A few days ago, I bumped into five San Jose cops having lunch.  I asked them if I could hear their thoughts about Chief Davis.  (NOTE:  In advance, I indicated to the five officers that our conversation would be “off the record” in that no names would be published, and that I wouldn’t mention the name of the restaurant.).

The five San Jose Police officers didn’t express strong feelings either way towards the Chief.  One said that he was “doing okay,” and that he has, “good points and bad points.”  Another said that he was a “good Chief,” doing a “pretty good job.”  Another sympathized with how difficult the Chief’s job is, pointing out that it’s a job where you get pulled in “20 different directions.”

One of the five cops expressed his belief that the San Jose Police Department is a quality organization made up of a lot of good people.  “I don’t think there’s a better law enforcement agency in the country,” he said.  Another added that the City of San Jose is a good and safe place to live, that there are a lot of good people living in San Jose.

When I asked about the reports that Hispanics were being arrested in the downtown on a disproportionate basis, the officers became more interested.  “We’re not racists,” one said calmly and with emphasis.  Another said, “When we arrest someone for breaking the law, we don’t care what color they are.”

I asked the group of officers if Chief Davis lacked support among the rank and file.  Would the members of the police union give Chief Davis a vote of confidence if asked?  They said, yes.