PUBLIC APOLOGY OF OFFICER PHIL WHITE

5-9-16
Today I issue this written public apology and seek forgiveness for the inflammatory and
offensive words I posted on my social media page in December of 2014. I embarrassed
myself with the words I used and hurt a great number of people including my family,
members of the community, and those with whom I work.
Although this is my first public apology for my inappropriate postings, it is precisely the
message I have been delivering to those who know me in the City of San Jose and at the
San Jose Police Department beginning in December of 2014. It is not my last apology; I
am well aware of the long road ahead of me as I move towards rebuilding community
relationships that I have worked so hard to develop in my 19 years of service in this city.
I had a lapse in judgment when I posted the inappropriate language. Recognizing that
my language was hurtful and caused embarrassment to the City of San Jose and the
outstanding police officers in the San Jose Police Department, I removed the statements
right away and communicated an apology to then Police Chief Larry Esquivel the very
next day.
When I was interviewed by the Police Departments Internal Affairs Investigators in the
spring of 2015 concerning my postings, I once again expressed my remorse. In the fall of
2015, when I was given the opportunity to directly address Police Chief Eddie Garcia
concerning my conduct, I again expressed my heartfelt remorse for my actions.
Im now asking the community I serve to forgive me and judge me on my entire lifes
work and contributions to our citys well-being and not solely on the few minutes where
I did not exhibit the best judgment. I made a mistake and for that I am sorry. I will work
every single day to earn back any trust I may have broken with the residents I have
sworn to protect and serve and my colleagues within the San Jose Police Department.
Phil White