A Transformative Vision for the Los Angeles Police Department

• In Event: Police Organizations

Abstract

The LAPD may today be uniquely suited to adopt a new direction guided by democratic values, transparency, and productive police-community relations. The community is looking for new direction from its police, having been frustrated by warrior-oriented, racially discriminatory practices; rank-and-file officers also want strong leadership and clear direction in advancing public safety. Michael Goldberg and Howard Ryan contend that the LAPD’s transformation must begin with bold, visionary leadership. It also will require a critical assessment of the department’s data system, which suffers from all the limitations of “big data,” but could be reengineered along transparent lines to better serve the organization and the community. Goldberg is an LAPD lieutenant and 20-year officer, as well as MA student in sociology at Cal State LA. Ryan is a PhD student in sociology at West Virginia University and with a long background in labor and community organizing. Their proposal for change draws on insights from their respective backgrounds in police leadership and organizing.

Authors

• Michael Goldberg, Los Angeles Police Department

• Howard Ryan, West Virginia University