We demand the City Council hold the police department to simple standards of transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Andrea Prichett
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: Making Black Lives Matter right here in Berkeley
If Berkeley Police Department wants to distinguish itself from the vile practices of the Minneapolis Police Department, it needs to address racism and racial bias within its own department.
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: Urban Shield’s militarized training still misses the mark
The current configuration of the Urban Shield exercises contributes to the militarization of our department and is overly focused on dramatic, weaponized responses to incidents.
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: Berkeley residents should have the chance to vote on strengthened civilian oversight of police
The proposal is a compromise between those who advocated for an even stronger body similar to the one in Oakland and those who felt there was little need for change to the PRC.
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: Let Berkeley City Councilwoman Cheryl Davila do her job
Davila had every right to replace a transportation commissioner who wouldn’t reveal his attitude about divestment in Israel with someone who supported her views on that issue.
Posted inOpinion
Op-ed: Berkeley should stop raids on the homeless and establish legal campground until housing is available
As the holidays approach and the attention of many is focused elsewhere, the months-long saga of the “Poor Tour” continues. I am talking about the homeless encampment that is so easily recognizable by the colorful signs and clustered tents in the meridian strip on Adeline Street near the Berkeley Bowl. Or in front of City […]
Posted inOpinion
Op-ed: Militarization of Berkeley police doesn’t help community safety
This is an open letter to Chris Stines, President of the Berkeley Police Association, in response to his op-ed, “It should be possible to give police the tools they need while preserving Berkeley’s values,” published on Aug. 31, 2015, by Berkeleyside. Dear Officer Stines, Please forgive the people of Berkeley for our lack of enthusiasm about Berkeley Police getting more […]
Posted inCrime & Safety, Opinion
Op-ed: Tasers, torture and the soul of the city
The Berkeley City Council will consider asking city staff on May 6 to prepare report on the use of Tasers. Photo: Creative Commons Before I discuss the facts and reasons that lead me to oppose arming Berkeley Police with Tasers, I invite readers to remember a bit of Berkeley history. This city was once nationally […]
