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San Jose Mayor Liccardo Calls For Police Accountability After Data Shows Department's Potential Racial Bias

SAN JOSE (KCBS)— San Jose's Mayor Sam Liccardo is calling for increased police accountability in the wake of data that shows the department routinely stops or detains blacks and Latinos at disproportionate rates.

Liccardo wants the department to take a closer look at civilian complaints about racial bias among officers. Currently, investigations launched internally by the police department aren't subject to public review. Liccardo wants to change that along with several other proposed initiatives on the matter.

"I believe we need to have that civilian review so that we can also have public vetting of the basic circumstances around what had happened so the public fully understands how we are utilizing discipline in the City of San Jose to ensure we are avoiding the type of conduct that we've seen in other cities," Liccardo said.

Police union Vice President James Gonzales said they aren't opposed to the mayor's proposals

"The POA [Police Officer's Association] always welcomes additional transparency anything that shines a brighter light on how our police officers conduct themselves are welcome," said Gonzales.

Mayor Liccardo is also proposing body worn cameras for every patrol officer in the department.

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