MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20200530-029
Saturday, May 30, 2020
A Message from Chief Barberini & Your Invitation to Join SMPD in a Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, June 2nd
Your San Mateo Police Department’s objective is to protect our community and preserve the quality of life for all of those whom we are sworn to protect. The senseless tragedy of Mr. George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis is another reminder of how much work we must do to promote a society where everyone is afforded equitable treatment and protections under the law. We are motivated every day to the constant improvement of the San Mateo Police Department, and as a law enforcement agency, those of us that serve our communities honorably, daily, are angry, disappointed, and frustrated when our noble profession is compromised by the actions of one.
“This is a huge step back for us as a profession and compromises the trust we work so hard to build. We’re better than this and no one despises the bad cops more than the good cops.”- Officer Rory McMilton, San Mateo Police Officers’ Association President. We have, and will continue to have, no tolerance for those who choose to tarnish the badge or our commitment to serve and do what is right. No one, regardless of race, sex, or creed should ever be afraid to reside, work in, or visit any community within our nation.
We pride ourselves in San Mateo for maintaining a diverse and educated workforce who are provided the most advanced training and are held accountable for their actions. Our officers undergo continual training throughout their career with our city. They have been trained to recognize the differences between racial bias and signs of criminal or suspicious activity. We’ve invested in extensive procedural justice training, crisis intervention techniques, advanced de-escalation communication tactics, implemented the use of body-worn cameras to ensure transparency, and have embraced California’s Act to Save Lives (AB392).
Police officers are required to think on their feet and make split-second, life-altering decisions – often by themselves, with no back-up. It is critical to SMPD’s public safety mission that through proper policy, training, and oversight, we give our personnel the framework they need to make the very best of these decisions. The stress placed on them is tremendous, and while there’s no excuse for injustice, we ask you to remember that police officers are human. Therefore, in addition to providing an outstanding array of policy, training, and equipment, services are also made available to our officers to practice self-care by maintaining their physical and mental health.
Our officers are reminded daily that our community’s eyes are on them, and we are lucky enough to have a supportive community and work with you, our community leaders, to discuss trends, concerns, and keep you informed on both the policing and engagement front. And, that’s why we will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall to discuss this important topic with our residents, and invite you to join us on Tuesday, June 2nd at 5 p.m. In doing so, our officers can hear from the community on how to better provide the safety and quality of life expected within the city of San Mateo.
We must respond to criminal actions with justice, show compassion for those who need guidance, and meet opposition with empathy. Together, let’s move towards a more equitable and just future. Let us hear from you and see what more we can do to serve you better as your police department. Our goal is to Protect with Honor and Serve with Pride.
- Chief Ed Barberini
TOWN HALL INFORMATION
June 2, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Join Online https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89050262584?pwd=WGpleUdUcDlmVG5ZVjB0N2ZYdFZXQT09
Password: 379867
Join by Phone
Dial: (408) 638-0968
Password: 890 5026 2584
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Haobsh
Public Information Officer
Community & Media Relations
Direct: (650) 522-7626
Email: [email protected]
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