Salinas explains release of officers’ names in four deadly shootings

Salinas police chief Kelly McMillan is asking the community responsibility and caution as the names of nine police officers involved in four shootings are released.

We’re digging into the details surrounding the city’s timing behind the decision to go public and why McMillin said it was a delicate balancing act.

On Tuesday, McMillin said there’s never a good time to share the names of police officers involved in shootings and their safety is always at risk. But there are laws protecting the public’s right to be informed, thrusting the city to follow the law and release the information.

“We haven’t received any threats recently, things seem to be calming down in the city,” McMillin said.

McMillin said he and the city attorney have spent the past few months evaluating the public’s right to know over officer safety concerns. At this point the city attorney said they were legally compelled to comply with public records requests for the names of the officers in these shootings: Angel Ruiz on March 20, Osman Hernandez on May 9, Carlos Mejia on May 20 and Frank Alvarado on July 10.

“In this constant evaluation that we’ve been doing now that the threats have dropped off substantially, things have been calm in the city, the balance tips in favor of the public’s need to know,” McMillin said.

McMillin cites a California Supreme Court decision following a case out of Long Beach, citing the need for specific threats toward officers as justification for withholding their names. Mayor Joe Gunter said now that the information is out there, residents need to proceed with caution.

“I think the community is a step above, more than people realize. They are very calm, caring community. I’ve gotten numerous phone calls and complaints,” Gunter said.

All four cases are still under review and none of the officers have been charged.

“I am very concerned for the officer’s safety, no question about it,” McMillin said.

Safety is also a top priority for the city’s Police Community Advisory Committee. On Tuesday, McMillin worked with city leaders to bring the group back to life after a suspension earlier this year. The committee’s newest member says he’s looking forward to getting involved.

“I’m hoping to bring in a different perspective, objective thinking and see if i can bring some balance to whatever’s going on,” said committee member Josh Kuzmicz.

Gunter said the Department of Justice is still working with the city to identify problem areas in communication between residents and police. McMillin told City Council members, the police department’s ability to connect to the community has fallen by the wayside.