate.
First rule getting out of a hole you dug for yourself…STOP DIGGING
Just saw Chief Hill on TV. He said they did not anticipate any criminal behavior. OK Hill, you DID read your own written statement, right?? The one above…with your name on it
I just HATE being lied to
But he was consistent in one respect. Once again, he blamed a subordinate. Now THATS some serious leadership.
Please do us a favor: If you just absolutely cannot tell the truth, just stop talking.
This was posted on the City of Walnut Creek website:
“ Greetings,
Welcome to the website for the Walnut Creek Police Department. The members of our department are committed to providing excellent police services to those that live in, work in, or visit the great city of Walnut Creek. We work hand in hand with our community to ensure the outstanding quality of life in our city is maintained and enhanced. Please take an opportunity to visit the different sections of our website to learn about our various programs and services. Here you will find information on our Operations Division, our Administration Division, and the many opportunities you have to get involved with your police department, including our volunteer program, our police cadet program, and our reserve police officer program. I am extremely proud to serve as Chief of Police for this exceptional department. We are committed to serving our community. If you would like to learn more, please drop by and visit us, or simply take a moment to say hello to the women and men of our department when we are out and about.
Interim Chief of Police Jay Hill”
Hey Interim Chief Jay Hill,
Please pass along the name of the Leadership book you seem to follow. You know, the one where you throw your staff under the bus and don’t take responsibility for your own actions. Yes that one.
I’ve said it before I’ll say it again: police officers are on no ones side except their own. They will do as their told so they can continue to collect a paycheck. They do not uphold the constitution. They do not protect citizens.
Since they only work for money, they are mercenaries. You can never trust a mercenary. Especially when you are not the one paying them.