1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

LAPD’s escalation and violence against peaceful protesters in LA these past several days serve as a stark reminder that our local and state police using excessive force is all too common. There is no reason for LAPD to be using tear gas, mace, batons, “less than lethal” bullets, or physical violence against protesters. Police departments across the state are highly militarized and too often needlessly violent when their role should be to protect their communities and keep their neighbors safe. As state officials, you should be demanding accountability for police violence against protesters and working to eliminate police brutality across the state.