As Civil Unrest Continues, Police Unions Must Stay United
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic death in Minnesota, many police unions, including those in California, have been at the forefront of instituting change across America. But rather than working with them to solve the problem, critics have instead attempted to blame police unions for the horrific actions of Officer Derek Chauvin and the […]
Justin Erbacci Named Permanent LAWA CEO
Following nationwide protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the Los Angeles City Council introduced a motion to cut $150 million from the LAPD budget — a decision so apparently spontaneous and unilateral that the association representing the department’s command officers had to hear about it on Twitter, without any opportunity to discuss or address the issue. On June 8, the Los Angeles Times editorial board opined that this should be only the beginning of a process to slash the city’s policing budget. This is a dangerous and ill-thought-out idea that will bring further damage to the communities it purports to help and places the entire city’s safety at risk.
Defunding Police Is Not the Answer
Following nationwide protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the Los Angeles City Council introduced a motion to cut $150 million from the LAPD budget — a decision so apparently spontaneous and unilateral that the association representing the department’s command officers had to hear about it on Twitter, without any opportunity to discuss or address the issue. On June 8, the Los Angeles Times editorial board opined that this should be only the beginning of a process to slash the city’s policing budget. This is a dangerous and ill-thought-out idea that will bring further damage to the communities it purports to help and places the entire city’s safety at risk.
Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste, Part 3: Releasing Prisoners Early? Be Careful What You Wish For
As Americans continue to fear for their job security, health and financial future during these uncertain times, the coronavirus pandemic has caused yet another thing for citizens to worry about — their safety. As victims and law enforcement officials warned would be the case after states announced the release of thousands of inmates as a way to slow the spread of the coronavirus, repeat offenders have wasted little time in taking advantage of their newfound freedom by wreaking havoc on their communities and committing similar — or worse — offenses than the ones that originally landed them in jail in the first place.
Moving Forward as One: Achieving Meaningful Change Together
As every state in the nation is rocked by protests in the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, it seems that crisis has been heaped on top of crisis. Governments and first responders already in a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic are now contending with civil unrest and, […]
Statement From LAAPOA President Marshall McClain on the Death of George Floyd
As we watch the destructive aftermath of the devastating death of George Floyd, I am asking all members of LAAPOA to take a deep breath. Clearly, something went horribly wrong in the circumstances involving Mr. Floyd. Clearly, the outcome of the arrest that led to his death wounds all of us as peace officers and […]
Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste, Part 2: The Zero-Bail Fail
Attempts to reform the bail system have been brewing in California for years. Back in 2017, LAAPOA spoke out against the flawed SB 10, which eliminated the state’s pretrial cash bail system and replaced it with a “risk-based release and detention system.” The bill was signed into law in 2018, but implementation was put on hold after opponents collected enough signatures to qualify for a statewide referendum in 2020. More than six months before voters had a chance to weigh in, however, zero bail became a reality anyway — thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste, Part 1: The Challenge of Enforcing Social Distancing
COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives, including public safety. Law enforcement working the front lines of the pandemic have been inundated with a new set of challenges that have made their already difficult jobs even more difficult, stressful and dangerous. In particular, statewide shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders across the country have forced officers, park rangers and other public servants to perform the near-impossible task of enforcing social distancing guidelines prescribed by health officials.
Coming Together During Challenging Times to Honor the Fallen
While the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the lives of people around the world and forced the cancelation of May’s memorial gatherings, it will not stop the law enforcement community from being there for one another on National Peace Officers Memorial Day and during National Police Week as we honor the brave officers killed in the line of duty both last year and throughout history, including Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Tommy Scott, who was tragically taken from us 15 years ago today. From sundown on April 28 to sunrise on April 30, the LAX pylons will proudly glow blue to honor Officer Scott’s sacrifice.
LAX Pylons Go Blue for Officer Tommy Scott Memorial
LOS ANGELES — On the evening of Tuesday, April 28, and on the morning and evening of Wednesday, April 29, the iconic LAX pylons will go blue to mark the 15th anniversary of the death of Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Tommy Scott. Scott, 35, was killed on April 29, 2005, while heroically protecting the […]
Understanding Workers’ Compensation During Uncertain Times
By Brendan B. Rochford and Adam Hahn Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. It is a gross understatement to say the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is impacting almost every aspect of Californian lives, including how we live and work. Nowadays, every cough, runny nose and even headache can make a person wonder if they have […]
Tune in to The Layover With LAAPOA Video Podcast
If you follow LAAPOA on social media, you may have noticed that over the past two months we’ve dropped a few teasers here and there about a special new project we’ve been working on. Well, now we’re pleased to finally share it with you all. Introducing The Layover With LAAPOA, a video podcast hosted by […]