Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
After Dallas, policing in the era of constant cameras
Los Angeles police recruits get ready for a graduation ceremony on Friday, July 8, 2016 outside the department's headquarters.
(
Frank Stoltze/KPCC
)
At Friday's LAPD graduation, rookie officers were reminded that they will be doing a highly public job.
Richard Tefank, executive director of the L.A. Police Commission, told the newly minted officers of Class 116 that their actions will shape the way people view the police department.
"The eyes of the world are on you," he said. "Every camera, every cell phone, you have to imagine is taking your picture and recording your actions as you do it. You should not have to have a camera or cell phone to make you do the right thing."
Tefank also reminded graduates not to let the killing of five officers in Dallas define how they provide service.
Support for LAist comes from
"It is important that you not forget that the way you treat people matters. The way you talk to people matters. And the actions that you take in dealing with people matters," Tefank said.
Later, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck echoed those sentiments when he told the graduating officers, "Treat everyone fairly. Recognize that you often will see people on the worst day of their lives... Have empathy. Try to look into people's hearts... Always, always give more than you take."
Beck, however, also acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement. In an era of frequent surveillance and increasing demands for systemic change, he said, "You join a profession today that is at a very difficult crossroads."
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist