Police Union Upset That Chief Will Forgo Monthly Meetings

Officials at the Los Angeles Police Protective League are miffed over what they call Police Chief Willie L. Williams’ decision not to meet them any longer over issues concerning rank-and-file officers.

League President Cliff Ruff said he received word this week from the office of Assistant Chief Ron Banks that Williams no longer would be available to meet with the league at regularly scheduled monthly meetings. From now on, Banks reportedly told league officials, he would take Williams’ place.

“It disturbs us, because the union is the elected voice of its membership,” he said, accusing Williams of reacting to recent criticisms of himself and his policies. “And for whatever reason, the chief wants to isolate himself from the very people the rank and file officers want to represent them.”

Police Cmdr. Tim McBride acknowledged that Banks had contacted the league about taking Williams’ place during meetings in the near future.

“I talked with the chief today and as far as I was told, he would only be absent for the next two meetings,” McBride said.

Since he took office, Williams has held monthly meetings with league officials to discuss issues such as officers’ pay and working conditions, but that practice was cut short two months ago, Ruff said.