LAPD Cancels Training Trip... to Arizona

The Los Angeles Police Department has nixed a training trip to Arizona for four officers because of the city council's boycott of the state over its immigration law. The LAPD has decided to "respect the council's boycott" and not seek an exemption for the officers to attend the Airborne Law Enforcement Association Conference next month, says Police Chief Charlie Beck, who added that the training could be acquired through other means.

The union representing LAPD officers labeled the move a huge mistake. “When the department decided a few months ago to send these officers to this training, they obviously saw the value in it," the head of the Police Protective League told the Los Angeles Times, accusing officials of "placing political correctness above public safety"—which he says "shouldn’t be sacrificed just because Arizona’s become a political football." (More LAPD stories.)