In a significant move toward reimagining public safety, the Los Angeles City Council voted on June 13, 2024, to commission a study exploring the removal of armed police officers from traffic enforcement duties. The decision comes after years of advocacy from community groups pushing for less punitive and more equitable traffic safety measures.
The initiative aims to address persistent issues of traffic violence and racial disparities in traffic stops. According to the Los Angeles Times, the council’s decision aligns with recommendations from a draft report by the city’s transportation department, suggesting that unarmed civilian personnel handle most traffic enforcement tasks. This proposal is part of broader efforts to implement "self-enforcing infrastructure" like narrower streets, dedicated bike lanes, and better-marked pedestrian crosswalks to naturally slow traffic and reduce accidents.
🚨SHOCK VIDEO
Thugs drive through LA with a woman clinging to the hood of their car
They stole her French bulldog, rammed her & drove around with her on the hood
Weak, Woke, Democrat policies birth these terrorists
“Defund the Police!” isn’t going well:pic.twitter.com/XqtyIxgxL1
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) January 28, 2024
Supporters of the initiative argue that this shift could reduce the potential for violent encounters between police and civilians, particularly in low-income and minority communities. Critics of current traffic enforcement practices point out that pretextual stops—where officers pull over vehicles for minor infractions to search for more serious crimes—have not effectively improved safety and have disproportionately targeted black drivers.
The proposed changes are inspired by similar reforms in cities like Berkeley and Philadelphia, where civilian-led traffic enforcement has shown promise. However, the transition in Los Angeles faces challenges, including potential legal and logistical hurdles. The study will assess the feasibility of these reforms and gather community input to ensure that any new enforcement model addresses the concerns of those most affected by traffic violence and over-policing.
🔥 The lawless and dangerous “sideshows” happening every night in SF and LA streets are getting worse as those who participate them become emboldened with lack of police involvement. I joined @tracegallagher on @foxnewsnight to discuss my views.
It’s embarrassing & emblematic… https://t.co/Xdjoh9BthA pic.twitter.com/yLlgUD30zz
— Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD (@houmanhemmati) June 12, 2024
Traffic fatalities in Los Angeles have been on the rise, with 312 people killed in traffic collisions in 2022—a 5% increase from the previous year. Pedestrian deaths have also surged, highlighting the urgent need for effective safety measures. The council’s decision to explore alternatives to police-led enforcement is seen as a crucial step toward reducing these numbers and improving road safety for all residents.
This move is part of a broader trend in Los Angeles to rethink public safety and resource allocation. By potentially reallocating police funding to other community safety initiatives, the city aims to create a more holistic approach to public safety that addresses underlying issues without relying on armed intervention.
The outcome of this study could pave the way for significant changes in how traffic laws are enforced in Los Angeles, potentially serving as a model for other cities looking to reduce police involvement in routine traffic stops and enhance community safety through innovative infrastructure and policy solutions.
