Pasadena Police Officers and Sergeants Hold Demonstration For Pay Equity

Kevin Okamoto, right, marches with fellow officers outside city hall Monday night-Photos by Terry Miller

Pasadena Police officer Kevin Okamoto, who has faced various complaints in court about his past conduct police work, was among the 150 or so officers, friends and family present at a march and eventually headed into Pasadena City Council chambers on Monday as one of the hundreds seeking a pay raise from the city.

Members of the Pasadena Police Officer’s Association and the Pasadena Police Sergeant’s Association held a demonstration on Monday night. The demonstration occurred in front of Pasadena’s City Hall and saw hundreds of officers and supporters rally for pay raises. Demonstrators subsequently entered council chambers to address members of the City Council during their Monday evening session.

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The demonstration is part of a effort to save the Pasadena Police Department from an ‘imminent crisis regarding the retention of experienced police officers, ‘ according tio a press release. “A very large number of knowledgeable and tenured officers have applied for police positions in other agencies. The potential mass exodus, which could occur by summer, would have a grave impact on the safety of the city’s citizenry and visitors. The large departure of sworn personnel would also undoubtedly impact the safety of police officers and the extraordinary level of service the department currently provides.”
The two associations are collectively seeking help from Pasadena’s City Council. We need the council to influence other city leaders to quickly address vital issues to prevent the collapse of the Pasadena Police Department.

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