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.
A Year of Challenges, Changes and Achievements
LAAPOA contended with a wide variety of issues in 2019. In addition to spreading the word about initiatives we’re working on, the BOLO e-newsletter, press releases and other communications kept members, supporters, political leaders and the media informed with an expert perspective on broader airport policing topics, state political and legal developments, and concerns affecting the law enforcement profession nationwide. In case you missed anything, here’s a look back at the topics we brought to the forefront throughout the past year.