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L.A. Times Request to Compile Racial Profiling Data is a Step Backwards LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Wednesday, January 26, 2000 L.A. Times Request to Compile Racial Profiling Data is a Step Backwards for LAPD and L.A. Sheriff's Department Chief Bernard Parks and Sheriff Leroy Baca say systems exist to prevent and eliminate racial profiling by officers and deputies. Jointly, Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard Parks and Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca responded to the Los Angeles Times regarding an editorial requesting that racial profiling data be compiled by local law enforcement agencies. Both agencies already have procedures in place to ensure that any incidents of racial profiling are immediately investigated, and any necessary administrative action is quickly taken. Chief Parks and Sheriff Baca have stated that racial profiling is a despicable practice and violates the core values of both organizations. The letter from Chief Parks and Sheriff Baca states "We believe that the Los Angeles Times needs to remain open to the fact that the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, through proactive and progressive law enforcement, are setting the pace for other organizations to follow on the issue of preventing and eliminating racial profiling." For Release 2:50 pm PST January 24, 2000