Gates’ Call for Volunteers Didn’t Violate Court Order
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled Monday that a call by Police Chief Daryl F. Gates for volunteers to work Halloween night in Hollywood did not violate her standing court order prohibiting him from forcing changes in officers’ shifts.
Judge Dzintra Janavs denied a request by the Police Protective League that she cite Gates for contempt of court.
Representatives of the league, the police officers’ union, argued that Gates had violated the order Oct. 19 when he made videotaped comments that he would dispatch officers to Hollywood tonight to prevent a repeat of last year’s major disturbance when some of the 100,000 people celebrating on and near Hollywood Boulevard began looting, breaking windows and robbing bystanders.
“There is no evidence that someone is being ordered to work against their wishes” on Halloween, Janavs said.
Her ruling allows Gates to proceed with plans to add hundreds of extra officers to the streets of Hollywood tonight.
Police officials said Monday that no officer will be forced to work a shift against his or her will.
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