Who:
Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, LAPD Chief of Police William J. Bratton, Los Angeles Police Commisioner David Cunningham III, LAPD Assistant Chief of Police James P. McDonnell, UCLA Professor Buzz Wilms, LAPD Staff and Command Officers

What:
Los Angeles Police Department’s Preliminary Meeting to the 2003 Staff Officer’s Annual Retreat

When:
Friday, December 20, 2002 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:
Burbank Hilton Hotel, 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA

Los Angeles: In an effort to improve law enforcement services to the Los Angeles communities, and with the endeavor to begin an open environment that rests on the inclusion of the media, the LAPD will hold a preliminary meeting to outline the upcoming 2003 Staff Officer’s Annual Retreat (SOAR).

This preliminary SOAR meeting portrays an agenda that is challenging to the myriad of anticipated issues the Department will face during the year 2003, under the leadership of Chief of Police William J. Bratton. Several relevant topics of discussion will dominate the meeting. Remarks will include statements by both Chief Bratton and Mayor James Hahn. Los Angeles Police Commissioner David Cunningham III will also address those in attendance. A highlight of the meeting will be UCLA Professor Buzz Wilms’ presentation regarding the "Changing Perceptions and Attitudes" of police officers. In addition, LAPD Commander James McMurray will discuss the Department’s new discipline procedures and Assistant Chief of Police James P. McDonnell will conduct a briefing regarding crime and gang-related issues, a formidable topic that has great ramifications on the future of Los Angeles Area neighborhoods. After addressing issues surrounding the Department’s reorganization, Chief Bratton will formally announce new promotions within the command staff. The new promotees will then be sworn in.

The media is invited to attend and cover this event. There will be a continental breakfast and luncheon. For more information, contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

This advisory was prepared by Office Jack Richter, Media Relations Section.