City of Lodi statement on protest scheduled September 5
The City is in contact with the Lodi residents planning Saturday’s protest. This is a planned peaceful march and to date all of the protests which these residents have held in Lodi have been peaceful, with no reports of injuries or property damage.
However, Police Chief Sierra Brucia noted that if circumstances change, the Lodi Police Department is more than prepared with existing resources and access to significant mutual aid from surrounding local law enforcement agencies.
"I am very confident Lodi PD will absolutely have the staffing, resources, and experience through our own provision of mutual aid, to handle this event safely for our town," Chief Brucia said.
Many individuals are offering to help the Lodi Police Department by providing citizen-based security services. This is not requested or needed.
"The best thing people can do to help Lodi PD is to protest peaceably and avoid unnecessary confrontations," Chief Brucia said. "We appreciate the support of our community and we are prepared to provide the public safety services our city needs and expects."
Mayor Doug Kuehne expressed confidence in the Police Department’s ability to keep violence from flaring, noting the Department’s officers have put in significant hours planning and preparing for protests to date.
"I know they are putting in the same planning this time and have every confidence in their ability to continue to keep peace in our community," Kuehne said.
City Manager Steve Schwabauer said that false rumors created unfounded fears before previous protests.
"Fear has a way of generating its own dangers," he said. "We have no reason to expect the protest group will engage in violent actions or vandalism against public or private property or citizens. But we are absolutely prepared to prevent violence, looting or vandalism if it occurs."