PLATFORM : ‘Defiant Arrogance’
Chief Gates had said he would resign if the commission found him responsible. The commission found “astonishing” failures in management and leadership--and he is responsible.
As a sergeant, Gates should have learned what it means to be responsible for the performance of officers who possess awesome authority. The higher the rank, the greater the responsibility. He has failed as chief, causing great harm not only to his department but also to the entire police service.
Gates weakens the LAPD and unfairly burdens thousands of chiefs and officers across the country by remaining on the job. The perception of excessively powerful chiefs and brutal, racist officers is an injustice that Gates perpetuates by his defiant arrogance.
Every other chief in the United States is under effective civilian control. Only Los Angeles is unable to hold its chief accountable. Other departments have policies and systems that prevent patterns of brutality and racism. Why have they not been adopted in Los Angeles?
Society grants police officers awesome powers. It is essential they be held accountable for use of their authority.
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