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Public commenter alleges pattern of misconduct and large settlements against National City Police Department
Summary
At the Aug. 21 National City Community and Police Relations Commission meeting, public commenter Roberto Manu urged greater commission urgency and alleged multiple large settlements and misconduct by the National City Police Department; commissioners noted the concerns and discussed outreach to boost public awareness of the CPRC.
Roberto Manu addressed the commission during public comment on Aug. 21, urging the Community and Police Relations Commission to increase its visibility and oversight and alleging a series of costly settlements involving the National City Police Department (NCPD). Manu said the commission meets infrequently and lacks outreach, then listed a series of cases and settlement amounts he described as evidence of a pattern of misconduct.
Manu said the city had paid or agreed to large settlements in multiple cases, naming what he described as Jesus Flores ($1,500,000), Harold McNeil ("300 ks"), Tony Wilson ("$3.50 ks"), Brian Lamar ($1,000,000) and Ashley Cummings ($10,000,000). He said several people involved were mentally ill and were killed while in crisis. "This commission has very little oversight and lacks real authority," Manu said, adding that the public does not know the commission exists.
The comment also raised personnel and record-keeping concerns. Manu asserted that former NCPD officer Nick Mantis used racial slurs and resigned rather than being fired and that records tied to "senate bill 16 and senate bill 14 21" have not been updated in the National City public records since 2023. He also said the city planned to appeal the Cummings case and that some employees alleged to be involved remained employed.
Commissioners responded to the broader point about awareness and outreach during commissioner reports. Vice Chair Leslie and others emphasized that the commission’s policies and meeting notices are posted on the city website and acknowledged the need for more public engagement. Vice Chair Leslie said she would brainstorm outreach options, including potentially staffing a table at community events, and Commissioner Zendulka suggested seeking community feedback on recent National Night Out activities.
The commission did not take formal action on the allegations during the meeting. The chair thanked Manu for his comment and the commission proceeded with scheduled agenda items.
