Letters: The post-reentry LAPD

Re “The wrong way on reentry,” Editorial, June 3

I disagree with The Times’ criticism of the Los Angeles Police Department’s “compliance checks” of post-release supervised persons (PSPs).

The L.A. County Probation Department has not been allocated sufficient resources to supervise the burgeoning PSP population and must work in partnership with local law enforcement in monitoring these individuals. Some 35% of these people released in the county claim an address in the city of Los Angeles. To state the LAPD has “no formal role in compliance checks” misunderstands the plan crafted by the county’s criminal justice system for dealing with these individuals.

The LAPD fully supports programs aimed at increasing the odds of success for ex-offenders who strive to turn their lives around. However, I have dedicated precious police resources without the necessary funding to assist with the monitoring efforts, recognizing the importance of identifying those who will not successfully re-integrate into society.

We continue to adjust our protocols to ensure the best use of our resources while working with the Probation Department and service providers to ensure success. The LAPD will continue to conduct compliance checks on PSPs, including those in treatment facilities, as part of our efforts to ensure public safety.

Charlie Beck

Los Angeles

The writer is chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

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