I think the brief press statement issued by EPD Chief Stephens without a response to me first is petty, disrespectful and typical of reporting in this small County when people are caught screwing up

(EPD Facebook, Chief Stephens and Whitchurch)

(EPD Facebook)

I am the one who reported last night on EPD Officer James Whitchurch's arrest. No other media did. I put in a lot of work with no response by Eureka Police Department until 2:09.

I think the brief press statement issued by EPD Chief Stephens without a response to me first is petty, disrespectful and typical of reporting in this  small County when people are caught screwing up. No one would have heard about this arrest had I not reported on it; that is the case with a lot of news.

Another police chief would have been transparent and issued this right after the arrest. If Chief Stephens wants respect; he should start by providing it and be fair.

I did look up Whitchurch in Humboldt Superior Court. 

This is the EPD statement. 

"The Eureka Police Department is aware that on December 24, 2025, the California Highway Patrol conducted an investigation involving Officer James Whitchurch, which subsequently led to his arrest. Immediately following his arrest, Officer Whitchurch was placed on paid administrative leave. This is an ongoing personnel matter; the department will not release additional information at this time. The Eureka Police Department is fully cooperating with the California Highway Patrol, which is the lead investigative agency in this matter. Any further information regarding the arrest must be obtained from the California Highway Patrol. “The arrest of one of our officers for driving under the influence is a serious matter.                   This type of behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the values, standards, or  expectations of this department. We hold our members to a high level of accountability,        both on and off duty. The department will address this incident through the appropriate administrative and disciplinary processes as the matter moves forward.”  - Chief Stephens "