Police Union Calls For Investigation of Berkeley Chief's Actions

BERKELEY (KCBS) — The Berkeley Police Association is calling for a formal investigation into Police Chief Michael Meehan for ordering a sergeant to make a late night visit to a reporter's house to make corrections to a news story.

Berkeley Police Association attorney Rockne Lucia sent a letter Friday to the Berkeley City Manager's office demanding a formal independent investigation and that the chief's mea culpa, something city managers said they were completely satisfied with, appears to allow a double standard.

"Should any other member of the police department have done that, any captain, any lieutenant, any member, any sergeant, ordered a member of the department to visit a reporter's house and make those requests; that member would probably be placed on administrative leave," Lucia said.

Lucia added that member would then be the subject of an investigation and probably be disciplined.

KCBS' Susan Kennedy Reports:

Interim City Manager Christine Daniels has released a statement saying that on Monday the city retained a law firm to conduct an investigation into the events involving Meehan and would have no additional comments.

Council member Jesse Arrequin said on Friday that the council wasn't informed that the city manager hired a law firm.

Arrequin responded to that with "interesting", sounding puzzled and said he was not aware of that.

The law firm retained by the City of Berkeley is one headed by former San Francisco City Attorney Louise Renne. Calls to that firm were not returned in time to post their response.

In the meantime, there has been no comment from Meehan.

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