OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA RELATIONS

News Statement

Contact: Ellen Morgan (213) 241-6766 Sept. 15, 2014
#14/15-051

SCHOOL POLICE CHIEF RE-EVALUATES MILITARY WEAPONS
Three Grenade-Launchers Will be Returned to Federal Government

Los Angeles School Police Chief Steve Zipperman, in consultation with Superintendent
John E. Deasy, is recommending returning some salvaged military weapons obtained
through a federal program.

The chief has decided:

The 40mm less-lethal weapons (referred to in the media as grenade launchers)
are not essential life-saving items within the scope, duties and mission of the Los
Angeles School Police Department. We at the Los Angeles School Police
Department (LASPD) would not utilize this weapon within a school environment.
These three weapons will be removed from our equipment inventory.

The firearms originally received in 2001 are essential life-saving items and the
LASPD will continue to have these items as part of our equipment inventory. The
rifles, modified from automatic to semi-automatic, are a part of a 40-hour certified
training program for sworn police officers.

The Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle is a life-saving piece of
equipment that would be utilized under extraordinary circumstances, with
approval from the Chief of School Police and Superintendent. While we
recognize, this armored vehicle is military-grade, it is nevertheless a life-saving
piece of equipment that the District would not otherwise have. We will continue to
keep it in our inventory as we evaluate our best options for ensuring we have the
most appropriate life-saving rescue vehicle in our current inventory.

Los Angeles School Police acquired the salvaged officer safety and other life-saving
equipment from the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) of the Federal
Government through the California Emergency Management Agency or 1033
program.

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Los Angeles Unified School District


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Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (213) 241-6766
FAX: (213) 241-8952
www.lausd.net

1200 N. Cornwell St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 342-0428