Plan to Post Officers’ Photos on Web Assailed

Citing safety concerns, police union officials Tuesday protested the LAPD’s plan to put photographs of some officers on a computer World Wide Web site.

Attorney Hank Hernandez, who represents the Los Angeles Police Protective League said some officers have told him they do not want their pictures posted on the Web site.

“It doesn’t take much for a psycho to get [an officer’s] photo, and his name and get additional information,” Hernandez told the Los Angeles Police Commission.

He said the information could be used against officers, noting that he saw one computer site that encouraged people to kill police officers, particularly those from the LAPD.

Department officials, however, are adamant that the photos be included. Cmdr. Dave Kalish said the officers who are supposed to be put on the Web site are community liaison officers and, as such, have accepted more high-profile positions within the agency.

He added that the community liaison officers who don’t want their photographs on the Web sites can elect not to serve in that position, which pays a 5% bonus.

Police commissioners and their attorney said they would look into the issue.