Traditional wisdom tells us that things were always better in the past. This is not the case with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which after an attempt at local reform following the infamous Rodney King case in the early 90s, exploded in controversy at the turn of the millennium with the Rampart scandal.
The history of reforms has been checkered and inconsistent, but the ground covered is clearly significant.
The lifting of a court order imposing an independent monitor (consent decree), who oversaw the department’s actions and reforms for eight years from Washington, is goods news that reflects the work done to create a more professional department in harmony with the communities it protects.
The LAPD is more popular than ever: according to recent surveys, 77% citizens approve of its performance, including minorities.
This is a good sign.
But it is important not to declare victory, but rather to continue the reform efforts.
Some note that the war is not yet over and there is still concern about the use of racial profiling and the lack of sensitivity when addressing some communities. Connie Rice, who has monitored the LAPD for the Police Commission, indicated this week that there is still room for progress in community involvement by the police, especially in terms of existing resources and the number of police, and in the achievement of the most important task of all: reducing crime rates for seven consecutive years.
We must celebrate the achievements and keep up the good work.
Traditional wisdom tells us that things were always better in the past. This is not the case with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which after an attempt at local reform following the infamous Rodney King case in the early 90s, exploded in controversy at the turn of the millennium with the Rampart scandal.
The history of reforms has been checkered and inconsistent, but the ground covered is clearly significant.
The lifting of a court order imposing an independent monitor (consent decree), who oversaw the department’s actions and reforms for eight years from Washington, is goods news that reflects the work done to create a more professional department in harmony with the communities it protects.
The LAPD is more popular than ever: according to recent surveys, 77% citizens approve of its performance, including minorities.
This is a good sign.
But it is important not to declare victory, but rather to continue the reform efforts.
Some note that the war is not yet over and there is still concern about the use of racial profiling and the lack of sensitivity when addressing some communities. Connie Rice, who has monitored the LAPD for the Police Commission, indicated this week that there is still room for progress in community involvement by the police, especially in terms of existing resources and the number of police, and in the achievement of the most important task of all: reducing crime rates for seven consecutive years.
We must celebrate the achievements and keep up the good work.
