LAPD Firing Range Noise

Re “Firing Range Triggers Neighbors’ Complaints,” Nov. 22.

I would like to give an update on the situation and the steps the Los Angeles Police Department is taking to resolve the issue.

The firing range, located at the Edward M. Davis Emergency Vehicle Operations Center and Firearms / Tactics Training Facility in Granada Hills, has generated noise complaints from both the community and from the firearms instructors at the facility itself. After evaluating the problem, it was determined that the noise that impacts the community and the noise that impacts the firearms instructors results from two different acoustical problems.

Although the range has acoustical panels along the ceiling, the exhaust system that keeps the area clear of the smoke associated with gunfire also lifts the sound up over the canyon, affecting the Knollwood area. The smooth surfaces on the inside of the range create another problem for the instructors who are exposed to the sound of gunfire for longer durations.

To assess the situation, acoustical engineers, the city Personnel Department and LAPD Noise Abatement personnel took sound readings in the surrounding community and at the range. The acoustical engineers have made recommendations on modifications to the ranges and the LAPD Facilities Management Division has requested the Department of General Services to identify contractors to perform the modifications. Currently, the city’s Bureau of Engineering is working with General Services in the Request for Proposal process.

Because of the noise complaints coming from residents, the LAPD’s Training Group modified the shooting range hours at both the Granada Hills and the Elysian Park Police Academy ranges. Instead of opening at 6 a.m., both ranges open at 7 a.m. Any further modification in range schedules would increase overtime substantially as officers who work morning watch (10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.) could not qualify during their work schedule.

Additionally, further modification would have a negative effect on nighttime tactical training that is needed for officers who work non-daylight hours. I want to assure city residents that LAPD has taken immediate steps to limit and ultimately curtail the noise problems at its firing ranges.

BERNARD C. PARKS

Chief of Police