Park Rangers as "peace officers"

In spite of the on-the-record pledge of the LA City Council on December 15, 2005 to keep current and future RAP Park Rangers as "peace officers", specific powerful special interest groups and a City office is pushing to have the authority of current and future Rec and Parks Park Rangers reduced to "public officer".

PEACE Officer has the ability to cite and enforce laws and regulations and is protected from personal liability through their training and certification.

PUBLIC Officer has no protection from personal liability. In a situation where enforcement of a park law or statute is necessary, a public officer would be personally liable for any enforcement action they might take during the performance of their duties.

Historically, the Park Rangers were public officers until the mid-1980s. The unit was changed to peace officers at that time because it became clear that conditions in Los Angeles parks warranted it and would always continue to warrant it.

Ask yourself: would you risk assuming personal liability and personally-directed lawsuits for a job?

This is what Park Rangers will be asked to do if this change of status is allowed.

For the safety of all parks users, please contact the Rec and Parks commissioners and general manager, the mayor, and your councilmember and ask that all Park Rangers - present and future - be full peace officers.

Thank you,
Kristin Sabo