Bottomline: Why Did You Really Call?

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

You can read in other places the details about the Rialto Police response to the neighborhood watcher’s 9-1-1 call about “Three Black People Stealing Stuff.” My focus is on the caller’s assumption of theft and more importantly, why that assumption and description.

The caller is described as a member of Neighborhood Watch, an organization of which most people speak with pride. I expect that people who are organized to watch would also be trained to report accurately.

 I could readily agree that she saw four people, one White and three Black, that she did not recognize who were removing “stuff” from a neighboring house. However, she assumed theft and reported it as such.

Is it a crime to make a sincere, but false police report? Is it a crime if that report ends in a tragic death? Responsible Neighborhood Watch members, as well as the rest of us, should want to be accurate when calling police.

The Rialto police responded in force as they should to a call describing an active burglary; however, thank goodness they did not arrive with guns blazing. They arrived and began investigating, asking questions, seeking the reality of the situation. That investigation took about 22 minutes according to Rialto police.

Why did the caller describe the “strangers” racially, if her concern was that she did not recognize them?

Donisha Prendergast, Bob Marley’s Granddaughter, was the focal point of the press coverage because of who she is.  The Rialto police have been notified of a possible lawsuit because of the incident. 

I think the Rialto Police Department has no need to apologize or worry about a suit. I cannot say the same about the Neighborhood Watch caller.

Donisha was in the Inland Empire attending the KAYA Fest, a concert tribute featuring Bob Marley’s sons and grandson. The performance was in San Bernardino at the National Orange Show. The event was a success that will hopefully become an annual affair.

Author: Wallace J. Allen