Faith-based community organization Faith In The Valley Kern announced their support of the California Department of Justice’s decision to investigate local law enforcement in Kern County.
The organization released the following statement:
Over the last couple weeks our city has been in an uproar over the latest victim of the
deadliest police force in the country. The death of Mr. Francisco Serna, once again
brought the national spotlight to our county. Community members, family members who
have lost loved ones to police brutality, and local organizations and saw fit to declare
that our community is in a State of Emergency in regards to police violence. In a press
conference in front of City Council Chambers we called on the California Department of
Justice and the Attorney General’s Office to appoint an independent investigation on the
latest killing and help us deal with our problem with policing.
Faith In The Valley Kern welcomes the announcement of the Attorney General’s and the
CA DOJ’s decision of an investigation on all local law enforcement. For years our
community has been clamoring about the fractured relationship that exists between the
police and the community.
It is clear that the effect of police brutality, deadly force, and officer involved shootings
have left our communities devastated, with no recourse for justice.
We believe that the Attorney General decision is a step in the right direction towards
building trust in our local law enforcement.
We can no longer afford to have anymore of our loved ones be lost at the hands of our
police.
Not one more inmate should lose their life because of excessive force by law
enforcement.
Our immigrant brothers and sisters in our community should not be afraid that the local
law enforcement will act as Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers.
We are asking for the community to come forward with their stories and testimonies in
regards to misconduct by the police, you can email Police-Practices@doj.ca.gov or call
Faith In The Valley Kern at 661.631.9200.
