San Leandro Police Ban No-Knock Warrants

SAN LEANDRO, CA — San Leandro's Acting Police Chief Luis Torres is putting his stamp on the department, announcing two major police changes Monday.

"The first policy change is prohibiting the use of no-knock warrants," Torres said in an announcement to the community. "The use of no-knock warrants increases risks to the people being served the warrants, as well as officers executing the warrants. While San Leandro has not utilized no-knock warrants in a long time, expressly prohibiting them is a significant step in that trust and legitimacy we aim to build."

"The second policy addresses background investigations for candidates who are current or former police officers," Torres continued. "We have updated our policy to allow our background investigators to have access to any record currently being held by an employing law enforcement agency, including incomplete investigations or sealed records. Additionally, we added language that would allow us to notify a candidate’s current agency if any criminal conduct is uncovered during the background process."

Torres said the department would continue to review policies and procedures going forward.

Although his appointment is temporary, Torres made clear that he wants the job permanently, "I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this department for the next several months, and hopefully further into the future. I have been a member of this organization for over 22 years, and I value the relationships I have built during that time."

Torres acknowledged the shooting death last year of Steven Taylor by a police officer who had been called to Walmart after Taylor had allegedly stolen several items.

Officer Jason Fletcher is no longer with the police department. He has been charged with voluntary manslaughter by Alameda County prosecutors.

Last week the City Council voted to proclaim April 18 as Steven Taylor and Sanctity of Life Day.

"This City Council Proclamation in no way takes away from the hard work, dedication, and commitment the members of the San Leandro Police Department put in day in and day out to serve the City of San Leandro," Torres said. "Instead, this Proclamation, along with some of our initiatives, reflect our acknowledgment of the sanctity of life and the importance we are placing on listening to, valuing, and building stronger partnerships with our community."