Statement Regarding Shooting of LAPD K-9 Officer

Contact: Eric Rose (805) 624-0572
or Paul Haney (626) 755-4759

Los Angeles, April 4, 2011 – In response to the news that an LAPD Officer was shot and critically wounded early this morning while responding to a domestic dispute, Los Angeles Police Protective League President Paul Weber issued the following statement this morning:

We appreciate everyone's prayers and concern at this time for Officer Steve Jenkins who was shot early this morning. He is in critical condition and his family members are with him. This unprovoked shooting is just another reminder that LAPD officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to ensure the safety and security of the Los Angeles residents. The attack on any police officer is simply unacceptable, but the shooting last night appears to be part of a national trend which shows an increase in attacks on police officers.

Statistics show what police work continues to be a very dangerous job. After a two-year decline in law enforcement fatalities, 2010 was one of the deadliest years on record for law enforcement in nearly two decades. A total of 162 officers died in the line of duty in 2010, up from 117 in 2009. So far in 2011, 52 have lost their lives, a 20 percent rise from the same time last year. Since the beginning of this year, 27 law enforcement officers around the country were killed either by firearms or felonious assaults. This is an increase of more than 13 % in fatalities over 2010, when 20 officers were killed by firearms or felonious assault at this same point in time.

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.