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LAPD Chief Michel Moore says he’s “100%” behind a proposal before the city council to stop using police in non-violent situations when no crime is being committed.
It’s an about face for Moore, who confronts a new political reality in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.
Several councilmembers want to redirect non-violent calls for service away from the police to agencies that can provide mental health workers, drug counselors, or homeless outreach specialists.
Speaking on our newsroom's public affairs show AirTalk on KPCC, Moore said the motion presents “a great opportunity,” adding:
“That would free officers up and allow officers just to stay focused on police work of major importance ... and also allow officers to really spend more time in the communities in which we're trying to get ... communities to know and trust us.”
He warned that it could take some time to pull off such a transition.
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