ACLU and families press Post to act on Vallejo officers amid decertification complaint
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Summary
Representatives and family members impacted by alleged misconduct in Vallejo urged the Commission on POST to expedite review of an ACLU-filed decertification complaint against nine Vallejo officers and deliver substantive updates; ACLU said staff promised an update within 30 days.
Alisa Victory, senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California, told the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training that the ACLU submitted a formal public comment and an October 2024 decertification complaint against nine Vallejo officers and expects a substantive update from POST staff within the next 30 days. "We look forward to that communication and update in the next 30 days as we were promised," she said.
Family members of people killed by Vallejo officers described continuing anguish and urged the commission to use its SB 2 authority to ensure accountability. Chris Kelly, who identified herself as the sister of Mario Romero, said families previously presented testimony to the advisory board and have seen no action: "We were here a year ago asking for officers who have committed horrible atrocities to be decertified and in the year we have heard nothing." Other family members described alleged whistleblower testimony and claims that officers who should have failed background checks remain employed.
POST Chair and executive staff responded that the investigations take time. Executive Director Manny Alvarez told families POST "is all over it" and will do everything within its authority to respond; he reiterated the balance POST seeks between public input and due-process protections for investigations. The chair reminded the public that specific officer revocation matters will be heard only when agendized and that staff will attempt to avoid ex parte communications that could impede subsequent legal processes.
Why it matters: public comment at POST meetings is one of the few formal opportunities for affected families to press the state certifying authority on decertification under SB 2. The ACLU and families urged a timely update and stressed that delays risk further harm or confusion when officers remain employed while allegations are unresolved.
What’s next: POST staff indicated they will provide the promised substantive update within the month and will continue to process complaints under SB 2 procedures; the commission did not take immediate action during the public comment period.
