On Thursday, August 21st the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, along with the National Lawyers Guild, Restore the Fourth, Islamic Shura Council, and other groups and community members officially launched the Drone-Free LAPD/ No Drones, LA! campaign to stop the LAPD from using their recently acquired drones. Over 40 participants with over 20 media outlets, attended the launch which included a press conference, theatre, and a march to the Mayor’s office. The community was energized and focused, sending a clear message to the Mayor, City Hall and the LAPD Police Commission – “Angelenos reject the use of drones by the LAPD and expect the Mayor to listen and to heed to the communities’ demand.”
On August 12th the Drone-Free LAPD/No Drones, LA! Campaign sent a letter to Mayor Eric Garcetti detailing various concerns regarding the LAPD’s acquisition and proposed usage of drones. This letter requested an urgent meeting with the Mayor, however the Mayor’s office stated he was too busy and could not meet with community for at least a month. With the intention to deliver a packet of information and to schedule a meeting with the Mayor, community members marched to his office after the press conference. The LAPD, however, closed the entrance into City Hall refusing access to community members and other unaffiliated persons seeking to do business at a public facility. A representative from the Mayor’s office eventually came down to address our concerns. We were told that our issues would be taken to the Mayor with a follow up in regards to a request for a meeting but also with an explanation as to why police officers made an indiscriminate decision to close a public building when no safety concern was present.
To date we have not confirmed a meeting with the Mayor’s office.
Stay tuned!
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In the Media: Check out the various articles and media coverage this event generated below.
Drone Activists warn of “Mission Creep” at Downtown Rally. Read More….
Anti-Spying Coalition Launches campaign against LAPD Drones. Read More…
Drone-Free LAPD? Read More…
Protesters Rally at City Hall against LAPD Drones. Read More…
Drone-Free LAPD Demanded by activists. Read More…
LAPD Thinks it’s at War and Now it Has Drones. Read More…
‘Drone-Free LAPD!’ LA residents protest police spy drones. Read More…
Backlash against Police Militarization. Read More…
Group Against Drones. Read More…