P. Lamont Ewell
City Manager
City of Culver City
9770 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Dear Mr. Ewell,
The Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Assn. (LACPCA) is comprised of the Police Chiefs of the 45 independent police agencies operating within Los Angeles County.
The purpose of the LACPCA is to promote and advance the science and art of police administration and crime prevention in Los Angeles County; to coordinate the implementation of law enforcement efforts by local government, and to develop, teach and disseminate professional law enforcement practices.
We wish to comment on the recent vote of no-confidence taken by the members of the Culver City Police Officers Assn. (CCPOA) against Chief Don Pedersen.
Chief Pedersen has been a member in good standing of the LACPCA since January 2001. Chief Pedersen is known amongst his colleagues as a person of good character and a man of integrity. If he says he is going to do something, he does it.
Don has consistently demonstrated good judgment, a low-key and friendly demeanor, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Don is a leader in our association, having served in all of the leadership chairs, culminating in his role as the Association President in 2007. Throughout Don’s nine years in the LACPCA, he has been willing to get involved in any project or committee where his talents have been needed, and without exception, has been successful. His accomplishments at the Culver City Police Dept. are no exception.
On occasion, police unions and management disagree. As a law enforcement leader, it is sometimes necessary to make difficult decisions. Sometimes those decisions are not well received, understood or appreciated by subordinates. However, the true professional — in any business — recognizes that change occurs and there must be an adaptation to that change.
The men and women of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Assn. are resolute in our support of Chief Don Pedersen and in his ability to lead the Culver City Police Dept. We strongly encourage the Culver City community to support Chief Pedersen and his efforts to continue to improve the Culver City Police Department.
Sincerely,
The Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Assn.
(Signed)
Scott Pickwith, President of the association, Police Chief of La Verne
Timothy J. Jackman, lst Vice President of the association, Police Chief of Santa Monica
Ed Medrano, 2nd Vice President of the association, is Police Chief of Gardena
Jim Hudson, Immediate Past President, is Police Chief of Alhambra
Chief Pickwith may be contacted at spickwith@lvpd.org
