Resident urges stronger CPRC outreach, alleges pattern of police misconduct and large settlements

Roberto Manu, a National City resident, used the commission’s public-comment period on Aug. 21 to criticize the Community and Police Relations Commission’s outreach and to allege a pattern of misconduct by the National City Police Department (NCPD).

Manu told the commission that meetings are scheduled only quarterly, that the commission lacks an active website and social media, and that the public “doesn’t even know this commission even exists.” He also listed several legal settlements and outcomes involving the city and NCPD, saying, “Jesus Flores versus National City settled for 1,500,000.0. Harold McNeil versus National City settled for 300 ks. Tony Wilson versus National City settled for $3.50 ks. Brian Lumana versus National City settled for 1,000,000. And Ashley Cummings versus National City was awarded 10,000,000.”

Manu additionally alleged racial slurs by a former NCPD officer and questioned the timing of retirements by officers he named in connection with the Cummins case. He said state-level records (which he cited as “senate bill 16 and senate bill 14 21”) have not been updated in the city’s public records since 2023 and urged more urgency from the commission in holding police accountable.

The commission did not take formal action on Manu’s allegations during the meeting. Commissioners later discussed community outreach and said they would explore ways to increase public awareness of the CPRC’s role and meetings.

Manu’s remarks at the meeting were delivered during the public-comment agenda item; commissioners and staff did not dispute or confirm the specific settlement amounts or personnel actions he cited during the session.

The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2025, at 6 p.m., when members said they plan to continue discussing public engagement and outreach.