Black Officers Seek Probe of LAPD After Alleged Threat

After a black Los Angeles police officer found a threatening chalk drawing outside his locker, a group of black officers Monday called for an investigation of possible civil rights violations inside the department, including alleged harassment of officers who speak out against police abuses.

The 30-member African American Peace Officer Assn. called for the Los Angeles Police Commission, City Council, Dist. Atty. Ira Reiner and FBI to investigate the department. The group’s request was sparked by the disclosure that Officer Garland Hardeman on Jan. 20 discovered a threatening chalk drawing in front of his locker at the department’s Southwest station. The drawing was similar to those drawn around bodies at crime scenes.

Hardeman, who is also a city councilman in Inglewood, regarded the figure--with two Xs in the head, apparently an indication of gunshots to the head--as a threat against his life.

“For some racists to threaten the life of a public official and a police officer is a serious matter,” the black officers’ association said in a statement. “And for this incident to have taken place within a police facility means that there are some individuals that should be found.”

Officials of the group could not be reached for further comment late Monday.

Hardeman, 35, said he has been the target of verbal abuse, mostly from white officers, because of his outspoken views about alleged abuses within the department. He said fellow officers told him to stop speaking with reporters last year after he appeared before the Christopher Commission, which was investigating the Police Department in the wake of the police beating of motorist Rodney G. King.

Lt. John Dunkin, a police spokesman, would not respond to the group’s contention that there are civil rights violations within the department. He said the chalk-drawing incident is under investigation by the department but that it is too early to characterize it as a threat against Hardeman’s life. He added that he did not know when the investigation, which is being conducted by Southwest Division officers, will be completed.

Officials of several public agencies mentioned in the group’s statement said they were unaware of any requests for an inquiry. Spokesmen for the FBI and district attorney said they might consider launching an investigation if asked to do so.