Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone Shares Open Letter To Community Reflecting On Peaceful Protest At Pond

By Chief Dino Sgambellone
Los Alamos Police Department

I am writing to reflect on Saturday’s event (Peaceful protest at Ashley Pond) and the Police Department’s commitment to remain open-minded regarding next steps.

First, I’d like to recognize and thank the event organizer, Sruthi Garimella, who showed tremendous courage and leadership in inviting me for a question and answer session. 

To evidence our on-going commitment to transparency, I am including the current version of the Department’s Response to Resistance policy. (link)

Many of the questions I received were related to our policy, and I have already committed to adding specific language regarding choke holds and a duty to intervene. Further citizen input on this policy is both valued and appreciated. Any citizen wishing to provide feedback can email lapd@lacnm.us

It is my sincere hope that Saturday’s event represents an opportunity to move forward in a positive direction; effectively balancing community safety interests with civil liberties and social concerns. 

The Department’s Vision Statement is, “To Be Free From Crime and the Fear of Crime.” We recognize that when citizens do not feel safe, and in fact fear the Police, we have continued work to do within the community.

I look forward to that on-going dialogue.

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