LOS ANGELES, November 21, 2011 – Los Angeles Police Protective League President Paul M. Weber today issued the following statement following reports that the Mayor has directed the LAPD not to impound unlicensed drivers’ vehicles for 30 days.

"The Mayors’ directive against putting 30-day vehicle holds on first-offense unlicensed drivers puts politics above public safety. This new policy will result in innocent people being injured and killed. It is a sad day for Los Angeles residents because the Mayor is directing the LAPD to purposely not enforce a state law designed to protect public safety.

"The value and wisdom of impounding vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers is twofold. First, an unlicensed driver willing to ignore the law is, at least temporarily, less likely to further violate this law because he or she will not have access to the impounded vehicle. Second, the cost and inconvenience of recovering an impounded vehicle discourages people without licenses from driving. That is precisely why the state legislature enacted the 30-day hold law.

"This new policy substantially reduces the disincentives against the unlicensed and unlawful operation of a vehicle. Moreover, it exposes officers and the City to potential legal liabilities stemming from any damage or injury caused by an unlicensed driver’s continued operation of a vehicle that, under state law, should have been impounded."

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

About the LAPPL: Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 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.