LOS ANGELES, October 18, 2011 – Los Angeles Police Protective League President Paul M. Weber today issued the following statement following the Board of Parole Hearings’ recommendation against releasing murderer Gregory Powell on compassionate release grounds.
“We appreciate that the Board of Parole Hearings, having repeatedly found Powell not suitable for parole on his ‘life with the possibility of parole’ sentence, is once again recommending against his release and helping to ensure that he serves the full sentence for his heinous crime. We also salute all the members of Ian Campbell’s family, the public, and law enforcement officers and officials whose opposition provided the Board of Parole with ample reason to deny this murderer’s request.”
A summary of Gregory Powell’s horrific crime can be read here.
Powell was originally sentenced to death, but that sentence was reduced to life in prison with the possibility of parole when the courts struck down California’s death penalty in 1972. LAPD officers have not forgotten this horrific crime and we are thankful that the parole board did not overlook the details and cold-blooded nature of this killing of an LAPD officer.
In this new era of reduced prison sentences and the state’s realignment plan that will result in as many as 52,000 felons being sent to county jails instead of state prisons, it is important that individuals sentenced to life with the possibility of parole stay in prison for the remainder of their lives, irrespective of infirmities or old age, unless they are granted parole. Gregory Powell’s life sentence is not a sentence of ‘imprisonment until a terminal illness develops.’ The purpose of a life sentence is defeated if, near the end of their lives, cold-blooded murderers like Powell are released so they can spend their last days in comfort.
“While Officer Ian Campbell can never be brought back, nor the damage and heartache caused by Gregory Powell be undone, justice was upheld through the recommendation against granting his request for compassionate release and ensuring he draws his last breath while confined behind prison bars.”
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.
