Los Angeles: Earlier today, Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden announced his intent to survey rank and file Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers regarding their choice for the Department’s next Chief of Police. Councilman Holden stated that he suspects that officers’ work performance would be impacted based on who the next Chief of Police is; thus the reason for his survey.

The Los Angeles Police Department will not participate in this survey. This decision is based, in part, on an existing labor agreement between the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) and the Department and City Management. The LAPPL is the exclusive bargaining unit for Police Officers, Lieutenants and Below, on all matters dealing with wages, hours and working conditions. This agreement, in part, states that the Department will not subject its officers to participation in surveys that could impact their working conditions [which this survey has the potential of doing], without first engaging in the Meet and Confer process with the League, regarding the content and form of such surveys.

As of this date, no such process has taken place.

Additionally, there is a long-standing City policy prohibiting Department employees from participating in political activities while on duty. This policy also restricts the use of Department facilities for political purposes. Mr. Holden’s office has been informed of this decision by the Los Angeles Police Department.

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