LA mayor announces ‘big step forward’ with new LAPD community bureau

The program will train specially selected officers in a 5-year assignment where they will deepen relationships within the neighborhoods they have vowed to serve

In a statement released by the Los Angeles mayor’s office, Eric Garcetti has announced the creation of the LAPD Community Safety Partnership Bureau. 

The new bureau will place a nationally-recognized model for community policing at the heart of the City’s public safety efforts.

READ MORE: Video shows LAPD knocking disabled Black protester out of wheelchair

Mayor Garcetti was joined by members of the city council, law enforcement, civil rights and community leaders in making the statement yesterday, a transcript of the press conference was reprinted on the mayor’s website

“Today we take a major step forward in our work to re-imagine policing in Los Angeles and strengthen the human bonds that are essential to public safety,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Every Angeleno deserves to feel secure not only in the parks and streets of their neighborhoods but in the presence of people in uniform — and expanding CSP will help to make that possible.”

The bureau will localize the 10 Community Safety Program sites and will update the training curriculum for officers. 

An LAPD vehicle is parked next to protest banners written in Korean and English for peace at the intersection of Florence and Normandie, on April 29, 2017.
(Photo by Warrick Page/Getty Images)

“This commitment to creating safe and healthy communities saves lives. I am confident our CSPs will meet this historic moment in policing and build public trust in law enforcement,” LAPD Chief, Michel Moore, said. 

The program will train specially selected officers in a 5-year assignment where they will deepen relationships within the neighborhoods they have vowed to serve As a part of the program, they will work to deepen and develop relationships between the force and the people. 

“Like any relationship, trust is earned and the creation of this CSP Bureau builds safer neighborhoods and strengthens the trust and respect between the community and law enforcement,” said Monica Rodriguez, chair of the city council’s public safety committee. 

READ MORE: LAPD funding slashed by $150M, reducing number of officers

The bureau will be headed by Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides, a civilian commander, and a regional advisory council. 

“It is the honor and privilege of my professional life to accept this role,” said Deputy Chief Tingirides. “I have devoted my career to building relationships and engaging the community where I grew up. I have watched our Community Safety Partnerships flourish with lowering crime while lifting public trust.”

“This isn’t an LAPD program,” Tingirides said. “This is a community program. This is about understanding the cultures of the communities and adjusting how we work and respond to conflict within communities.”

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE