Vallejo oversight commission urges replacing ‘frivolous’ in police complaints policy

The Vallejo Police Oversight and Accountability Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Vallejo Police Department adopt its proposed personnel‑complaints Policy 10‑11 with a single, specified revision: change the word “frivolous” in section 1011.6 to “without merit.” The recommendation will be transmitted to the chief of police.

The change follows public comment and testimony from community groups urging clearer language and stronger independent review. A public commenter said the commission must push City Council to allow POAC to select outside counsel and investigators, arguing the body lacks authority and public trust: “First, you need to keep demanding that an independent lawyer and investigator be hired,” the commenter said.

Sanna, representing the ACLU of Northern California, told commissioners the draft policy contains only a single reference to POAC and urged explicit incorporation of the POAC ordinance into the complaints process. “There is only one note about POAC in the draft policy,” she said. “The POAC ordinance amended city law. It t requirement, not optional.” The ACLU also asked the commission to clarify timelines for public input and to keep the commission’s web page updated to improve participation.

During commissioner discussion, members raised concerns that the word “frivolous” could be interpreted by residents as dismissive or discouraging. One commissioner noted that, while the policy’s legal definition treats a frivolous complaint as one without merit or submitted to harass, lay readers may see the term as demeaning and avoid filing complaints. “In everyday language, the word can suggest that something is silly, insignificant, unserious, or a waste of time and resources,” a commissioner said, urging a more neutral alternative.

Commissioner Roy supported the suggested replacement, saying, “Without merit, I think, is a great replacement.” Staff explained the commission has three options in its resolution: recommend adoption without revisions; recommend adoption with specified revisions; or recommend not adopting the proposed policy. Commissioners chose the middle option and approved the resolution to recommend adoption with the single edit.

Staff reminded the commission that Vallejo Municipal Code section 18.0305 requires the commission to submit recommendations on proposed VPD policies within 45 days of submission; the department submitted Policy 10‑11 on March 30, 2026. Staff also summarized prior public engagement on the draft, including a town hall and an online comment portal, and described Jensen Hughes’ role as the independent evaluator under the city’s agreement with the California Department of Justice.

The secretary conducted a roll call vote. Chair Lewis, Vice Chair Sykes, Commissioner Qualls, Commissioner Hybels, Commissioner Roy, and Commissioner Yun voted yes. The motion passed by all members present. The commission then moved to adjourn; members discussed logistics for signing the resolution before closing the meeting.

The resolution will be sent to the chief of police for consideration as the department finalizes Policy 10‑11.