Today’s press conference led by Chief Mendez and Mayor Sorace was nothing more than an attempt to justify the unjustifiable. Instead of accountability or transparency, we received a response that placed blame on the children, their families, and the broader Lancaster community—completely ignoring the fact that the police escalated this situation and used unnecessary force.
Blaming the people they are supposed to serve does not justify the police department’s failure to de-escalate. This is a failure of leadership. The refusal to release body camera footage and the complete dismissal of public concern make it clear that the city does not value the voices of those demanding justice. Lancaster deserves better than this deflection, distraction, and dishonesty. We do not want the children of our city policed this way, yet today, Mayor Sorace and Chief Mendez made it clear that they find this treatment acceptable. We do not.
Last Tuesday, Lancaster City Council chambers were filled with residents, community leaders, and organizations united in a single demand—accountability. Unfortunately Chief Mendez and Mayor Sorace were absent to hear from the community. In an unprecedented moment, city officials, community members, and advocacy organizations agreed that the March 2nd police use-of-force incident was unacceptable. The outrage was not limited to residents alone; multiple City Council members acknowledged the severity of the situation and the urgent need for review.
The Collective successfully organized a broad community effort to demand justice. Our collective voices rang loudly in the chambers of City Hall. We formally submitted a request for a resolution, calling for an independent review of the incident outside of the Lancaster City Police Department, public disclosure of past and present Use of Force Reports, and establishing a Citizen Review Board for ongoing accountability. These recommendations were not only acknowledged but widely supported by the community during the meeting.
Along with that the community demanded for immediate action to be taken after the council meeting. This included: a statement from Mayor Sorace denouncing the actions of the police, Officer Hatfield being put on desk duty within 24hrs to 48hrs, and the charges against the youth be dropped. Yet today we learned that no action will be taken against the officers involved and the police internal review found no wrongdoing of the police actions.
The overwhelming agreement in the room last Tuesday confirmed what we already knew—Lancaster’s policing practices require serious scrutiny. The people of this city, including its elected officials, recognize that what happened on March 2nd was wrong. Now, words must be translated into action.
City Council Must Follow Through—We Expect a Response on March 25th.
While last Tuesday was a critical step forward, the work is far from over. Verbal commitments and shared outrage are not enough—policy changes and structural accountability must follow. As it is clear where Mayor Sorace and Chief Mendez stand, we are not letting up. We are officially calling on the City Council to provide a direct response to our resolution at their next meeting on March 25, 2025.
City Council members have publicly stated their support for transparency and accountability. Now, they must act. We expect:
- An update on the status of an independent review process. Now more than ever need an independent review outside of the Lancaster City Police Department.
- A public commitment to making all past and future Use of Force Reports available to residents. Transparency cannot be selective.
- Establish a Public Safety Commission or a formal plan for a Civilian Review Board. If Lancaster can have a Housing Authority, Civil Service Board, and Ethics Commission, why doesn’t it have a dedicated body for police accountability?
The overwhelming agreement in the room last Tuesday was a sign of progress, but we will not allow this moment to fade. Our coalition partners and the Lancaster community will be present on March 25th to ensure that Lancaster City Council follows through on these commitments.
A Defining Moment for Lancaster
History will remember what Lancaster did at this moment and how public officials choose to respond. This is not just about one incident—this is about ensuring that Black and Brown residents in Lancaster are not subjected to excessive force with no consequences. The political will is there; the voices have spoken. Now, the City Council and sitting Mayor must act.
We urge all Lancaster residents, advocates, and leaders to remain engaged. Stand with us on March 25th. Our fight for accountability does not end with one meeting, it continues until real change is secured.
Next Steps: How You Can Help
- Attend the March 25th City Council Meeting – Show up and demand a response to our resolutionTh.
- Contact City Officials – Use this form to send an email urging action: Advocacy Form
- Spread the Word – Share this statement and keep the conversation going.
The Collective will not allow this moment to be forgotten. Transparency, accountability, and justice are not negotiable. The community is at the table Chief Mendez.
In solidarity,
Lancaster Stands Up, Black Voter Outreach, Lancaster Bail Fund, Party for Socialism & Liberation, Lancaster ChangeMakers Collective, Lancaster Democratic Socialists of America