Oakland cops face suspension for racial texts

Two Oakland police officers who allegedly exchanged inappropriate racial and homophobic text messages face suspension for violating city and department policy, city spokeswoman Karen Boyd said Wednesday.

However, the suspensions are subject to due process and grievance procedures, Boyd said.

In addition, all Police Department employees will undergo refresher training about the city’s anti-discrimination, non-harassment policy and complaint procedures because several officers involved in the case appeared to be unclear about their obligations to report the misconduct, according to Boyd.

The city’s policy prohibits any form of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate conduct based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation or any other group protected by federal, state or local law “that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.”

Boyd didn’t name the two officers who face suspension. She said:

“In keeping with our commitment to transparency and accountability to the public, the city of Oakland is providing as much information regarding the outcome of this investigation as we are allowed to share by law.”

But Boyd said the city is constrained from releasing additional details because it is a confidential personnel matter that prohibits the disclosure of peace officers’ names.