LAPD Falsely Blames Temporary Closing of Wilshire Station On ‘Defunding’ In Face Of COVID Surge and 12% Proposed Budget Increase

When LAPD critic William Gude and another cop-watcher showed up at LAPD Wilshire Community Police Station earlier this week, the lights in the lobby were off, and the door was locked. A paper sign attached to the front entrance claimed that the station was closed due to ‘defunding.’

“When [the other cop-watcher] pointed it out, we both started laughing,” Gude told us today. “We couldn't believe the shamelessness of the LAPD. I was also thinking this is yet another unforced error on the LAPD's part, and I'm going to make them pay for blaming us.

Gude called bullshit and posted the sign on his Twitter feed last night. Since then, the video has garnered more than 80,000 views. On social media, users have drawn attention to the misspelling of “incovience” (sic) as well as the fact that last year the Los Angeles City Council voted to increase the LAPD’s already enormous budget by three percent, despite calls from activist to take money away from police.

Earlier today, Gude reached out to Los Angeles Chief of Police Michel Moore and demanded that the notice at Wilshire station be taken down. “I don’t appreciate the lies to my community, Michel. I also don’t appreciate you posting messages that are somewhat political in nature. Please remove this sign immediately.” Additionally, Gude filed a formal complaint against the station’s captain for allegedly posting the misleading sign.