Badge-bending Archives - Open Vallejo

A man in a white polo shirt and khaki pants stands outdoors beside a weathered building with red wooden shingles and broken windows. Tall dry grass surrounds him as he looks thoughtfully off to the side.

Mathew Mustard, of ‘American Nightmare’ infamy, retires from Vallejo

by Matthew Brown April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

A composite image titled "No Responsive Records," featuring grayscale portraits of five individuals who were killed in encounters with the Vallejo police. Each portrait captures distinct facial expressions, suggesting a personal story behind each individual. Below the images, the text reads, "How Vallejo Hid Killings by Police," highlighting investigative themes.

Open Vallejo wins journalism honor for exposing hidden killings by police

by Open Vallejo November 1, 2024November 1, 2024

A Vallejo police officer walks confidently toward the camera. In the background, emergency personnel and a stretcher are visible.

ACLU demands California strip badges from nine Vallejo officers

by Vanessa Arredondo October 16, 2024October 17, 2024

Photo of a white car’s windshield marked with multiple bullet trajectory rods and labels, indicating the paths of shots fired into the vehicle. The image, dated September 6, 2012, shows an investigator leaning toward the passenger side, examining the scene.

Vallejo releases some police shooting evidence previously thought destroyed

by Anna Bauman October 10, 2024October 10, 2024

A partial view of the Old Solano Courthouse, framed by leafy trees and a hedge in the foreground. The building's light gray stone exterior is partially obscured, with modern patterned metalwork visible on one side. A single window is seen through the foliage, hinting at the structure’s historical architecture.

From a locked courtroom, judge rules Vallejo badge bending report will remain secret

by Anna Bauman October 2, 2024October 3, 2024

A Vallejo police officer gestures while holding a gun in one hand, his uniform and vehicle illuminated by the warm light of late afternoon. The background shows a sign for Kyles Temple A.M.E. Zion Church.

As Vallejo police force shrinks, 911 response times soar

by Anna Bauman September 23, 2024January 28, 2025

A street scene at dusk showing multiple police vehicles, including a black-and-white patrol car. Several police officers are gathered near the vehicles, with one officer walking towards the foreground. The area is lit by the setting sun, casting long shadows. A white SUV is parked in the middle of the scene, with its driver's door open. The atmosphere suggests a police investigation or search operation.

DOJ consultants met with skepticism over Vallejo police reforms

by Anna Bauman August 16, 2024September 20, 2024

A man in a suit, identified as Greg Nyhoff, is speaking at a podium with a microphone. He appears to be addressing an audience in a city council chambers. Behind him, there are chairs and a California state flag is partially visible.

Greg Nyhoff, controversial former Vallejo city manager, hired in Texas

by Anna Bauman June 24, 2024August 9, 2024

Photo of several police officers in riot gear, standing inside a building. One female officer in the center, identified by a badge as S. McDonough, looks intently ahead. The officers are wearing dark uniforms with helmets, badges, and have body cameras and various equipment attached to their belts.

Vallejo officers intervene after detective stopped by Cotati police

by Anna Bauman April 5, 2024April 29, 2024

The image, a still from a security camera, shows a suburban street with two individuals and two cars visible. One, a police officer, is in the process of firing a handgun. The second person, dressed in a blue top and dark pants, is falling while in the process of running away toward a house.

Napa DA releases new video of January police shooting in Vallejo

by Geoffrey King and Anna Bauman March 13, 2024March 26, 2024