Seeking more engagement from Chico PD

I was infuriated to read this week’s Chico Sol story about the killing of Tyler Rushing by Chico PD. It would appear that Chico PD and the DA’s office withheld crucial video evidence from the family.

The bare minimum we should be able to expect from public servants who are empowered to execute us if deemed necessary is transparency and full cooperation. When someone is hurt, let alone killed by the police, we should be able to expect a full accounting.

Instead, what we get is obfuscation and a closing of the ranks. PD has consistently refused to directly address the concerns of families in these types of cases; Desmond Phillips’ family has also been tragically stonewalled.

For years, Chico PD has been asked to work with a Citizens Oversight Committee and has failed to do so. Chief Madden had an advisory committee for a minute, appointed by him, but when questions arose about the appointees (and the point) he disbanded it.

It is past time for Chico PD to engage. There is no adequate excuse for an agency that can execute us to refuse to work directly with concerned citizens. These aren’t radical requests, they are minimal.

It’s reasonable to ask Chico PD to assess, working with citizens, whether additional training or resources could have prevented a deadly situation. Could additional non-lethal weapons have helped? What about mental health support on scene? This type of engagement builds trust and benefits the police department and the community. Time for change.

— Angela McLaughlin, Chico