Touching Base: A Message from the Chief
April 7, 2012
Dear
Community Members and Department Personnel:
On
April 6,
City Manager Michael Beck, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls and I met with Mr. Michael
Gennaco and Mr. Robert Miller from the Office of Independent Review
Group (OIRG) to discuss their investigation of the tragic officer-involved
shooting death of Kendrec McDade. During the meeting, I guaranteed the full
cooperation of the police department to ensure the OIRG investigation is
independent and comprehensive. Mr. Beck also promised the full cooperation of
the city.
OIRG
was contacted by the Pasadena Police Department following the March 24th
shooting and will join several concurrent investigations underway by the
Pasadena Police Department, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office,
and the Los Angeles County’s Coroner’s Office.
This
week, I contacted the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Civil Rights program and requested they conduct a review of the
shooting. The Department of Justice will independently investigate whether
Kendrec McDade’ s civil rights were violated. The outcome of the investigations
will be made public through the City Council Public Safety Committee.
The
McDade family, our community, and other concerned parties have many questions
about the shooting. I am confident the simultaneous investigations will reveal
the truth and provide the comprehensive answers we all seek. As chief, I
am committed to transparency, openness, and collaboration while being
accountable to our community and the Pasadena employees (sworn and professional
staff).
The
loss of life, regardless of the circumstances, is tragic and has profound
impact on family, friends, and the community. When we feel sorrow or
confusion, we often seek comfort from our spiritual leaders and those we
love or respect.
As
Easter Sunday approaches, it occurs to me that peace is the cornerstone of our
great and diverse community. Peace is more than the absence of conflict;
it creates a platform to promote harmonious interaction in our community. Peace
must be taught to our youth, shared with everyone, and supported by
responsible behavior. If you have some time over the weekend, please
keep positive thoughts as our community continues to move forward.
Peace
be with you -
Phillip L. Sanchez
Chief of Police
Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4545
Mission First, People Always