What:
Chief Bernard C. Parks to place a memorial brick inscribed with the name of his granddaughter onto the courtyard of the Police Academy

Who:
Chief Bernard C. Parks, Bobbie Parks, family and invited guests

Where:
LAPD Police Academy, Elysian Park, 1880 N. Academy Drive (by the flag pole)

When:
Friday, June 29, 2001, 8:00 a.m.

Los Angeles - On May 28, 2000, Chief of Police Bernard C. Park’s granddaughter, Lori Gonzalez, was tragically murdered on the streets of Los Angeles. In a special ceremony, Chief Parks will place a brick inscribed with Lori’s name in the courtyard at the Academy. The courtyard walkway features several inscribed bricks in remembrance of loved ones associated with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Chief Parks and the LAPD are committed to reducing the violence on our streets. After the ceremony, Chief Parks will highlight two anti-violence campaigns currently underway within the Department. The "Stop the Violence" campaign focuses on three goals:

1. Reduce the number of young people involved with violent crimes/homicides.

2. Assist young people with development of strong moral characters.

3. Teach young people to have a high regard for human life.

The Department seeks to do this by collaborating with other government agencies, community organizations, and individual community members. The Department believes that by working together as a community, Los Angeles conveys it’s care and concern for each and every young person and recognizes the value of their lives.

The other anti-violence program to be highlighted is the "Gunfire Reduction" campaign. As Independence Day approaches, the LAPD is launching a Citywide Gunfire Reduction Campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that have become a deadly Independence Day tradition in our City. The Gunfire Reduction Campaign aims to advise the community that celebrating the 4^th of July with gunfire will not be tolerated in the City of Los Angeles. Many times individuals involved in celebrating holidays, such as, Independence Day with gunfire do not realize the dangers posed in their actions. Research has found that a bullet fired into the sky can climb up to two miles and remain in flight for more than a minute. As it falls, the bullet reaches a velocity of up to approximately 480 miles per hour. A velocity much less than that can easily penetrate the human skull.

On July 4, 1999, Brian Perez, a nine year old boy, was celebrating Independence Day at a gathering with his family and friends in South Central Los Angeles, when a bullet fired indiscriminately into the sky struck him in the head. Brian died the following day from his injuries. PSA’s depicting Brian Perez’ family will be available to those members of the media that have not already obtained one from the Media Relations Section.

Invited to the ceremony are representatives from the Los Angeles Sparks Basketball Team. On Sunday, July 1^st, they will play ball and join local law enforcement to promote a safe Independence Day Holiday with the first ever "Safe and Sound" Safety Fair.

To avoid future tragedies like the death of his Granddaughter, Lori, and the death of young Brian Perez, Chief Parks and the entire Department are committed to reducing the violence on our streets.

For further information on this important event contact the Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Sergeant John Pasquariello, Media Relations Section.