UPDATE: Oxnard Alleged "Shooting Tattoos" Investigation Continues

(UPDATE FROM A DEC. 16 STORY: Mayor Tim Flynn said last week that the investigation into alleged “shooting tattoos” is almost completed.)

(Story Below Published Dec. 16)

BY RAUL HERNANDEZ

[email protected]

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA — An internal administrative investigation continues surrounding allegations against some Oxnard Police Department officers who allegedly have so-called shooting tattoos put on their left shoulders after they have been involved in shootings of suspects, according to the police department.

As of last week, the investigation is still on-going, Miguel Lopez, spokesman for the Oxnard Police Department, stated Monday.
Drawing of “Shooting Tattoo” by a former Oxnard police officer provided to American Justice Notebook
A former Oxnard police officer told American Justice Notebook that smoke can be tattooed to the barrel of the tattoo when the shooting is fatal. He provided the names of nine officers who allegedly have “earned” these tattoos and have put them on their bodies – two are retired and two of the officers are commanders with the Oxnard Police Department. He also drew a picture of what these tattoos look like.

Two of the officers named were involved in fatal shootings, in 1994 and 2001.

The former Oxnard officer asked that his name not be used for fear of retaliation.

In July, these names were provided to Police Chief Jeri Williams. She downplayed the allegations, saying the information provided to American Justice “sounds silly” and questioning the source who gave it to us.

But the city of Oxnard hired the San Francisco law firm of Renne Sloan Holtzman and Sakai to conduct an independent investigation.

In October, Attorney Ron Bamieh, who is representing the family of 26-year-old Roberto Ramirez who died while in police custody in June 2012, said he had seen one of these shooting tattoos on a police officer. Bamieh also said he has a photograph of the tattoo that is on another officer.

Bamieh said the tattoos are apparently put on the left shoulders with “pride” and as a “badge of honor” after a killing. He said the tattoos were “repulsive” and “disturbing.”

The U.S. Justice Department spokesman declined to comment, saying they will review the matter.

“I cannot give you a timetable as to how long our review will take,” stated Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the Justice Department in an email in October.