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August 14, 2017

To: Richmond Mayor Tom Butt,
Members of the Richmond City Council,
Richmond Citizens Police Review Commission,
and City Attorney Bill Lindsay.

We have learned that, when our members attended the monthly meeting of the Richmond Citizens Police Review Commission (RCPRC) on 8/2/2017, to hear the results of the City-mandated investigation into the murder of Richard "Pedie" Perez, they, and 3 others, were made to leave the building. They had to stand outside for approximately 45 minutes. They were told that it was during that time that the details of the investigation were discussed. We have reviewed the Brown Act and we do not see which section(s) justify telling members of the public to leave, especially when the purpose of the Brown Act was to prevent meetings of Boards and Commissions, behind closed doors. What is especially egregious is the fact that the unjustified killing of Pedie Perez was traumatic enough for his loved ones, without incidents like what happened at the RCPRC meeting, adding insult to injury.

Please advise us as to where and what day/time the investigative report will be released to the public. Thank you very much. We hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Gerald Smith, For The Oscar Grant Committee
Against Police Brutality and State Repression

An Injury to One Is An Injury to All.
Without Struggle There Is No Justice.