The Los Angeles Police Department is stepping up its game in anticipation of possible first amendment demonstrations expected to sweep across the city. The department announced in coordination with the U.S. Secret Service, that they're bulking up their presence with additional uniformed personnel and resources to keep public safety on lock.
With tensions simmering and the potential for protests to edge over into disruption, the LAPD has put its foot down, saying, "Violence of any kind will not be tolerated." Their announcement, which dropped earlier in the week on their official Facebook page, signals a tightening of the reins for the city's law enforcers; they're not taking any risks with mismanagement or unnecessary chaos.
The LAPD is not just idling by; they are actively engaging with protest leaders to make sure that the right to peaceful assembly is upheld without infringing on the community's safety. According to the post by LAPD, this dialogue is a bid to ensure that "the Department will continue to work with any protest organizers to facilitate lawful demonstrations while protecting the safety of all involved, including surrounding communities."
However, in a stern warning to agitators, the department's message made it clear they're vigilant, stating, "The Los Angeles Police Department is asking that all individuals and groups involved in protest or counter-protest activities not allow individuals who express the intent to commit violence or property to compromise the otherwise lawful demonstration." With the city poised on the edge of its seat, eyes are on the streets to see how this balance between order and expression will pan out.
