On the eve of a major effort to overhaul policing in Berkeley with a targeted 50% budget reduction, Mayor Jesse Arreguìn rejected an opportunity to ride along with officers and experience policing firsthand.
I prefer imagining policing to actually learning about it.
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguìn
BPD Public Information Officer Byron White had originally proposed a “bike along” with the newly established downtown bike patrols. “It’s a chance to get some exercise and exposure to real policing. It could be a win-win for him.”
Arreguìn refused that offer on account of his bike having recently been stolen by an unhoused neighbor wielding nunchucks. The Mayor also refused a chance to ride along in a squad car.
“I prefer imagining policing to actually learning about it. Also, I don’t want to risk being biased by becoming informed.”
The Bunion previously reported that Arreguìn’s imagination of policing involved being stopped by a female officer who turned out to be a stripper.
The Mayor’s chief of staff also voiced concern about the Mayor’s personal safety. “Downtown is super sketchy. I don’t know anyone who goes there after dark.”