Salinas: Families React To Release Of Police Officers Named In Shootings

Press Conference:
FAMILIES REACT TO RELEASE OF POLICE OFFICERS NAMED IN SHOOTINGS

Families of Carlos Mejia and Frank Alvarado
Call For Additional Transparency of Officers records, DOJ investigation, Over site Committee and Dash Camera, Body Cam Selection

This year the City of Salinas has seen four shooting deaths of Latino men by Salinas' police officers.

For the past several months the families of Carlos Mejia and Frank Alvarado thru their attorney John Burris have sought the release of names, of those involved in the questionable deaths of their loved ones at the hands of Salinas Police Officers. The same had been requested by several local media outlets. Despite a Supreme Court ruling shortly afterward in favor of public transparency, no names were forthcoming until now. This has fueled distrust in a community which is 76% Latino. Additionally the families have requested an investigation by the Department of Justice Special Litigation Unit regarding patterns of discriminatory practice within the Salinas Police Department. If the City of Salinas is to move forward and establish trust by all parties, then we must build that foundation on Transparency.

Civil Rights Activist & Advocate; Margaret Serna Bonetti and Families of Carlos Mejia and Frank Alvarado

When: 11:00 am Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014,

Where: Salinas City Hall Lincoln St. Salinas CA.

Who: Civil Rights Activist & Advocate; Margaret Serna Bonetti and surviving family members of Latino men killed by the Salinas Police Department

Subject: In light of the recent decision by the Salinas Police Department and Salinas City Attorney, to release the names of all officers involved in the questionable use of force shooting deaths of 4 Latino men earlier this year, families react to the news and seek a “way forward” for themselves and others seeking justice from the Salinas Police Department. They and other community members will be present