NCJ Number
166426
Journal
Crime and Justice International Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: April 1997 Pages: 18-21
Date Published
April 1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The February, 27, 1997 shootout in which police officers from the Los Angeles Police Department intervened in a bank robbery and killed two suspects produced strong support from the public and local businesses.
Abstract
Police officers observed a bank robbery in progress, called for assistance, and set up a perimeter. The two suspects left the bank wearing body armor and ski masks and immediately started shooting with two assault rifles. The trained response of the police enabled them to maintain their positions and contain the suspects until the agency's Special Weapons and Tactics offices could deploy more powerful weapons. Eleven police officers and six citizens were wounded during the hour-long gun battle. Thousands of grateful citizens have expressed their gratitude. Local businesses offered meals, and members of the public sent gifts. Other law enforcement personnel praise the officers for their innovative problem solving skills, their response to training, and their bravery and teamwork. As a result of the events the assistant police chief has asked the Police Commission to approve a 2-year test plan for police officers to carry .45 caliber pistols in place of their standard 9 mm handguns and for some sergeants to have M-16 rifles in their patrol cars for use in similar emergencies. Photographs