Community Policing Lauded at LAPD Forum

Several of those who spoke Saturday at a Los Angeles Police Commission forum on the search for a new police chief emphasized their desire that the LAPD continue its emphasis on community-based policing.

“It’s important that we have a chief who’s interested in community-based policing,” said Valerie Noriega, who told the panel that her neighborhood’s work with police has brought down crime.

About 20 people attended the forum at Norwood Elementary School, where Raymond Fisher and Edith Perez represented the Police Commission. Fisher instructed participants to limit their remarks to issues they would like to see addressed in the chief selection process, and not to speak in favor of candidates for the job.

Some of those who attended complained that the meetings should have been held in more locations or otherwise made more accessible.

Scott Grace said that the commission should have scheduled a meeting in south Los Angeles, where he owns a business.

The forum was the fourth of six to be held by the commission. The remaining meetings will be at Marina del Rey Junior High School on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and at Franklin High School on June 16 at 6 p.m.