RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On Monday, June 8^th, people exercised their right to peacefully protest, and we stood with them. What happened to George Floyd was horrific and unacceptable. Our city stands for justice, and we are united in our opposition to violence and racism.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, among other rights. In this country and in our city, people have every right to gather in protest, and we celebrate that right and will protect it. However, we will not tolerate violence or destruction of property in our city.

The protestors focused on the horrific death of George Floyd, as well as a recent incident between a 14-year-old and one of our Rancho Cordova Police officers. The 15 second video of this incident was both disturbing and unacceptable. The city contracts its police services from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and this officer is an employee of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Our contract allows us to reassign officers if their behavior or actions are not consistent with our values. Based on the video, the city asked that the officer be reassigned and transferred out of Rancho Cordova. Personnel action falls with the Sheriff’s Office as does the full and transparent investigation that is being conducted and overseen by the Inspector General. In the meantime, we are focused on listening to our residents, understanding their concerns, making changes where necessary, re-earning trust and healing.