Don’t Condone, Don’t Prejudge

What is at issue when incidents of excessive use of force occur is the credibility of the police as an institution to objectively investigate such incidents and take appropriate action. Because the police in some quarters are viewed as a fraternity, their ability to meet this standard is viewed at times as suspect. This is particularly true with respect to African-Americans, given a history of uneasy relations with the police and the role that race has played in American life.

No one can condone what seemed to be the unnecessary use of force revealed by the videotape. What is important now, however, is how the department responds to that incident. We must not allow emotion to overshadow our judgment or deny due process for all involved. The LAPD is an efficient, well-run organization with good leadership. I am confident it will move with dispatch in conducting the investigation and take measures to protect the public interest and the department’s credibility.