My name is Mike Levy, and I am here in my individual capacity.

I would like to talk to you for a moment about the tone our community dialogue. This commission is the focal point of some extremely serious and important issues. Allegations of racial bias and abuse of authority are inherently charged with emotion. That makes it essential for citizens on all sides of the issue to be vigilant of a responsible and respectful dialogue. This Commission sets the tone of that dialogue. The community takes its cues from you. I want to suggest that your ultimate goal is not a citizens review board or any other particular manner of review; your goal is to engender positive and respectful relationships, and mutual trust between our citizens and our police officers. Many good people have diverse points of view about how best to achieve this goal.

For your information, I personally disagree with your recommendations. I am an attorney. I’ve studied Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure. I volunteer as a traffic court judge. But I do not purport to know or understand all the complexities and nuances of the law governing police officers. It is extremely technical, and cannot be delegated to people who lack that expertise. Lawyers judge lawyers. Doctors judge doctors. Every other professional is judged by professionals with expertise in the profession. We need people who understand the law governing police to judge our police.

The tone of the dialogue on this issue has been destructive and is harming our community. We are short 10 police officers, and four have recently announced their resignation, all of them specifically citing the hostile environment directed to police officers in our community. Half of those leaving are minorities. We pay less than other communities for our police (Elk Grove pays $1,000 more per month). Officers don’t stay here for the money. They stay here for the community feel, and the positive Davis environment. If that is lost, they’ve no reason to stay. Meanwhile we have seen violent crime increase in our community. Recruitment is extremely difficult amid public allegations of institutional bigotry. Minority recruitment is more difficult.

I mean no disrespect to those individuals who have had negative experiences. However, allegations against a couple of officers are no basis to impugn the integrity of our entire police force. We have outstanding individuals guarding the public safety in our community. They protect us, our children, our families, and our property. When either an officer or a citizen is accused of misstep, both claims must be handled fairly, responsibly, and through proper processes.

I implore you to exercise judgment and discretion, to lead the community in ensuring a civil dialogue, and to promote respect even for those with whom you disagree. Please guard your Commission’s charge, to promote human relations in the City of Davis.

Thank you for your attention.

Mike Levy