WHO:
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton
Deputy Chief Earl Paysinger
Bishop Charles Blake and Community Leaders

What:
News Conference

When:
Friday, February 6^th, 2004
2:00 P.M.

Where:
West Angeles Church of God in Christ
3045 South Crenshaw Boulevard
In the Cathedral Room

Los Angeles: Chief Bratton has asked Los Angeles Police officers to be more focused and assertive in their law enforcement activities. As this effort has gone forward, a disturbing downside to this attempt to improve quality of life issues in the community has become more significant.

Pressure is being brought to bear upon those that are involved in gang activity as well as other criminal activity. In 2002 there were 33 incidents of LAPD officers being shot at. In 2003 that number increased to 40 incidents in which a total of 84 officers were fired at. This represents a 21% increase.

At the news conference, Bishop Blake will be announcing a call to action in the African American Community in an effort to get people to come forward with information that will assist in bringing to justice those responsible for these aggravated assaults on police officers.

For further information contact Media Relations Section, 213 485-3586.

This news release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213 485-3586.