An Open Letter to Mayor Schaaf and the Oakland Community:
The members of the Oakland Black Officers Association (OBOA) would like to respond
to recent events at the Oakland Police Department connected to the on going Facebook
Sex Scandal investigation, the Racist Texts investigation; the loss of three Chiefs of
Police in seven days, and recent statements made by the Mayor.
The Oakland Black Officers Association condemns the exploitation of minors and human
trafficking, as well as any violations of law, department policy, or unprofessional
conduct. Any police officers who violates the oath of their office; brings shame upon the
City of Oakland; the Oakland Police Department; and the law enforcement profession,
should be held accountable.
On Friday June 17, 2016, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf held a press conference
regarding the release of Acting Police Chief Paul Figueroa. Rather than lead with Mr.
Figueroa’s stepping down, Mayor Schaaf started off the press conference by stating that
she and the Department had become aware of some Racist Texts and that the matter was
under investigation. Ms. Schaaf has repeatedly asserted that she is prohibited by
California State Law from divulging personnel information, and that she does not want to
in any way impede an investigation by releasing too much information. Yet, during the
June 17th press conference Mayor Schaaf stated the “Racist Text” investigation involved
African American Commanders and a Sergeant.
Mayor Schaaf’s statement was offensive at best, factually incorrect, and was not
consistent with past releasing of information regarding administrative investigations.
Mayor Schaaf’s statements subjected the African American commanders to unnecessary
negative scrutiny and can possibly have adverse impact on their ability to lead.
Mayor Schaaf’s statement suggests the possibility of additional commanders being
involved in this investigation and that is factually untrue. Further, there are a finite
number of African American Command staff. By identifying the alleged racist textors as
African American, Mayor Schaaf virtually released the names of all African American
Command officers.
Moreover, in all of the investigations to date, Mayor Schaaf has not seen fit to identify
the race of the officers involved. It is unclear why Mayor Schaaf sought to inject race in
the instant revelation. The OBOA is against any and all racial discrimination in any form
and those involved in this type of conduct should face the appropriate discipline.

 The OBOA has been in existence for 46 years serving the citizens of Oakland, fighting
for equity and justice for all its members, while building trust with the community
through strong long lasting partnerships.
The statements made regarding the race of the officers involved in the Racial Texting
scandal were disturbing; given the race of the officers involved in other scandals have
never been mentioned as a factor in any of those investigations. The suggestions of other
African American commanders possibly being involved does not direct the responsibility
for these violations toward those who need to be held accountable, but places a dark
cloud over all African American commanders.
The OBOA on behalf of its hard working men and women is requesting an apology and
retraction of these compromising statements made by Mayor Schaaf during the Friday,
th
June 17 , press conference regarding the race of those involved in the investigation. We
are requesting that all future statements remain race neutral and that the Mayor ensures
equity and justice for all officers.
The OBOA will continue to support the City of Oakland and the Oakland Police
Department during these very difficult times, but will not sacrifice the hard work and
dedication of our members. Our members have been at the forefront of the Department’s
trust building effort with the community, through volunteerism, mentoring, and financial
contributions for scholarships awards for Oakland students.
The OBOA believes the City of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department needs to be
unified in its efforts to rebuild the public’s trust. We are committed to working with the
City of Oakland and the Mayor’s office to ensure all members and professional staffs are
treated fairly during this challenging time. The unspeakable behavior of some officers
should not cast judgement on all members of the organization.
Sincerely,
OBOA Executive Board
OBOApress@gmail.com