The City acknowledges and understands the Court's frustration with the pace of the City's progress to comply with the Negotiated Settlement Agreement. We take this seriously and understand the implications for our community if compliance is not achieved quickly.

We are committed to taking action and making demonstrable progress on the reforms necessary to ensure that we meet our collective goal: that OPD operates under the highest standards of policing, and that constitutional policing is inherent to police culture and practice.

For the first time in the NSA's nine-year history, the City has achieved governance alignment and solidified a cohesive team of City officers—the Mayor, City Administrator, City Attorney and Chief of Police—who have made NSA compliance a shared priority.

"We believe that the expertise of the Monitor, coupled with the new leadership in the Police Department and the City Administrator's and my commitment to further incorporate the requirements of the Negotiated Settlement Agreement into OPD's culture, will move Oakland into compliance as quickly as possible," said Mayor Jean Quan.

Recent efforts by City leadership demonstrate new momentum, heightened focus, and realigned roles necessary for swift and decisive action requisite for NSA compliance, as well as for the real, long-term reform we all seek to take hold.

In particular, the City Administrator and Chief of Police have established a strong organizational partnership and set a management tone relative to mutual leadership priorities, performance expectations, and overall accountability to achieve timely compliance.

"The Oakland Police Department belongs to the community," Chief Jordan said.

"The path forward will be guided by an actionable plan. We will seek engagement on moving forward quickly with guidance from key stakeholders, including the Plaintiffs, the workforce, the Police Officers Association, and the community we serve. My vision is to make Oakland one of the safer major cities in California; achieving compliance with the NSA will enhance this vision."

We appreciate that Judge Henderson has provided the City with an opportunity to demonstrate that under new leadership, compliance will be achieved, and we look forward to enhanced engagement with the Monitor to bring that goal to fruition.

See the Henderson ruling here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/79317328/Jan-2012-Henderson-Order