New Police Chief Raises Concerns

The recent appointment of Jason Ta as Vallejo’s permanent police chief has sparked significant concern from civil rights attorney Ben Nisenbaum, a partner at Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy (BNCL). Nisenbaum, whose firm has long been at the forefront of legal battles against the Vallejo Police Department for misconduct, voiced his apprehensions in an interview aired by CBS News Bay Area (KPIX). His commentary underscores the gravity of Vallejo’s policing issues and the continued fight for accountability and reform.

Misconduct allegations, excessive force cases, and systemic failures have long plagued Vallejo’s police force. BNCL has been representing victims of police misconduct in Vallejo for decades, exposing patterns of abuse and corruption. High-profile cases handled by BNCL have brought to light issues such as racial profiling, wrongful deaths, and the excessive use of force by Vallejo officers. This legacy of litigation has positioned BNCL as a critical watchdog over the department, ensuring justice for affected families and individuals.

Ben Nisenbaum’s concern about Jason Ta’s appointment stems from Vallejo’s urgent need for transformative leadership. “Vallejo City needs a rebuild, and it’s hard to do that if you’re selecting someone who has been part of the problem,” Nisenbaum stated. This pointed critique reflects the skepticism that Ta, as someone deeply embedded in the department’s existing culture, may not be the reformer Vallejo desperately needs.

Jason Ta, who has served as interim police chief since November 2022, was chosen as Vallejo’s permanent chief following a lengthy and controversial hiring process. His tenure as interim chief was marked by contentious decisions and a lack of transparency. Before Vallejo, Ta held positions at the San Jose Police Department before joining Vallejo PD in 2021 as deputy chief.

However, Ta’s record is not without blemish. Reports have surfaced about incidents such as arriving at a homicide scene smelling of alcohol and his decision to terminate Vallejo’s contract with Truleo. This company used AI to review body camera footage. The cancellation of this contract, allegedly following union pressure, raised questions about the department’s commitment to accountability and reform. Additionally, Ta’s consideration for the police chief position in Salinas, CA, was met with public outcry and led to reopening the hiring process.

A particularly troubling incident occurred in March 2022 when Ta, then deputy chief, arrived at a Vallejo homicide scene reeking of alcohol, according to an internal memo by former Capt. Jason Potts. The memo alleged that Ta’s impairment was evident to multiple officers at the scene, raising serious concerns about his judgment and adherence to department policy. Potts noted that Ta admitted to having had “one drink” before arriving at the scene but did not face immediate disciplinary action. Potts’ frustration with the lack of formal investigation led him to escalate the matter to Vallejo’s city manager, prompting an external inquiry by an independent law firm.

This incident further eroded confidence in Ta’s ability to lead a department already struggling with public trust and systemic challenges.

Vallejo’s law enforcement crisis extends beyond individual officers; it is deeply structural. The city has faced intervention from California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta, who doubted Ta’s ability to lead reform efforts. The department operates under civilian oversight and remains understaffed, contributing to increased response times and persistent public safety issues.

Promoting someone like Ta, whose tenure has been marred by controversy, risks perpetuating the status quo. For Vallejo to genuinely reform, it needs leadership that is unafraid to challenge entrenched practices and rebuild community trust from the ground up.

BNCL’s relentless advocacy for victims of police misconduct in Vallejo has led to significant victories, including multi-million dollar settlements and policy changes. Ben Nisenbaum has been instrumental in securing these outcomes, representing clients in some of the most challenging civil rights cases. His legal acumen and dedication to justice have resulted in landmark rulings, reinforcing the firm’s reputation as a champion for the underserved.

One notable case led by Nisenbaum resulted in a $11.3 million verdict in 2015 for a civil rights police excessive force case, which was fully upheld by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. This victory, among others, illustrates BNCL’s commitment to holding police accountable and pushing for systemic change.

Nisenbaum’s background, which includes working with at-risk youth and his education in psychology, allows him to bring a unique perspective to his legal practice. His understanding of human behavior and systemic issues has been pivotal in challenging flawed expert testimonies and exposing the psychological impact of police misconduct on victims.

The appointment of Jason Ta raises crucial questions about Vallejo’s willingness to confront its policing crisis head-on. While city officials may view his promotion as a path toward stability, critics like Nisenbaum argue that proper stability cannot exist without meaningful reform. Vallejo’s community members, already disillusioned by past experiences, deserve leadership prioritizing transparency, accountability, and public trust.

BNCL will continue to play a vital role in this fight, leveraging its decades of experience to hold Vallejo’s leadership accountable. As Nisenbaum’s comments suggest, the battle for police reform is far from over. BNCL remains committed to ensuring that justice prevails for all those affected by police misconduct in Vallejo.

Jason Ta’s appointment as Vallejo’s permanent police chief represents a pivotal moment for the city. While his leadership may bring continuity, it risks reinforcing the very patterns of misconduct that have tarnished the department’s reputation. As BNCL and Ben Nisenbaum continue their pursuit of justice, their advocacy serves as a reminder that police reform is not just about leadership changes but about dismantling systemic failures and rebuilding trust within the community. Vallejo’s future depends on it.

For the full report, please visit. CBS News Bay Area (KPIX)

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