Riverside Police Department Press Release

City Officials praised for cooperation with State Department of Justice

Riverside, Ca-  City officials announced today that discussions are continuing with the California State Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the investigation of the City’s Police Department. The State department has complimented Riverside for its cooperation with investigators and providing necessary information. City representatives have met on three occasions with DOJ officials to discuss the investigation and review responses of the Police Department.

"We have cooperated fully with the investigation conducted by the State Attorney General’s office," stated newly appointed Riverside Police Chief Russ Leach. "We have been open in providing information to assist them in their investigation."

Along with information related to the operations of the Police Department, the city has provided extensive background on the many steps taken to improve the department operations over the last two years. Changes such as the Community Police Review Commission, recruitment and other recommendations from the Mayor’s Use of Force Panel have been implemented.

"Compared to other cities nationwide, the City of Riverside has taken reform seriously," continued Chief Leach. "The Mayor and City Council here have done an excellent job of looking at operational changes that needed to be made and committed the necessary resources to improving operations."