Peninsula City Police Chief Resigns During Town Hall: Report

MENLO PARK, CA — Menlo Park Police Chief Dave Bertini abruptly announced his retirement during a town hall meeting on police reform Thursday night, The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The Peninsula city was holding the town hall to address widespread calls for police reforms and structural changes in the way law enforcement agencies function in the aftermath of George Floyd's May 25 death in police custody. Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck while he was handcuffed for approximately eight minutes.

Bertini left lawmakers scrambling after announcing his decision to step down July 31, according to the report.

“It’s obvious to me that I’ve lost the trust of the city council, and hopefully this will give this organization a fresh start,” Bertini said, according to the report.

Bertini’s announcement followed more than an hour of public comments in which residents described negative interactions with the Peninsula city’s law enforcement agency, the report said.

“There is a difference of experience with the Menlo Park Police Department often based on location and skin color,” Andrew Olson, 24, said during the meeting, according to the report.

“Our officers protect and serve and put themselves on the line, but the truth shouldn’t fear the light.”

Bertini made the announcement after Councilmember Ray Mueller asked him to respond to the public’s concerns, the report said.

According to the report, Bertini said he "had heard a lot from the community and our elected officials, and the only thing I can really say is that ‘I hear you.'”

“All police officers are hurting right now based on actions that have happened thousands of miles away from us … It is very difficult to listen to; it is very difficult to see.

“I think honestly there’s only one way that this conversation can go forward — and that’s a fresh start.”

Bertini was appointed police chief on July 9, 2018, according to his biography page on the city’s website. He'd served as interim police chief for about six months before being named Menlo Park's top cop.

His 32-year career in law enforcement began with the Pacifica Police Department.

According to The Mercury News report, City Manager Starla Jerome-Robinson issued a statement following Bertini’s announcement describing the longtime Peninsula lawman as a “valued leader, instructor and eminent law enforcement professional in the Bay Area.”

“I am grateful for his service and willingness to stay on to help us work through this very challenging time.”

Read more in The San Jose Mercury News.