The following letter by Annette Spicuzza, UC Davis chief of police, responds to a survey, "Perceptions and Realities of Racial Profiling," issued in October by an ad hoc community group.

Dear Campus Community:

I am happy to respond to the draft survey report. By my response, I am in no way suggesting that there is racial profiling occurring on campus by our department members. I am, though, recognizing that the survey report indicates that some believe profiling is occurring on campus. And because of that, it is only right that we work together to better understand, and if needed, repair what is not working.

I have reviewed both the questionnaire as well as the draft survey, and would like to respond as the chief of police for the UC Davis Police Department. As I read the document, I could hear the frustration and anger not only from the verbiage used in sections of the document, but also from those who responded to the questionnaire. The belief that racial profiling is happening is not something an organization can tolerate.

Both our department and the city of Davis Police Department have policies that strictly prohibit this type of policing from our officers. And if it was alleged and proven, the individual involved would receive discipline for his or her actions. It is imperative that any member of our community come forward with their complaint, if they truly feel they have been mistreated in any way. Without a formal complaint, it is very difficult to investigate and then hold anyone accountable, if in fact it occurred.

I believe the underlying issue for those who responded is trust. There seems to be a lack of trust that the police department will do the right thing and treat them fairly and appropriately. How do we regain that trust as public servants? We earn it through time and positive interaction.

To work toward rebuilding good relations, our department wants to work closer with those organizations and individuals who feel they have been mistreated. As a department, we will schedule cultural diversity training in addition to what is required by Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). We, in turn, will be conducting in the near future, January-February 2006, our own Citizens Academy that will bring some of our community members together to experience firsthand what it takes to be a police officer as well as what it might feel like to be one. Our hope is that the police culture is also experienced by those within our community.

In addition, we have already begun a review of our complaint process and are now working on the policy to match our expectations. We have begun the process of redesigning our Web page to make it more user friendly, though it does presently contain information pertaining to making complaints and commendations. We will also make our complaint/commendation forms more available throughout the campus by identifying safe places for those interested in obtaining them.

Though I've been here only a short time, five months, it is one of my priorities to build partnerships within the community to improve communication and better ensure understanding. We want to continue the dialogue with all those involved to ensure that only the best is accomplished. Communication is key to making us successful.

In conclusion, I want it understood that the UC Davis Police Department does embrace the Principles of Community and will not tolerate any other kind of behavior by any of its' members. We are all working together to make UC Davis the best it can be — and together we can do just that.

Annette Spicuzza

Chief of Police

UC Davis Police Department