LA Times Blogs
4/18/08
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Police union vs. Bratton over Special Order 40

A proposal to change the LAPD's controversial policy dealing with undocumented immigrants picked up a powerful ally today, the Los Angeles Police Protective League. The union, which represents more than 9,000 LAPD officers, said it is backing a motion introduced last week by Los Angeles Councilman Dennis Zine that would require officers to check on the immigration status of gang members suspected of being undocumented immigrants -- even if they are not under arrest.

That motion would change LAPD's Special Order 40, which restricts officers' ability to inquire about a person's immigration status. Zine introduced the motion after the parents of slain high school football star Jamiel Shaw Jr., who was allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant, made an emotional plea before the council to amend Special Order 40. In a statement, league President Tim Sands said:

“Councilman Zine’s motion offers a common-sense approach that will give our officers a needed tool to remove dangerous gang members from the communities they are threatening. This motion will improve and enhance our officers’ ability to provide security in the neighborhoods where hard-working men and women, immigrants or native born, are trying to protect themselves and their families from gang violence.â€