Los Angeles police union advises officers to "go somewhere that respects the work you do"

Controversy arose in Los Angeles over a Facebook post by the vice president of the city's largest police union. Jerretta Sandoz, head of the Los Angeles Protective League, which represents about 9,000 uniformed officers below the rank of lieutenant, advised officers to leave for another city where they are better-valued.

The post, which was later removed from the platform, exposed the difficulties the union faces. The union aims to achieve a salary increase for officers as well as a series of improvements in working conditions. The relationship between the police and the Los Angeles government is tense. Leftist policies hinder police officers’ work, especially since the defund the police movement gained momentum.

According to a report, Sandoz charged against the Los Angeles City Council. She spoke specifically of city councilmembers who are hostile to the police and the ban on displaying the "thin blue line" flag in support of officers.

"Go somewhere that respects the work you do and where you don't have to beg for a big contract." wrote Sandoz, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. "Go somewhere that has a City Council or a city manager that openly recognizes the great work you do, go somewhere that doesn't have two or more city councilors who hate you (I'm not exaggerating)."

Sandoz's remarks stirred up controversy in Los Angeles over repeated union warnings about police conditions and recent departures from the force. The LAPD is facing an officer shortage. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 1,000 officers left the Los Angeles Police Department.

Sandoz later added that her comments were directed at officers who had already left the force or were planning to do so.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass aims to grow the police force to 9,500. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Police Academy's graduation rate is too low to meet that goal.

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore points to a growing sense of accusation against police officers following episodes of street violence in response to the death of George Floyd. He also added that background testing of police academy applicants slows down and hinders the training process.