For Immediate Release: January 8, 2021
OPD NEWS:
OPD Denounces Hate Speech; Launches an Internal Investigation
The values of the Oakland Police Department are clear: We will not tolerate any form of hate speech, any expression that supports hate speech, or any acts of subversion, whether in-person or on online platforms.
It has come to the attention of the Oakland Police Department that there are allegations that current employees may have been involved on social media accounts that contain objectionable or offensive content. OPD will not allow any members to engage in or support this type of content and will root out this conduct anywhere within the Department.
Hate speech and offensive conduct will not be tolerated; there are clear policies and guidelines that govern this behavior.
Whether on or off duty, employees of OPD are prohibited from affiliating with subversive groups, and they are prohibited from doing anything that brings disrepute to the Department and erodes the public’s trust. Our policies reflect the values of the Department and any employee found to violate these policies will be held accountable. Any employee that violates these rules is subject to discipline, including termination.
OPD has opened an immediate comprehensive investigation into allegations to determine whether any current employees have violated our Department policies, City code of conduct, or any applicable laws by making comments or expressions supporting objectionable speech.
The Department wants to reassure our community that a full breadth of our resources will go into this investigation to ensure that any members engaging in this behavior are held accountable. “The trust of our community is our highest priority. We will not tolerate any breach of that trust from any member of our Department,” says Interim Police Chief Susan E. Manheimer.