#Occupy Oakland, The Police & Scott Olsen

While the current state of the Oakland PD isn't directly related to the Occupy movement or Scott Olsen, some will find it interesting.

Disgust and dismay over Oakland police sex scandal as department is called 'a cesspool'

By James Queally, Los Angeles Times, June 19, 2016

Quote:

Residents and local officials reacted with dismay and disgust this weekend to a widening sex scandal that has rocked the Oakland Police Department.

The scandal has claimed several top police officials and left some wondering whether the department needs outside help to truly reform.

The scandal involves allegations that officers were having inappropriate relationships with a teenage sex worker, possibly while she was underage.

The woman at the center of the sexual misconduct scandal said in a televised interview that she had slept with more than a dozen Oakland police officers. She also accused several officers of having sex with her when she was underage and said she had had sexual encounters with members of several other Bay Area law enforcement agencies.

“As the mayor of Oakland, I am here to run a police department, not a frat house,” Mayor Libby Schaaf said Friday. “Today continues to be a day where we are sharing disturbing information with you.”

Schaaf vowed to “root out what is clearly a toxic, macho culture” within the city’s Police Department.

Oakland Councilman Noel Gallo told KGO-AM (810) on Saturday that federal intervention is needed.

"What occurred this past week and what is going to occur next week is really in terms of confidence, trust, in terms of leadership is certainly, we're going to will be in the great debate from the mayor to the council and anyone who's a government employee," Gallo told the station.

Continued here:
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oakland-police-sex-scandal-20160619-snap-story.html

How Oakland Lost Its Third Police Chief in Nine Days

By Morgan Winsor, ABC News, July 19. 2016

Quote:

Oakland, California, lost its third police chief in nine days Friday as the city's embattled police force grapples with allegations of sexual misconduct.

Oakland Police Assistant Chief Paul Figueroa was acting chief for two days before stepping down. Mayor Libby Schaaf said Figueroa's decision was unrelated to the scandal enveloping the Oakland Police Department.

"He has gone on leave and has asked to return, as is his right, in the position of captain. I will not be appointing another acting chief," Schaaf told a news conference Friday night.

Instead, the mayor put city administrator Sabrina Landreth in charge.

"This is an appropriate time to place civilian oversight over the police department and to send a clear message about how serious we are of not tolerating misconduct, unethical behavior, and to root out what is clearly a toxic and macho culture," Schaaf said. "I want to assure the citizens of Oakland we are hell bent on rooting out this disgusting culture and holding those accountable responsible for their misdeeds."


How It Started

Last month, the Oakland Police Department's Internal Affairs Division launched an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving three police officers. The officers under investigation were placed on paid administrative leave, the department said in a statement at the time.

"The Oakland Police Department will not tolerate misconduct of any kind from its employees," it said in the statement. "The Oakland Police Department holds all employees accountable for their actions on and off duty."

The statement, which included no details about the allegations, did not name the officers, and police have not responded to ABC News' request for comment.


The Woman

The young woman at the center of the scandal has told local media she had sex with at least 14 officers from the Oakland Police Department. She said she slept with three of these officers before she turned 18 last August.

The woman said she met one of the officers after she had turned to prostitution. She told the Bay Area News Group they started a sexual relationship and the others soon followed.

The first officer reportedly committed suicide in September 2015. According to the East Bay Express, police sources said the officer "left a suicide note that included information about the alleged sex crimes."


The Scandal Spreads

The Oakland Police Department is not the only agency affected by the scandal. An inspector in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office was put on administrative leave in a possible connection, according to ABC station KGO-TV in San Francisco.

"While it is our practice not to discuss pending investigations, I can firmly state that we do not and will not turn a blind eye to human trafficking or the sexual exploitation of a minor, whether the offender is a civilian or a law enforcement officer," Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley said. "The alleged conduct of the officers in this matter is not in line with what our office and the wider community feel is acceptable for those who are sworn to protect and serve."


The Fallout

Two police chiefs had stepped down before Figueroa did so Friday. Earlier this month, Schaaf announced the resignation of Oakland Police Chief Sean Whent, who was with the department for 19 years.

Continued here:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/oakland-lost-3rd-police-chief-days/story?id=39955270

Three chiefs in nine days: Scandals plague police in Oakland, California | CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/19/us/oakland-police-scandals/

Oakland Loses Third Police Chief In A Week Amid Brand New Racist Texting Scandal | SFist

http://sfist.com/2016/06/18/oakland_loses_third_police_chief_in.php