The coalition of Alameda County's police unions has taken a unanimous stance in favor of recalling District Attorney Pamela Price. In statements obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, they assert that Price has fallen short of her duty to defend victims of crime and uphold justice. "As the chief law enforcement officer in the county, it is D.A. Price’s obligation and sworn oath to defend victims of crime, 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," said Iain Fry, the president of San Leandro’s police union.
The recall campaign spearheaded by Save Alameda for Everyone (SAFE) is rapidly gaining momentum amidst critique of Price's criminal justice reforms. As reported by KRON4 News, Price has hit back at the police unions, labeling their actions "desperate." She counters that her efforts seek to amend a system beset by racial disparities and that the recall push is aimed at propelling Alameda County back to an era of unchecked police authority.
Adding to the controversy is the public support for the campaign from Rep. Eric Swalwell, who has characterized Price as being soft on crime, according to a news release referenced by Hoodline. Swalwell's backing has caused a rift among local Democrats, as it stands at odds with the Alameda County Democratic Party's official stance against the recall.
Despite the police unions' and Swalwell's assertions, the DA's office under Price has reportedly pursued criminal charges at a rate comparable to her predecessor. Citizens and public safety advocate Carl Chan have echoed fears of an increase in crime under her tenure. However, arguing against these fears, Price's office points to the proportion of cases resulting in charges and the "Protect the Win" campaign, which is a self-defense against the recall effort. Price initially voted in, with 53% of the vote, and has accused a minority of "super-rich investors and tech executives" of attempting to subvert the 2022 election, as highlighted by The Mercury News via Hoodline.
