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the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. One of the goals is to make sure that when law enforcement agency officers over step their bounds that they are held accountable. In the case at hand, he stated the organization is deeply concerned with the accounts publicized and are expressing that concern to the Council Members. Part of concern is whether or not a minor violation of the law turned into a death penalty. The reasons why Mr. Escobedo is not alive today should be deeply and thoroughly investigated. He expressed deep concern that officers who are apparently a part of what appears to be excessive force are back out on the streets. He stated that there needs to be a mechanism where prior to the completion of a thorough investigation of cases where use of excessive force has occurred officers are allowed back on the streets. Linda Sanchez read a letter for Robert Escobedo, Rick Escobedo's brother. The letter expressed outrage that the police officers involved in the death of Mr. Escobedo are out on the street and questioned Police Chief Bolanos' administration of his department. The letter stated that the officers are refusing to cooperate with the investigation and that the reports from both the Police and Fire Departments have not been made available. Fear of the officers by the family and the people in the apartments where the incident occurred was stated. The letter stated that the officers murdered Mr. Escobedo and conspired to cover it up. The letter further stated his belief that there are good police officers but if senior members led them to corruption, the whole department is corrupt. The letter urged all City Council Members and the City Manager to take a serious look into this matter. Chief Bolanos was urged to reconsider his decision to allow the officer back on duty. Ms. Sanchez read the letter of response from City Manager Everett to Robert Escobedo expressing condolences and explaining the process of the investigation. Ms. Sanchez read a letter of response to Mr. Everett's letter expressing dissatisfaction and stating that the officers should be directed to tell the truth and not be allowed to go back on duty until the suspicion that surrounds them is cleared. Mayor Claire offered his condolences and stated that the Police Department has conducted an internal investigation and the results appear that the actions of the officers are within department policy. The District Attorney's Office is conducting an independent investigation and as stated in City Manager Everett's letter, anybody concerned about going to the Police Department should go to the District Attorney's Office. He stated that to his knowledge the Coroner's report has not been released. He stated that this item is not on the public agenda and he further explained that the City Council is prohibited by law (City Charter) from directly intervening with any Department Head or decision. Mayor Claire stated that the City Manager knows the concern of the City Council at this time. __ SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2002 MINUTES PAGE 3 MINUTES Book No. 59 Page No. 338