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RantZ and RaveZ - BLM and other anti-police groups pushed Mayor Bass to reject a new 5-year term for Chief Moore. The 1990’s Charter “F” rules permit the LAPD Chief to serve a maximum of ten years. Broken down to Two five-year terms. That measure was put into place by L.A. voters and has remained the rule for the LAPD Chief ever since. While some in Los Angeles, including a few recently elected radical members of the Los Angeles City Council and others who don’t appreciate the Dedication, Leadership or Direction of the LAPD under Chief Moore, I credit Mayor Bass for her willingness to do the right thing for all the people of Los Angeles in continuing the Leadership of Chief Moore at the LAPD and standing up to and rejecting those who have an agenda to destroy the LAPD and public safety in general in Los Angeles.
“Police Brutality” and lawsuits have become a common phrase for people who fail to comply with the ORDERS and or DIRECTIONS from Police Officers.
What has happened in our society with the obligation to comply with the lawful orders and directions of Police Officers. Section 148 or the California Penal Code reads as follows: Every person who willfully resists , delays, or obstruct any public officer, peace officer, or an emergency medical technician in the discharge or attempt to discharge any duty of his or her office or employment, when no other punishment is prescribed, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
When will people start to understand that Police Officers are paid to enforce the law. Like it or not, we can return to a more civilized society with fewer people breaking the laws of our land and living a happier and more productive life. When 911 is called and the police are dispatched, they are trained to gain compliance with those suspected of a crime. It could be a Felony, Misdemeanor, Infraction or Civil Matter. Whatever the case, if people simply COMPLY with the directions of the Police Officer, everyone can go home Happy and Healthy.
Police Officers in many jurisdictions in America now wear Body Cameras to show exactly what the officer is facing. The camera is designed to capture the event and show the tactics and actions of the officer. The cameras are a great tool to either justify the actions of the officer or errors or abuse made by the officer.
During encounters with police officers, I have this simple suggestion for you. COMPLY with the directions of the officer and save yourself a lot of grief and frustration. While a lack of compliance during a police investigation or arrest is against the law, Law Enforcement Officers must not resort to excessive force when enforcing the law. There is no excuse for excessive force during an investigation or arrest.
LAPD Crime Stats as of 2/11/2023
LAPD Sworn Personnel numbers are as follows….9,235. The number count includes every sworn officer from the Chief to the Recruit in the Academy. 9,235 and shrinking each month.
As of 2-11-23, all categories show a reduction compared to 2022. Since it is early in the year, this can be expected. Will the reductions hold, I would not bet on it.
Litigation on the Recall of District Attorney George Gascon continues.
The Gascon Recall campaign is continuing with the assistance of the Superior Court. While some believe the campaign has concluded, it is still moving forward with court oversight. I will keep you updated as events change.
Former Mayor Eric Garcetti continues to wait for his confirmation as the Ambassador to India.
The appointment of Former Mayor Eric Garcetti to the position of Ambassador to India continues to lag. While President Biden has submitted Garcetti’s name for the second time, there has not been any published movement forward. We will have to wait and see the next position for Garcetti.
Political Corruption at L.A. City Hall appears to have slowed down.
The FBI has been very successful in their numerous investigations of political corruption at L.A. City Hall. As of now, everyone except Mark Ridley Thomas has admitted to the charges and been convicted without going to trial. Quite a record of success for the investigations and a very sad state of affairs for the image of the Los Angeles City Council and various city hall staff. Hopefully there are more Honest and Honorable people elected and working at L.A. City Hall.
(Dennis P. Zine is the author of RantZ and RaveZ. The column is published every two weeks in CityWatchLA to help keep you updated on political and associated activities in and around Los Angeles. Dennis is a retired member of law enforcement and a retired L.A. City Councilmember.)
