Plan to Arm City Park Rangers Gains Support

A proposal to arm Los Angeles city park rangers with handguns moved a step forward Monday when two of the three members of a City Council committee said they are leaning toward endorsing it.

Council members Laura Chick and Mike Feuer chided Los Angeles Police Department officials for failing to more seriously deal with the safety concerns of rangers, who say they increasingly are encountering armed thugs and gunplay at public recreation areas.

The rangers have mounted an aggressive campaign to be allowed to carry firearms, but police officials oppose extending that authority to yet another group of city employees.

Rangers have complained that they have been blocked from participating in discussions with police; Chick urged police officials to cooperate with rangers and other city departments to work out a solution.

Councilman Nate Holden, the third member of the council safety committee, said he opposes arming rangers because it could heighten danger to the rangers and park users and increase liabilities to the city.