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DRONE-FREE LAPD NO DRONES,LA!
December 7, 2015
Mayor Eric Garcetti
City of Los Angeles
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Re: Keep LAPD Drone-Free
Dear Mayor Eric Garcetti:
We the undersigned organizations write to express our deep concern about the acquisition of two Draganflyer X6 Drones by the Los Angeles Police Department and wholeheartedly support the Drone-Free LAPD/No Drones, LA! Campaign efforts against the use of Drones by LAPD. LAPD was “gifted” these two Drones by Seattle Police Department in 2014 after the Seattle Police Department and the city’s mayor were forced by the residents of Seattle to give up the Drones before they even took off. We request that you take immediate action and order the destruction of these drones or return them to the manufacturer.
People all over United States have expressed shock and anger over the rampant militarization of police and are demanding an end to the use of military style tactics and weaponry by law enforcement. The impact has been devastating on communities across the country. The use of drone technology further militarizes law enforcement and sends a chilling message to our communities. Drone surveillance equipment in the hands of LAPD will continue to unjustly profile the people of Los Angeles, create a culture of fear and suspicion, and invade our privacy.
We look to your leadership and support in prohibiting the use of Drone technology by the LAPD.
Thank You.
Black Lives Matter – Los Angeles (BLM-LA)
Café Intifada
Center for Media Justice (CMJ)
Community Education for Social Action (CESA)
Critical Resistance
Dignity and Power Now (DPN)
Global Women’s Strike – LA
Interfaith Communities United in Justice and Peace (ICUJP)
Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California (IDEPSCA)
If the SHU Fits Collaborative
Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN)
LA Labor Fest
LA No More Jails
National Lawyers Guild – Los Angeles (NLG-LA)
Stop LAPD Spying Coalition
Youth Justice Coalition (YJC)
Echo Park Neighborhood Council – Passed Resolution Opposing LAPD Drones on September 23, 2014
Highland Park Neighborhood Council – Passed Resolution Opposing LAPD Drones on November 6, 2014
Cc: Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners