This question and more will be explored at a forum in Arcata on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Arcata Police Department Chief Randy Mendosa has stated he thinks it is a “good idea” for a countywide Special Weapons and Tactics team to operate in Arcata and throughout Humboldt County, according to a news release from the Redwood Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
The sponsors of the event, the Redwood ACLU and the Coalition for Police Review, are not necessarily against a SWAT team, the release stated, but they believe questions about use-of-force policies, weapons procurement and conditions under which such a team would be deployed remain unanswered.
The upcoming November election will also be discussed. Some activists hope to see an Arcata Police Review Act on the ballot — which would create an independent civilian review board for the APD, the release stated.
The forum will include scheduled speakers and time for public comment and discussion.
The forum will take place at the Arcata Branch Library on Seventh and F streets, behind City Hall.
For more information, phone CPR spokespersons Greg Allen at 707-825-0826 or Christina Allbright at 707-215-5385, or go to redwoodaclu.blogspot.com or coalitionforpolicereview.info.
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Ummm.. hate to break it to the Chief, but there IS a SWAT team in Humboldt already.
Arcata should have its own swat team and not count on the sheriff.
Actually the County is still in talks with the municipalities on creating a county-wide SWAT Team. The whole plan was instigated right after Eureka disbanded its SWAT Team, citing the high cost and controversy associated with it. The proposed county-wide SWAT Team would supposedly be able to operate within all the local cities, including Arcata, which sign on to it. That's why it's important for people to speak up now, before it goes into effect.
I'm for police review in Arcata, but the current proponents of police review are whacko. Please, let saner heads come forward to navigate police review waters.
So you support police review, but you have a grudge against Greg and Christina, therefore you don't support police review? There's Humboldt County politics for you, based more on petty personality cliques than on what the important issues are.
"the current proponents of police review are whacko"
Sounds like Kevin Hoover from the Eye is on the grudgefest once more. He's had it out for Greg and Christina for years, its nothing but the same old hatred from him.
This post removed due to personal attack.
A swat team? Has anyone noticed what the DA has done with EPD? Come on, liability is too much... Sign an agreement that the DA investigators are to respond for critical incidents- Let the DA carry the burden and maybe we can finally see him charged criminally- After all, he did purchase the weaponry-
If it weren't for police review issues, Greg and Christina would have no life. This is their niche and the only one they can fill. I sometimes wonder who will answer the call when some crazy person starts shooting with a high powered rifle. Maybe Greg and Christina can talk them down and we can all go home and marvel at their expertise. I agree that the DA should run the SWAT team county wide. Sort of a one stop shop!
Any locality with only one murder in the last six years doesn't need a SWAT team.
Culture of Violence.
The county needs a fast-acting mental health team instead.
Of course, we don't need a SWAT TEAM. Let's let our wonderful Lawyers, Judges, Politicians, Social Workers and Mental Health professionals continue to "talk" to these perps and continue to set them upon our innocent citizen-victims. After all, where would all of these make-work professionals be without their friends, the perps? Support you local PERP! We need their help!
We need ESWAT here. Yes, Humboldt County needs a SWAT unit. And no, Greg and Christina are not the people to lead anything other than a stoner to the cookies.
Christ NO we don't need a freakin swat team! Huh????????? I'm not even anti-police but good lord!
not neede, but probably sounds easy considering they could get more weapons than ever needed from Blue Lakes stash
Do away with the contrived sense of urgency in police "standoffs" and not only will you no longer need a SWAT team, but you'll end the situation without killing more people unnecessarily.
We need to have a SWAT team thats on our side when the FEMA trucks come rolling through, why do you think those guys in Blue Lake were basically creating a weapons depot?
I would be against a review board if they are anything close to what we have for a city council.