Growing The LAPD Was Gospel At City Hall. George Floyd Changed That
LAPPL News Watch
June 5, 2020
It
has been an article of faith in Los Angeles politics for more than a
quarter-century: Build the Police Department and its budget, and you
will build a stronger, safer city.
Mayors from moderate Republican
Richard Riordan to liberal Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa charted that
course, with special emphasis on expanding the LAPD to at least 10,000
sworn officers.
But city leaders now appear ready to slow and perhaps
reverse that longtime trend, following the killing of George Floyd in
Minneapolis police custody and a wave of rage, sorrow and demands in Los
Angeles that the government provide poor and minority communities with
more than a police presence.
Mayor Eric Garcetti said he will direct
$250 million to youth jobs, health initiatives and “peace centers” to
heal trauma, and will allow those who have suffered discrimination to
collect damages. The money will have to be cut from other city
operations;
Garcetti, backed by City Council President Nury Martinez and
his new Police Commission president, said as much as $150 million would
come from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Leaders of the union that
represents Los Angeles police officers said they found the shift abrupt
and disingenuous.
“In the private phone call, the politicians praised
our officers’ work and professionalism,” said Jerretta Sandoz, vice
president of the police union. “During their TV spectacle, they placed
the blame of Los Angeles’ social problems squarely on the shoulders of
our officers. It was hypocritical and political doublespeak of the
highest order, and we refuse to participate in this charade.”
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