Congressman, Police Unions Endorse DA Recall

A U.S. Congressman and several police unions have joined the list of people supporting a recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. The issue could be decided in the November 5 general election. 

Last week, police unions in Alameda County all agreed to support a move to remove District Attorney Pamela Price from her position. They believe she hasn’t done enough to protect crime victims and ensure justice is served. Iain Fry, who leads the San Leandro police union, said it’s Price’s obligation and sworn oath to stand up for victims. 

“DA Price needs to seek justice on their behalf and to make it clear to those who continue to victimize our citizens that they will be held accountable for their actions,” Fry said.

Neither DA Price nor her office responded to requests for comment.

This is the first time a district attorney has faced a recall election in Alameda County. On April 30, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors accepted the county's April 15 certification of signatures submitted by the recall campaign against Price. Of the 123,374 signatures submitted by recall supporters, 74,757 met the validation requirements. To get the recall on the ballot, supporters needed to collect enough signatures equal to 10 percent (73,195) of the number of registered voters in the county. 

A group called Save Alameda for Everyone (SAFE) is leading the recall effort, which is picking up steam as people criticize Price's changes to the criminal justice system. Price has responded by calling the police unions’ actions "desperate." She argues that her goal is to fix issues related to racial unfairness in the system and that this recall is trying to bring back a time when the police had too much power.

“As someone who has spent years advocating for justice and supporting victims, I am deeply troubled by DA Pamela Price's approach to prosecution in Alameda County,” said Brenda Grisham, victim’s advocate and leader of the recall campaign. “Her refusal to prosecute a majority of criminal cases sends a dangerous message to our community. We need leadership that prioritizes accountability and the safety of our families, and Pamela Price has failed to provide that.” 

Adding to the situation, Representative Eric Swalwell has publicly supported the recall, saying Price is too lenient on crime. 

“Public safety is the paramount concern of Alameda County residents,” Swalwell said. “Yet, under Price, the cops catch the criminals, and Price puts them back into our community to re-offend.”

This has caused some disagreement among local Democrats, as the official stance of the Alameda County Democratic Party is against the recall.

Even though the police unions and Swalwell claim crime rose during Price’s time as District Attorney, her office has stated that charges are being filed at a similar rate to those of her predecessor, Nancy O'Malley. Some community members, like Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce president and public safety advocate Carl Chan, worry about increasing crime, but Price’s office points out their success in getting cases to trial and their campaign to defend against the recall. 

“Our community deserves a District Attorney who will stand up for victims and ensure justice is served,” Chan said. “Pamela Price’s lenient approach has left our neighborhoods vulnerable and shaken the trust of those she was elected to protect. It’s time for leadership that prioritizes safety and justice for all residents.”

Price was elected with 53 percent of the votes and has stated previously that wealthy individuals are trying to undermine the results of the 2022 election.

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