Robert McConnell (Courtesy Photo)
Two weeks after Vallejo declared a state of emergency over its lack of police officers, its mayor responded to the issue Friday night on his Facebook page stating that it comes “with great sadness.”
“Many officers are currently on disability, vacation, and extended leave. Therefore, our City Manager and Police Chief have found it critically necessary to declare a State of Emergency,” McConnell wrote. “This state will possibly allow them and facilitate them to engage other entities such as possibly the California Highway Patrol and/or the local competent. Sheriff Department. This will help us through this extremely difficult time.
“The good people of Vallejo have been through a great many trials including the City Bankruptcy and the Covid pandemic,” he continued. “We are a strong people and we can overcome this dilemma as well. Despite our troubles, we will weather through.”
The mayor added that Vallejo has budgeted for dozens of more police officers but City Manager Mike Malone and Interim Police Chief Jason Ta has said recruiting has been a “grave challenge in recent times” and that it’s not his call to delineate the reasons for this issue.
“We shall do all in our power to remain strong and well fortified with the help of local agencies and other entities,” McConnell said.
McConnell urged the city to pay attention by staying involved and by watching his own council.
“Our next meeting will be on next Thursday evening, August 17th. It is a Closed Session. It’s my hope that you will all stay involved and in full communication during this challenging time,” he said.
On July 26, an unanimous vote by the council gave Ta and Malone the power to make unilateral decisions regarding Vallejo’s public safety. This means Ta and Malone will not have to confer with either the council or the Vallejo Police Officers’ Association before making decisions about the city’s law enforcement.
“I need help,” Ta told officials. “I need you guys to be aware of it. I need the public to be aware of it.”
Potential future actions include judgment calls on whether to extend officers’ shifts, pay retired officers to perform certain tasks or call in officers from other law enforcement agencies. The council will receive updates on Ta and Malone’s decisions at every regularly scheduled meeting.
Ta and Malone’s power still has some limits. City code stipulates that they cannot sign any contract of over $100,000 without council approval. Council members also stipulated that personnel cannot be moved between buildings without prior council direction, and that the council must receive notice within 48 hours of any purchase made under the state of emergency.
Times-Herald reporter Daniel Egitto contributed to this article.
