LAPPL Blog: The official blog of the Los Angeles Policy Protective League
Understanding the hidden danger of stress in police work
By John R. Mumma on 07/08/2009 @ 11:02 PM
All of us in law enforcement understand why police work is inherently stressful. The constant risk of confrontations with suspects and other types of high-pressure incidents is something we – and, by extension, our family members – find stressful on a daily basis.
Many studies over the years have shown an unmistakable correlation between stress and a variety of physical illnesses, and now comes a new study providing fresh evidence of how police work puts our health at risk [“Police Work Undermines Cardiovascular Health, Comparison To General Population Shows,” June issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630132017.htm].
Research by Dr. John Violanti and his colleagues at the University of Buffalo show that the stress of police work may undermine officers' cardiovascular health. (This does not come as much of a surprise, as we have had a number of members hospitalized recently for heart attacks and other stress issues.) Results showed that police work was associated with increased subclinical cardiovascular disease –there was more plaque build-up in the carotid artery – compared to the general population, a finding could not be explained by conventional heart disease risk factors.
The research will continue to provide a greater understanding of how the working conditions of police officers puts us at risk in ways we don’t yet fully appreciate. From that understanding we may learn better how to lessen stress and in so doing, reduce our exposure to work-related illnesses. For example, exercise and time away from work are vitally important to lowering stress levels.
I urge you all to take care of your physical and mental health. After all, what good is that pension if you aren’t here to collect it?
Please share your thoughts and join the discussion on this important issue.
Mayor lays out goals in second inaugural speech
By LAPPL Board of Directors on 07/08/2009 @ 10:41 PM
In his second inaugural speech last week, Mayor Villaraigosa outlined his five goals for Los Angeles:
- Job creation;
- Put L.A. on a path to permanently break our dependence on coal;
- Build a sustainable future;
- Keep L.A. on track as one of the safest big cities in America; and
- Shut down failing schools and reconstitute them.
Here is the portion of the mayor's remarks devoted to Item No. 4:
Our fourth goal for the next four years is to keep L.A. on track as one of the safest big cities in America. As I've said many times before, public safety is the first obligation of government.
It's the foundation for everything we are trying to build, the context for economic growth, the setting for good jobs and a brighter future, the building blocks of a strong, thriving community.
Today, crime is down across the board in virtually every neighborhood.
It's important to remember that our security begins with our men and women in uniform. They confront danger every day so that we don't have to. They stand today on every corner in every community in our city in historic numbers approaching 10,000 strong.
Their sacrifice is the bedrock of our safety. Their service is the cornerstone of our security. Their commitment and courage are the foundation for our prosperity. And in the next four years, I will fight day and night to keep all 10,000 officers on the job. Keep our police force at its highest level in history!
Today, we are blessed to have some of the bravest Angelenos with us. They're ordinary men and women committed to an extraordinary task. As officers and firefighters, they live at the front lines of tragedy. They face danger daily with equal measures of courage and humility. They are the LAPD Medal of Valor winners and the firefighters who took charge in the Metrolink disaster and in the fires of last autumn. I couldn't be prouder to recognize these outstanding public servants!
Our commitment to these heroes will remain steady and unwavering. But in the long term, we know that law enforcement alone can't get the job done. We know investment in policing must be matched by our investment in the next generation. And in the next four years, we are going to get even tougher on the root causes of crime.
We are pleased the Mayor recognizes that our city's security begins with men and women of the LAPD. We agree with his summation that Los Angeles "can be safer and stronger than ever." That is why we accept his challenge to "roll up your sleeves with me, Los Angeles!" You can watch the mayor's speech by clicking here. It is recommended viewing for all LAPPL members.
Pending state budget bill calls for over $808 million in public safety cuts
By Paul M. Weber on 07/06/2009 @ 01:28 PM
One of the bills pending in Sacramento to address the state’s $24 billion budget deficit begs close attention by those of us in law enforcement and public safety. ABX3 10, which would reduce the amount of general fund money directed towards public safety by $808.6 million, was passed by the state senate last week and is pending in the assembly as lawmakers return to Sacramento today. The reductions would occur in three major areas of state-run agencies as follows:
Proposed reductions for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Prison/parole reforms: $110.9 million. Allows certain inmates (such as the elderly or those with medical conditions) who have 12 months or less remaining on their sentences, to serve their remaining time under house arrest, with GPS monitoring.
- Early release: $182.1 million. Includes release of undocumented workers into federal custody and early release of inmates categorized as low risk.
- Sentencing changes: $99.9 million. Makes misdemeanor/felonies or “wobblers” straight misdemeanors and adjusts property crime thresholds.
- Programmatic reductions and associated operational savings/reductions: $322.6 million. Reduces some rehabilitative services, eliminates most infrastructure repairs and calls for administrative changes.
Proposed reductions for the California Department of Justice
- Reduces the DOJ’s Bureau of Narcotics enforcement by $20 million.
- Charges local law enforcement agencies fees for the use of DOJ forensic laboratories, with a total cost to local law enforcement of $20 million.
Proposed reductions for the California judiciary
- Closes the courts for one day per month, shifts funds to other programs, increases court fees and provides “cost controls” for trial court security: $168 million.
These changes at the state level will have real consequences for local law enforcement agencies, serving as a reminder of how state and local government budgets are intertwined – and why what happens at the state capitol often impacts us as deeply as what happens at city hall.
4th of July Holiday
By Kristi Sandoval on 07/04/2009 @ 08:41 AM
As our nation prepares to celebrate our 233rd Independence Day, we pause to reflect on the origin of the holiday, and the liberty that it symbolizes.
It is also a time to express our gratitude to the generations of courageous Americans who have defended us at home and abroad, and who continue to serve our country in law enforcement, public safety and the military.
The 4th is one way we celebrate appreciation for country, community and those that serve to protect our freedom. Take a moment to read a terrific article about the celebration of the birth of our nation and police officers who sacrifice so much everyday to protect and serve our country. Click here to read the story: http://www.policeone.com/patrol-issues/articles/1851847-On-July-4th-a-wake-up-call-for-American-cops/
On behalf of the Officers and Directors of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, I wish you a Happy Fourth of July. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to serving our City, protecting its residents and doing your part to preserve our country’s freedom.
League weighs in on results of May Day Board of Rights
By Paul M. Weber on 07/03/2009 @ 05:41 PM
The LAPPL is relieved at the outcome of the recent Board of Rights hearings, and that no officers will be unjustly fired for their actions at the May Day 2007 MacArthur Park gathering.
In the wake of the May Day events, we immediately said there should be no rush to judgment and urged the media and public to allow the Department to fully investigate what happened that day. Now, the Board of Rights hearings have proven again why this approach is vital when evaluating and reporting on police responses to controversial situations. Removed from the political and media spotlight, these boards (which always include a civilian member) can objectively review the facts and render opinions of officers’ actions based on actual Department policy and the orders given by commanding officers.
The League went on record soon after the incident pointing out the lack of continuous and updated training that partially contributed to the situation, and indeed, the Department’s 2007 May Day report *, presented to the Police Commission, acknowledged that the events that transpired were primarily a result of breakdowns in command structure, planning and communications, as well as training deficiencies. We have consistently said that training is the backbone of good police work – ensuring that officers know not only what to do, but can properly implement the Department’s policies, procedures and expectations in any situation.
As a result of the 2007 report, revealing the Department's disastrous cost-based decision to abandon introductory training for new Metropolitan Division officers and to not train all officers for large tactical missions, the Department reinstated training as a fundamental priority.
We would like to point out that that there were many positive actions by officers on that day, which will probably be lost in the media’s focus on the outcome of a few personnel hearings. The Department itself has acknowledged the many examples of professionalism and restraint exhibited by LAPD officers on May 1, 2007, and we wish to commend those officers for a job well done.
* Read League Press Release from September 16, 2008 regarding Department's May Day report.
Empty prisons in Michigan, empty coffers in Sacramento
By Paul M. Weber on 06/30/2009 @ 02:07 PM
Gov. Schwarzenegger got an interesting offer Monday from Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. But the California budget crisis may stand in the way of accepting it.
Granholm formally offered space in empty Michigan prisons to house some of the inmates California is running out of room for, according to an AP story. Michigan plans to close two prisons by the end of September. If California accepts the offer, it would save the jobs of about half of the 1,000 prison guards Michigan plans to lay off by Oct. 1.
Unfortunately, there’s no sign of a deal to close California’s $24.3 billion deficit. The state controller says he will have to start issuing IOUs unless lawmakers balance the budget by the end of the fiscal year on Tuesday. The state's deficit is roughly a quarter of the state's general fund and has been widening this year as tax revenue has plunged. Some $3 billion worth of IOUs will be issued in July unless a compromise on closing the deficit is reached quickly.
Will Michigan accept IOUs from California to house prisoners from the Golden State in lieu of setting a number of them free? Stay tuned…
The Michael Jackson connection
By Kristi Sandoval on 06/27/2009 @ 12:47 AM
From the moment the 9-1-1 call came in at 12:21 p.m. on Thursday, LAPD officers have been front and center in the breaking news story of Michael Jackson’s death. LAPD officers have received continuous and worldwide positive attention in their response and on-going handling of the event. Nobody has more experience handling high-profile deaths of this nature than LAPD officers. The expertise and professionalism displayed by the officers to the world further enhances the prestige of LAPD as a world-class law enforcement agency.
From the Homby Hills mansion to Jackson’s star on Hollywood Boulevard, LAPD officers have been seen handling the investigation and crowd control in close cooperation with the LAFD, L.A. County Sheriffs and other agencies. A great team effort, albeit a tragic situation for the Jackson family and fans.
Four more years!
By LAPPL Board of Directors on 06/26/2009 @ 12:40 PM
We don’t always see eye-to-eye with the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board, but this week we wholeheartedly agree with a Times Editorial applauding Mayor Villaraigosa’s decision to stick with Los Angeles and forego a run for governor.
The League understands the decision not to run for governor and to focus on the issues facing Los Angeles. Since he was elected in 2005, Mayor Villaraigosa has always put Los Angeles first. Even in tough economic times, the Mayor has made public safety his No. 1 priority. As a result, crime is at its lowest level in decades and the public understands that lowering the crime rate is a prerequisite for economic recovery in our city.
We look forward to working with the Department and the entire city government over the next four years. And it is reassuring to know that Mayor Villaraigosa will be in L.A., focused on the critical issues our city faces.
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