LAPD Policy on Riot Gear Criticized

My agency has made similar decisions during events that had potential for violence. Any officer standing on a line during an active protest or march needs to be protected from projectiles and anything they can swing at the biocomputer. Pretty soon, an officer will be either seriously injured or killed and a city will be naming a city building or park after him or her....not worth it to keep from "inciting" a crowd that is looking to start a fight already.

Yet the same city requires goggles and leggings for Parks Dept employees to run a Weed eater. Don't want dust in your eyes but a 2x4 upside the head is ok. Sounds like an OSHA Issue for their Police Association.

I just wanted to let you know you made my day with your comment. That was absolutely hilarious I was honestly laughing out loud. Thanks. I will be laughing about that one for days.

God bless you, B.L.M., excellent observation. I worked LAPD for 30 years. I have heard that "We don't want you looking too intimidating" line before. One Hollywood night, they sent Bicycle Officers, with their short pants and nylon gear, into an unruly crowd...the result was predictable. We helmeted up and dispersed the crowd after they turned on the "less-intimidating" bike cops.

Sad to say, but Paysinger and Hara are now more politicians than cops and trying to 'play nice' to people who will not, 'play nice.' The only problem is, that Paysinger and Hara are not the ones on the front lines, facing the nasties, they're back safe and sound at the command post.

"Some argue that for those exercising free speech, the gear is intimidating and anxiety provoking..."

Yes. That is the desired effect. Like it or not, order is only maintained/restored through command presence and intimidation, and sometimes through the use of force. We have a public duty (to those law abiding citizens) to do just that - not to make friends or play games (with those who like to create disorder).

"Like it or not, order is only maintained/restored through command presence and intimidation"

If everyone attending is unruly and prone toward anti-social behavior, than yes.

However, most law-abiding citizens police themselves and maintain their own order. That's why police are generally not needed at, say, the supermarket or in shopping malls. Order is maintained without a police presence.

I've participated in peaceful marches and the like and have seen officers in "hats and bats." I don't feel intimidated in the least. I'm glad they're there and dressed like that because, if a fringe element decides to become unruly, then the police can maintain order and also protect the law-abiding citizens in attendance.

Not all free speech events are ticking bombs.

Hey LAPD Top Brass, how about when your cops roll up to a DV, they leave their gun in the car because they "probably won't need it" ??? Are you absolutely kidding me?! The LAPD was once a great department and a model for how other departments should be ran. Not anymore.

"LAPD Deputy Chief Terry Hara was incident commander for the protest and said he did not forbid officers from wearing headgear. Rather, he said he told them that he didn't see a need for them to start the protests with the gear on but that they should have it close at hand if the situation should escalate.

Hara said some of the officers interpreted his recommendation as meaning that they couldn't wear their helmets."

I love this part. I don't know about anyone else but when my DC makes a "recommendation" i treat it as a direct order.

And in regards to DC Hara's advice to keep everything nearby, in case it's needed. Just where were the officers supposed to keep it? At the CP? Where their cars were staged?

The moment the fecal matter starts flying, too late! Officers are usually not able to go back and get their helmets. The fight is already on and back-up is needed.

Paysinger: "common sense and humanity." Like the humanity shown to the officer hit in the head..Paysinger and the politically correct, I-me buffoon, Bratton need to get their heads out of the liberal's butt and think officer safety first and politics second.