A Message to the Clayton community from Chief Warren and Mayor Pierce

[Editor’s note: On Friday, June 5, ahead of another expected protest march in Clayton, the Mayor and City Councilmember Jeff Wan released statements indicating that the city of Clayton will take a much different approach to the Friday protest, and will meet with protesters who will be allowed to gather in the downtown Grove park. Click here to read the statements made June 5.]

Clayton, CA, Wednesday, June 3, 2020 — Over the past few months our nation and our community have experienced traumatic and unprecedented events. This began with the pandemic and rolled directly into the civil unrest we are currently experiencing. Like you, we are dismayed and angered by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers whose job was to protect others. The force used was altogether wrong. Mr. Floyd died needlessly and we are sorrowful for his family, the Minneapolis community and our country because of this.

We are also angered because the actions, and inactions, of those now former officers stand in stark contrast to what law enforcement is supposed to represent. Our mission and commitment are to lawfully protect lives and property and safeguard individual rights and liberties. We have great trust in the men and women of our Clayton Police Department. While we are not without fault and are constantly striving to improve, we are committed to the professional, impartial, and lawful resolution of problems and enforcement of laws.

We are dedicated to safeguarding rights and liberties. We hold dear the inalienable right to gather and protest as guaranteed by our Constitution. We recognize protests and demonstration have many different forms and we support that as well. We also understand the role lawful protest plays in enacting change.

Following the Sunday violence in Walnut Creek and other Bay Area cities, we have taken action to better safeguard our City. The Clayton Police Department has been monitoring various social media platforms and other sources for information regarding any future actions planned in our city and sharing information with the City Council.

On Monday, we received credible information indicating actions of violence and arson against Clayton businesses were being planned for our small city on Tuesday. Our City was prepared to enable a peaceful protest but also took precautions to guard against violence. Like Walnut Creek, our City imposed a 6pm curfew. Most of the young people who attended were very peaceful and even respectful to our officers, dispersing without incident when urged to do so. Unfortunately, a small group refused to disperse after many warnings over thirty minutes. When stronger methods were used to disperse the remaining crowd, protesters began throwing objects at our officers.

We have learned there will be a similar action again on Friday afternoon, June 5. What we ask of you, our community, is that you stay alert, stay home, and stay safe. If you see something that appears suspicious or threatening, contact us immediately (925-673-7350). Please, do not engage. Report what you are seeing and let our officers do what they are trained to do.

The most important thing to know is that we hold the safety our Clayton community as our highest priority, and will take all precautions possible to maintain the safety of our residents and businesses.

Clayton Police officers are ready to protect those exercising their First Amendment rights. Just as importantly, they stand ready to protect you, your family, our businesses, and those who work or visit our community from others who would seek to commit criminal acts.

We thank you very much for the overwhelming support you have shown us recently. We are committed to serving you and being an integral part of our community.

We will continue to put out information when possible, when doing so does not jeopardize the safety of our community and our officers. Information will be posted on the City of Clayton home page, on The City of Clayton California on Facebook, and on NextDoor, under agencies.

Chief Warren and Mayor Pierce