Los Angeles - - On Tuesday, February 26, 2002, a significant number of community members attended a rally in front of Parker Center, 150 N. Los Angeles Street, to voice their support for the re-appointment, to a second term, of Los Angeles Chief of Police Bernard C. Parks. Following the rally, a number of these community members attended a scheduled Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners meeting, held at City Hall East. At the meeting, several community members continued with their expressions of support for Chief Parks. During the course of these expressions, leaflets were distributed regarding a protest march/demonstration at the intersection of 3^rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, the location of a future shopping mall. A number of individuals also expressed their intentions to engage in these demonstrations.

Chief Parks, in denouncing the proposed demonstrations, stated, "While I do recognize that individuals have a First Amendment Right to free speech and while I appreciate the fact that so many community members care enough about the process to become involved, I DO NOT support any demonstrations and/or personal attacks against any member of the Board of Police Commissioners, on my behalf. I strongly discourage others from engaging in such actions. I have personally contacted some of the speakers and asked them not to engage in these actions."

The Department is very appreciative of the invaluable service provided by the members of the Board of Police Commissioners, on their own time. Personal comments directed at members of the Board, during last Tuesday’s meeting, were inappropriate and serve only to detract from the merit-based re-appointment process.

This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Horace Frank, Officer in Charge, Media Relations Section.

For further information regarding this press release, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.