Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore, center, arrives for a news conference outside the Los Angeles Police Headquarters in Los Angeles Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. Authorities in Los Angeles on Thursday announced arrests in recent smash-and-grab thefts at stores, part of a rash of organized retail crime in California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
“My message to anyone thinking about coming to Los Angeles, especially during the holiday season, is don’t.”
— Jamie McBride, Director – Los Angeles Police Protective League
The head of the Los Angeles Police Department’s union issued a dire warning to visitors. In an interview Wednesday, Jamie McBride of the Police Protective League warned tourists against visiting the city amid a surge in violent crime. He emphasized they simply cannot “guarantee your safety” as things have gotten out of control.
“I’ve said it to people before, it’s like that movie “Purge,” explained McBride. “You know, instead of 24-hours to commit your, these bad people have 365 days to commit whatever they want.”
However, LAPD Chief Michael Moore disagrees, reassuring the public that the spike in crime is contained and being dealt with accordingly.
“It’s not out of control., it’s not a spiral that we’ve lost control over,” he insisted. “It is important that we not have a sense of acquiescing or just lackadaisical approach to this.”
Additionally, he admitted robberies rose roughly 5 percent compared to last year, but noted a general decline by 13 percent in 2019. Furthermore, the police chief emphasized almost all 14 criminals who were arrested after a recent smash-and-grab robbery have since been released due to California’s zero bail policy, which he stressed needs to be modified.
“Eleven were released on zero bail and we need the criminal justice system to look at those offenses and recognize how to keep the most dangerous individuals off the street,” said Moore.
He then insisted District Attorney George Gascon is committed to holding violent criminal offenders accountable. Ultimately, Moore went on to welcome tourists to Los Angeles while reassuring that safety is the number one priority.
Source: One America News Network
