Creating a high-performing department in a toxic department presents numerous challenges, especially when serious issues like sexual harassment remain unaddressed. The difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified officers in such a climate are compounded by a culture that fails to protect its employees. Unfortunately, this is the reality in El Cerrito, where rising crime rates and a growing budget have placed additional strain on the community.
The Impact of Sexual Harassment on Department Performance
In 2019, Sarah Perez, a former officer of the El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD), sued the department for sexual harassment and retaliation. She alleged that her supervisor, David Wentworth, sexually harassed her and that retaliation began after a colleague filed a complaint on her behalf. This situation ultimately led to her resignation, highlighting a pervasive issue within the department.
A public records request revealed that Ms. Perez received back pay and a settlement of $544,341. The settlement included no admission of liability, but the size of the settlement raises questions about the merit of the lawsuit. Three current council members (Fadelli, Quinto, and Abelson) were part of the council that approved this settlement. Given the level and length of sexual harassment that was allowed to occur, the settlement may have been appropriate.
Financial Implications and Misplaced Priorities
The financial implications of such settlements are significant. The city previously reduced the library budget by $58,000, yet it wrote a check for over half a million dollars to settle a lawsuit involving the police department. Additionally, the city is asking the community for a $300 “forever” tax, ostensibly to support the library, but it is clear that these funds will likely be funneled into the operating budget to cover over expenditures. This settlement was attributed to the Human Resources budget, but it arguably should have been taken from the police budget.
Taxpayers are left to shoulder the burden of these settlements, with no guarantee that similar allegations won’t arise again. The settlement specifies that Sergeant Wentworth will not pay any part of the settlement, leaving taxpayers to foot the entire bill. The lack of professional accountability has consistently fallen on the shoulders of the El Cerrito residents.
Rising Crime Rates and Blame Shifting
Amid these issues, crime rates in El Cerrito continue to rise. Despite this, Chief Keith blames the surrounding communities for the city’s woes, even though these communities have lower crime rates than El Cerrito. This discrepancy raises concerns about the effectiveness of the ECPD and its leadership.
Challenges in Hiring and Retention
The toxic environment within the ECPD makes it not only difficult to hire highly qualified women but also to hire and retain qualified men. The culture of harassment and retaliation discourages talented professionals from joining or staying with the department, further exacerbating staffing challenges and undermining the effectiveness of the police force.
Addressing the Root Causes
It’s crucial for the city to address the root causes of these issues. City staff and council members may be reluctant to discuss ongoing legal matters, but the community deserves to know what policies and systems have been implemented to prevent such incidents from recurring. The City Manager and the governing Council should have required that the Chief develop and implement policies to safeguard all employees, including their most vulnerable officers. Chief Keith should be transparent about the number of female officers currently employed (only 4 out of 40 in 2019) and the measures in place to protect them from sexual harassment.
Conclusion
The dysfunction within El Cerrito’s leadership and police department is deeply disturbing. The allegations of sexual harassment, the financial burden of settlements, and the rising crime rates all point to a need for significant reforms. The community must demand accountability and transparency from its leaders to ensure a safer, more equitable environment for all employees and residents.
El Cerrito deserves better. It’s time for real change.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 