By David Mendez-Yapkowitz Santa Monica
There are a number of issues the incoming police chief must deal with, but I think the No. 1 issue that the new chief needs to focus on is community/police relations. It is no secret that the residents of the Pico neighborhood and black and Latino youth in Santa Monica are treated much differently than everyone else. I myself have been a victim of racial profiling by Santa Monica police and so has my 13-year-old brother. The current attitude by the SMPD towards people of color can result in nothing more than increased hostility and mistrust of law enforcement. In response to the anonymous callers in the weekend edition (SMDP, June 3-4, page 4) who suggested more officers be deployed on the street, I invite you to switch places with me for a day. Then tell me if you still want two or threes times the current number officers out patrolling the streets.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 8, 2006. Read the original PDF.