Annette Spicuzza

Annette M. Spicuzza, who took office on May 16, 2005, is the first woman to be permanently appointed to Chief of the UC Davis Police Department. Prior to her employment at UC Davis, she was assistant police chief at the University of Washington in Seattle. You could at one point read more about her on her LinkedIn profile, but it was taken down after the pepper spray incident. Here's a cached copy: linkedin-as-of-nov-21-2011.pdf

She is now infamous for blatantly lying to media about the circumstances surrounding the police brutality against peaceful protesters on the UC Davis Campus on November 18, 2011, namely, saying that the police were trapped by those who were occupying the quad when video footage shows one of the officers calmly stepping over the seated students. The Reynoso Report was not too kind to her, portraying her as a weak leader who tolerated insubordination. Chancellor Linda Katehi placed her on administrative leave on Monday, November 21, 2011 pending a review of this incident. She resigned in April 2012 after the Reynoso report was published, though she may not have had any choice in the matter.

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2011-11-21 20:40:02   One day, top of the world in a cushy job. The next, under the bus with all four wheels crushing your back. Must suck to be you right now. Of course, it would have helped your cause if your lie wasn't broadcast over national news.—JimStewart

2011-12-22 23:53:52   Having worked with Chief Spicuzza in the in past, I can say that she came off to me as a very competent and friendly person. She also was very happy and eager to work with students, which not all of the previous descriptors can be applied to most police officers, in my opinion. I also feel that this view is shared with many of my friends and colleagues who have worked with her in ASUCD and elsewhere.

That being said, her comments regarding the Nov. 18th incident and the fact that she is responsible for the police department's actions stand by themselves. It seems regrettable, but I don't see how she can continue to lead the UCD Police Force. Goes to show how one black mark can destroy an otherwise good reputation. —DylanSchaefer