Los Angeles, July 8, 2016—Our prayers and deepest sympathies go to the families and friends of the Dallas Police officers and Dallas Area Rapid Transit officers who were killed and injured in last night’s abhorrent acts of violence. We also pray for the recovery of those officers who are severely injured, so that no more families have to feel the pain and anguish of losing their loved one.
To hunt, target and murder law enforcement officers who were working to protect the safety and the First Amendment rights of protesters is pure evil. Those responsible for the attacks are cowards, plain and simple. There can be no justification for lying in wait to gun down and murder police officers. Anyone responsible for these heinous acts should be quickly brought to justice and face the strongest punishments possible.
We understand that this is an emotional time for our country. However, violence, for the sake of violence, will do nothing to heal wounds or improve communities. In Los Angeles, police officers are absolutely committed to community-based policing. It’s part of the job we do every day. We take it very seriously. We need more communication and collaboration between police officers and community members, not more confrontation. The police-community partnership must be successful if we hope to keep our neighborhoods safe.
The members of the Los Angeles Police Department know all too well the pain felt by these officers’ families, their fellow officers and the Dallas community as a whole. They gave their lives, and have suffered great injuries, protecting and serving the residents of Dallas. As fellow law enforcement officers, we honor their ultimate sacrifice.
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.
