An Apology to Pacoima
On May 23, Carlos Lozano, wrote a good article headlined, “Police Drunk-Driving War to Focus on Pacoima Bars.”
The article focused on the effort that the Los Angeles Police Department is making to work with the bar owners in Pacoima, the State Alcoholic Beverage Control authorities and, others to reduce traffic accidents involving drunk drivers in the community.
Regrettably, a supervisor assigned to Valley Traffic Division stated that Pacoima was the worst neighborhood in the city for alcohol-related crimes. However well-intentioned, it was a mistake to make such a comment. The Los Angeles Police Department does not compare Pacoima with other communities in the city. Our sole intent in holding the public meeting was to demonstrate to the community that it is the desire of the Police Department to work with the community and help solve problems.
I, therefore, wish to offer my apology to the citizens of Pacoima and hope that a quick return to the business of safer streets is possible.
RONALD A. FRANKLE, Deputy Chief
Commanding Officer, Operations-Valley Bureau
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
