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August 16, 1999
Chief Bernard Parks
Los Angeles Police Department
150 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Chief Parks:
This letter is in response to your recent comments concerning the confiscation of "assault rifles" and "Saturday Night Specials."
I appreciate the candor and clarity of your proposal. Our opponents usually hide behind the obfuscation of slogans that call for "reasonable gun control". We have always believed that the real intent of legislation like Senator Polanco's SB 15, which would ban so called "unsafe handguns", is confiscation. As one of the leading advocates for SB 15, your comments do much to clarify Senator Polanco's intent.
Given the power of your office, I assume that your beliefs will be translated into policy for your department.
- Will you direct your officers to seize firearms that you find offensive?
- If any of your officers, including SWAT, Narcotics, etc. carry handguns that are covered by SB 15 - will you direct them to change firearms?
- Will you use the Department of Justices' Automated Firearms System to determine if police officer candidates own any of the offending firearms?
- Will you, through whatever means available to you, i.e. withholding promotions, etc. pressure your officers and their families to relinquish, or otherwise dispose of any "Saturday Night Special" or "assault weapon" they own?
Some of the above actions might seem extreme, but your zeal appears genuine. I will watch with interest as the depth and breadth of your commitment manifests itself.
Sincerely,
S.C. Helsley
California State Liaison
cc: Governor Gray Davis
Members, California State Legislature
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Police Protective League
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