Richmond: A Forum on Police Community Relations.

A Forum on Police Community Relations

On September 14, 2014 Richard “Pedie” Perez was shot and killed by Richmond Police Officer Wallace Jensen. The 24 year -old Pedie was intoxicated and resisting arrest, but according to attorney John Burris who is representing the Perez family, he was not threatening. Police and eyewitnesses give different accounts. The District Attorney refused to indict Jensen calling it a case of justifiable homicide. The RPD internal investigation is ongoing, but Officer Jensen has been returned to active duty.

The Oscar Grant Committee has interviewed eyewitnesses who do not believe that the shooting was justified. This is the first lethal shooting by Richmond Police since 2007. “The killing of an unarmed man by a…police officer…deserves equal attention to other controversial examples of cops using deadly force,” the victim’s father said referring to protests in Ferguson and around the country.

Throughout the nation, the shock of so many shootings of unarmed people by police officers has shaken confidence in an institution that is sworn to protect. Rather than feeling protected by police, many individuals and communities feel threatened.

• What can we, as citizens, do to make sure that police do not use excessive force?
  How can we have an impact on police policy & training?
• How can we help make sure that the shooting of Pedie Perez gets a thorough and fair investigation?
• What can we do to demand accountability of local law enforcement?

Join us to learn more about what happened to Pedie Perez and why the family and many others find the fatal shooting to be unwarranted as well as to discuss these difficult issues and prepare for upcoming City meetings where you can make a difference.

Sponsored by the Richmond Progressive Alliance & The Oscar Grant Committee