Statement Regarding Police Commission Decision in the Manuel Jamines Case
Contact: Eric Rose (805) 624-0572
or Paul Haney (626) 755-4759
in the Manuel Jamines Case
LOS ANGELES, March 15, 2011 – In response to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners’ ruling on whether an LAPD officer’s shooting and killing of a man who ignored repeated police orders to drop a knife was within Department policy, Paul M. Weber, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), issued the following statement:
As we have said repeatedly, when individuals threaten police officers with a deadly weapon, they alone are responsible for the consequences of their actions. If you don’t want to get shot by a police officer, don’t try to stab one with a knife.
We commend Chief Beck and the Commission for looking at the facts in this incident and standing behind the officers who protected the community from an intoxicated, knife-wielding man. The Chief has said that the officers had only about 40 seconds to take decisive action in the quick-moving emergency situation. This case was textbook police work by the three officers who share 20 years of experience on the force.
While we recognize that some self-appointed community activists are disappointed with the Commission’s decision, we also believe it is unfortunate that our society has come to a place where some people believe that a lawful command from an officer can be ignored. Oftentimes, the failure to obey officers’ orders sets into motion a regrettable sequence of events, as in this case. When armed individuals disobey police orders to halt the threatening behavior, these individuals are posing a threat to the safety of officers and the public; and they are subjecting themselves to the consequences of their actions, which may include being shot.
About the LAPPL: Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com.
