As protests erupted in Los Angeles in late May 2020 over the police killing of George Floyd, the LAPD faced an unexpected challenge. After a week of demonstrations, officers had used up so many rubber crowd control projectiles that their supply was running low. In a rush to replenish their stockpile, the department sent two reserve officers on a private plane to Casper, Wyo., to pick up 2,000 more rounds from an arms wholesaler called Safariland. The use of these projectiles came under fire as reports emerged of indiscriminate firing into crowds, resulting in numerous injuries, especially to the face and torso.
Critics slammed the LAPD’s response to the protests, citing poor planning, inadequate training, and a failure to learn from past mistakes. The cost of police actions related to the George Floyd protests amounted to $11.9 million in settlements and jury awards, with numerous pending lawsuits potentially adding tens of millions more to the liability exposure. Despite initial calls for police reform following Floyd’s death, public opinion has shifted back in favor of aggressive law enforcement, evidenced by recent legislation and the ousting of progressive prosecutors.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to cancel settlements aimed at overhauling police departments in Louisville, Ky., and Minneapolis signaled a shift away from national efforts to address racism and police brutality. While the LAPD did not undergo sweeping changes, the department has seen a decrease in low-level arrests and traffic stops, as well as a reduction in staff numbers. City officials approved a spending plan that cuts police recruitment funding to avoid layoffs, signaling a shift in priorities. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged changes in policing post-Floyd’s death, primarily noting a decline in hiring and morale within the force. Despite efforts to explore alternative responses to calls involving substance abuse, homelessness, and mental illness, some reform initiatives have stalled, highlighting ongoing challenges in reshaping law enforcement practices.
