Calling on Oakland Police to Blow the Whistle on Corruption, Misconduct, and Predation

In the face of the growing scandal engulfing the Oakland Police Department, rather than focus on solving the problems Mayor Libby Schaaf has ordered an investigation to identify and punish whistleblowers who are bringing these problems to the attention of the public. Additionally, the mayor appears to be using distraction tactics by diverting attention to the so called “racist text messages,” while pointing out that these were sent by Black officers.

Oakland needs a Mayor who will embrace transparency and reform at a time like this, when public trust in city government is virtually non-existent. But even the mayor cannot legally create negative consequences for someone who does the right thing.


In light of the recent media attention to long-standing corruption in the department, some officers have said that they want to stop observing the “Code of Silence” about conduct that goes against their oath to protect and serve the City of Oakland. Many of those same officers may fear retaliation, a ruined career or worse as a result of going against the expectation to look the other way when the abuse of authority occurs.

APTP calls on all officers ready to speak up about illegal, unethical or biased conduct by other members of the Oakland Police Department or other City staff or officials to take a stand now. Our legal team at the Siegel & Yee law firm has created a hotline for you to call to report such conduct. We can provide you with legal advice if you are facing retaliation for going public with information about such conduct, and your anonymity will be protected.

In light of the recent media attention to long-standing corruption in the department, some officers have said that they want to stop observing the “Code of Silence” about conduct that goes against their oath to protect and serve the City of Oakland. Many of those same officers may fear retaliation, a ruined career or worse as a result of going against the expectation to look the other way when the abuse of authority occurs.

We would like to remind those officers that the Oakland Whistleblower Ordinance and State Law protect those who come forward and report misconduct from losing their jobs for doing the right thing.

Specifically:

"No officer or employee of the City of Oakland shall use or threaten to use any official authority or influence to restrain or prevent any other person who is acting in good faith and upon reasonable belief as a whistleblower."

"No officer or employee of the City of Oakland shall use or threaten to use any official authority or influence to cause any adverse employment action as a reprisal against a City officer or employee who acts as a whistleblower in good faith and with reasonable belief that improper conduct has occurred."

Siegel & Yee has a long track record of successfully representing City of Oakland and other public employees in whistleblower lawsuits. If you see misconduct, please call our hotline at 510.839.1200 or email evidence to policehotline [at] siegelyee.com.