This is what the title reads of a flier that was passed on to me. The Los Angeles Police Commission is holding a series of forums for Angelin@s to give their two cents on what the qualities they want to see in their new police chief. I was stunned that meetings like these actually take place. Is it the first time the police commission does this? I've been deprived of democracy in many aspects of life that when I see things like these it reminds me that minces of it are scattered around, you just have to find it. Though I know much of the history of the department (e.g. the violence, corruption, racism) through film portrayals, archived pictures, and first-hand accounts, an event such as this one calls for my attention. Perhaps because I'm an optimist, because despite the fact that capital predetermines all types of social order--hence the founding of the LAPD after the Gold Rush--here is a chance to voice my opinion on what I want and don't want to see in the police chief that governs my city. I say this because oftentimes I am one to whine about how bad things are but never do anything about it. And maybe these forums are just a facade because in the end THEY will elect who THEY think is better suited for a job in one of the most diverse cities in the world. And maybe our voices in these forums will be too low because there's only a handful of us in attendance. But the accountability that this meeting brings forth is key. I mean this in terms of having the right to make demands when what was promised is not even close to being met. So in case you are interested in attending, here are the dates, times, and places for the last two forums:
September 9, 2009 6:30
Felicia Mahood Senior Center
11338 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
September 10, 2009 6:30
18255 Victory Boulevard
Reseda, CA 91335
*All meetings will be attended by two Police Commissioners and will be facilitated by Police Commission Executive Director Richard Tefank.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment