Brattons LAPD and Skid Rows Safer Cities Initiative

In 2006, Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa launched the Safer Cities Initiative (SCI) in Skid Row. Skid Row subsequently became home to largest concentration of standing police forces in the country. These police forces were led by then LA Police Commissioner, William Bratton. Within a year of the start of this initiative, LAPD made 19,000 arrests and issued 24,000 citations; when the population of Skid Row was approximately 12,000 - 15,000 people. This led to residents of Skid Row becoming victims of over vigilant policing and police misconduct. It is important to note that 60% of those living on Skid Row, and thus most affected by SCI, are African-American. Safer Communities Initiative 2006 in Numbers Citations 55.7% of residents of Skid Row report receiving a citation in 2006. 71.7% of citations received were for jay-walking. The rest of the citations received were for minor infractions such as drinking in public, public intoxication or sleeping on the sidewalk. 81% of those who received a citation report having their background checked. 75.2% of those who received a citation report being searched. 66.7% of those who received a citation report being handcuffed. 47.6% of those who received a citation report being physically or verbally abused by the police officer Stops and Detainments Without a Citation or Arrest 67.2% of Skid Row residents report being stopped or detained without receiving a citation nor being arrested. 60.3% report being handcuffed during these stops. 74.6% report being searched during these stops. 75.4% report having their background checked. 76.4% report being asked whether they were on probation or parole.

NEW YORKERS AGAINST BILL BRATTON

*Information provided by Los Angeles Community Action Network