The unfortunate incidence on April 24, 202 reminded some of our readers the Rodney King's famous plea as racial strife and violence overran part of LA City after the verdict of the OJ Simpson murder trial: " I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?"
Mayor Mahan’s office issued the following statement regarding the incident:
“Mayor Matt Mahan is deeply grateful to his security detail and the entire San Jose Police Department. The actions of the Officer tonight were heroic and a testament to the deescalation training that makes our officers effective, compassionate and stewards of community trust. His thoughts are with the Officer and he hopes for a speedy recovery. The Mayor understands how privileged he is to have an armed officer protecting him at all times, and is resolved in his commitment to create a safer city for everyone. That means hiring more police officers and addressing the root causes of crime, including by intervening earlier and more effectively in cycles of addiction, mental illness and violence.”
Reverend Jethroe Moore II writing to the interim SJPD Chief Paul Jospheph as he posted / released to media outlets right after the incident on April 24, 2024. He is currently serving as president of the San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP.
Dear Chief Paul Joseph,
I am writing to you with deep concern regarding an incident that took place yesterday involving a physical altercation between the San Jose mayor’s security detail and a pedestrian. As the President of the San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP, I feel compelled to address this issue and share my perspectives on the matter.
Upon viewing the video of the incident, I was troubled by the rapid escalation of the situation into a physical altercation. It was distressing to witness the lack of attempts at de-escalation from the officers involved, and I believe this raises questions about the adequacy of their de-escalation training. In any situation where conflicts arise, it is critical for law enforcement officers to prioritize de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
The officer involved in the altercation did not clearly identify himself as a law enforcement officer, and it appears that there was no legal basis for instructing the pedestrian to move from his location in a public space. The pedestrian’s reaction, although stating a warning, should have been met with a more measured response from the officer, considering the circumstances.
Furthermore, the presence of what seemed to be an object, possibly a metal rod, being thrown into the frame of the camera from outside raises serious concerns about the intentions behind this act. This action added a dangerous element to an already tense situation and warrants a thorough investigation to determine the source and purpose of the object.
Additionally, the bystanders’ reactions to the altercation were also troubling. Instead of intervening or seeking help, many individuals appeared passive, choosing to record the incident on their cell phones instead. This lack of active involvement from bystanders highlights the need for community education on how to safely and effectively intervene in such situations to prevent further escalation or harm.
As the head of the San Jose Police Department, I urge you to conduct a comprehensive review of the incident, including the actions of all parties involved, to ensure accountability and transparency. It is imperative that all officers receive ongoing training in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution to handle challenging situations effectively and with respect for all individuals’ rights.
I also request that you provide updates on the investigation and any steps taken to address the concerns raised by this incident. Our community looks to law enforcement for protection and support, and it is essential that the public trust in the integrity and professionalism of our police force is maintained.
I am more than willing to discuss this matter further and collaborate on initiatives to improve police-community relations and ensure that incidents like this are addressed promptly and justly. Together, we can work towards a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents of San Jose.
Sincerely,
Rev. Jethroe Moore II
President
San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP