(OPINION) The Los Angeles Police Department banned the Thin Blue Line flag because it now allegedly symbolizes “undemocratic, racist, and bigoted views” held by extremist groups.
The Thin Blue Line symbol is a pro-police emblem that is said to represent the thin line between order and lawlessness in society that is maintained by law enforcement who wear blue uniforms.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore sent an email to department personnel on Friday announcing that the department was banning the Thin Blue Line symbol. The LAPD has barred the Thin Blue Line symbol from being displayed in public areas of police property.
Moore defended the ban by saying the Thin Blue Line has been “hijacked” by “extremist” groups. He claimed that he received a community complaint this week about the presence of the Thin Blue Line flag in the lobby of the police station. The complaint alleged that the Thin Blue Line flag “symbolized support for violent extremist views, such as those represented by the Proud Boys and others.”
Moore told Fox News, “It’s unfortunate that extremist groups have hijacked the use of the ‘Thin Blue Line flag’ to symbolize their undemocratic, racist, and bigoted views.”
Moore said he viewed the Thin Blue Line flag as symbolizing “the honor, valor, dedication, and sacrifice of law enforcement to protect our communities.” However, the police chief said some people had undermined the flag with their “racist, bigoted and oppressive values.”
He declared, “I directed to have the item taken down from the public lobby. The U.S. flag should be proudly displayed in our lobbies whenever possible. Memorials for our fallen are also authorized in all public spaces.”
Moore said the police station should be “free of political ideology.” Moore said LAPD officers can display the Thin Blue Line flag in “their workspace, locker door, or personal vehicle.”
The board of directors for the Los Angeles Police Protective League, a union representing nearly 10,000 police officers, “vehemently” opposed the ban and accused Moore of “political pandering.” (SOURCE)
