Black Leaders Appeal to Public to Help Stop Attacks on Officers

Two dozen African American ministers and activists Friday appealed to the public to help stop attacks on police officers in Los Angeles and identify the culprits.

The black leaders flanked Police Chief William J. Bratton, who called the unusual demonstration of community solidarity with law enforcement a “watershed” moment.

“As members of the faith community, we have too long been aware of and remained silent about the level of violence against law enforcement authorities in our communities,” said Bishop Charles E. Blake of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, where the news conference was held.

“These hostilities rose to a new level in the year 2003, with 40 instances in which LAPD officers ... were victimized by criminals who used guns,” he said. “We denounce these instances of attacks against police officers, and we denounce those individuals responsible for them.”

The call to action came as shootings targeting Los Angeles Police Department officers jumped 21% in one year. In 2002, there were 33 such incidents, while in 2003 there were 40. A total of 84 officers were shot at and two officers were wounded.

Of those shooting incidents, 14 were in South Los Angeles, including 10 in the LAPD’s Southeast Division, home to the city’s largest housing projects.

“Uniformed officers in black-and-whites are being routinely shot at, putting their lives in risk,” Bratton said. “If they’re shooting at us, it only compounds the problems for our residents and citizens.”

Religious leaders said Bratton’s version of community policing, designed to bring officers closer to the residents they protect, has created a new harmony.

“This department is being transformed into one which is a partner with this community, not an adversary,” said Urban League President John Mack, who endorsed the call to action.

Bratton acknowledged a traditional hostility to LAPD policing methods in the central city. He said Los Angeles “has had a phenomenal history of lack of trust in its police force, particularly in the African American community.”

Participants called for greater investment in South Los Angeles, saying economic revival is the best way to fight crime.

Bratton said that just 3% to 5% of the city’s 50,000 gang members were responsible for violent acts.

“People in the neighborhood have to stand up,” said Ronald “Kartoon” Antwine, 44, a self-described original member of the Bounty Hunters gang. “You have to stand up and check your neighborhood.”

Blake said the community can no longer remain silent in the face of violence. “We must not allow fear, threats or intimidation to prevent the identification, location and incarceration of those who commit crimes,” he said.