LAPD's new Deputy Chief visited Chinatown to focus on Asian hate crimes
The Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department in charge of the Central Region, Al Labrada (second from left), accompanied by Asian liaison officer Danny Chao (second from right), visited Los Angeles Chinatown and met with Chester Chong, Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman (first from left) and CCBA Vice President Ernest Lee (first from right) to discuss various security issues in Chinatown.
The newly appointed Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles City Police Department, Alfred Labrada, was accompanied by Asian liaison officer Danny Chao to visit Los Angeles Chinatown and had lunch with Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Chester Chong and CCBA Vice President Ernest Lee to discuss various security issues in Chinatown. He also expressed concern about the Asian hate crimes and the safety of Asian community that are currently shocking the entire country.
Labrada learned about the recent security situation and focused on Asian hate crimes. Both sides discussed how to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation between the police and the civilians. Labrada said that Los Angeles Police Department plans to strengthen communication with Chinatown community and businesses in order to gain the community's trust in the police. It plans to increase Chinatown patrols and strengthen security.
Danny Chao, the community liaison officer of the Los Angeles Police Department, said that the police will assist Chinatown in organizing seminars to help people understand how to identify discriminatory action, how to report to the police by seeking immediate assistance to curb hate crimes and discrimination. He said that the Los Angeles Police Chief Michael Moore will hold an online forum on 4/14 for the Asia-Pacific community. All ethnic groups will be invited to discuss community security and safety protection.
Chester Chong mentioned to Labrada about the development of Chinatown in recent years as well as the security situation, problems and challenges. Labrada said that he was familiar with Chinatown and felt cordial. He recalled that he was immigrated to Los Angeles from Mexico when he was young, and that he got lost in the street and could not find his mother while shopping in Los Angeles Chinatown. That was one unforgettable experience. He thanked the Chinese for their contributions to all aspects of American society, and expressed the hope that he would communicate more with the Chinese community and act as a bridge between police and civilians.
Labrada was born in Mexico in 1970, then moved to El Monte with his mother and three sisters at the age of five. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Navy and participated in the Persian Gulf War. Later he transferred to the California Highway Patrol Department. He joined the Los Angeles Police Department in 1993 and mainly served the Northeast District. Later he moved to the Southeast District, where he worked as a patrol officer, trainer, and drug enforcement officer. Alfred Labrada was recently promoted to Deputy Chief in charge of the Central Region, which includes Chinatown.