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University of Southern California

L.A. Times: Najuma Smith on the LAPD Civilian Review Process

L.A. Times: Najuma Smith on the LAPD Civilian Review Process

L.A. Times: Najuma Smith on the LAPD Civilian Review Process

The Los Angeles Times interviewed CRCC’s Najuma Smith about her decision to volunteer for Los Angeles Police Department civilian review process. The Times investigation found that some reviewers have been chosen repeatedly while others, including Smith, are passed over.

She and other faith leaders, Smith said, want to serve on the review panels because they understand the devastating effects bad policing can have on Black and Brown neighborhoods.

“The community has to engage,” she said, because “we’re not heavily represented in this inside process, which actually can be a direct impact on police accountability.”

Read the full article in the Los Angeles Times here.

Rev. Najuma Smith is Assistant Director of Community and Public Engagement with the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture.