Los Angeles - Over the past several months, several mayoral candidates have unfairly used the issue of the selection and/or reappointment of Los Angeles’ Chief of Police, as a platform for their individual candidacies. As a result, several community members have, in the last few weeks, voiced displeasure with this tactic. Included in the concerns expressed by some community members, was the fact that such tactics have no legitimate benefits and serve only to dilute the independence and efficacy of the Office of the Chief of Police. Additionally, it politicizes the Office of the Chief of Police.

Joining the growing list of community members who have been issuing this challenge to candidates vying for local political offices, are members of The Brotherhood Crusade, NAACP, First AME Church and other community members.

On March 27, 2001, The Brotherhood Crusade, et.al, held a press conference to denounce the attacks on Chief of Police Bernard Parks, by some mayoral candidates. Mr. Danny Bakewell of The Brotherhood Crusade stated, "It is despicable and disgraceful for any mayoral candidate to use the highly respected Chief Parks as a scapegoat in an attempt to veil the lack of leadership that they have offered the people of this great City."

To see the complete text of the press release issued by The Brotherhood Crusade, NAACP, and the First AME Church (click here)

This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Horace Frank, Officer in Charge, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.