For Immediate Release

Contact:
Eric Rose (805) 624-0572 or
Paul Haney (626) 755-4759

Los Angeles, June 5, 2009 – Paul M. Weber, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, issued the following statement regarding the shooting this morning involving Hollenbeck Division officers.

"The shooting in Hollenbeck Division today, involving a possible 'low-risk' parolee, is a reminder why the public needs to be concerned about parolees in our communities. The LAPPL remains very skeptical of the Parole Violation Decision Making Instrument (PVMDI) program currently being implemented by the Governor and the state's plan to release 23,000 prisoners in an ill-conceived budget-balancing action.

"Public safety must take precedence over economic and political considerations. This means maintaining full funding of public safety services. Cutting public safety budgets while simultaneously release prisoners into our communities would create a perfect storm, reversing hard-won reductions in crime witnessed over the past several years. We urge the State to reconsider its priorities and NOT implement the PVMDI program or release 23,000 prisoners into our communities."

About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,800 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com.