[Guest post by DRJ]

I’m not an Angeleno or even a Southern California resident but I’m familiar with Special Order 40 from the tragic Jamiel Shaw, Jr., murder and from earlier stories. This InsideSoCal report suggests the opposition to Special Order 40 may be gaining traction:

“LAPD union backs changes to Special Order 40

Councilman Dennis Zine caused an uproar among immigrant rights groups when he proposed changes to Special Order 40, a 1979 rule that prohibits cops from asking about immigration status. He believes police should be able to ask about immigration status and though LAPD Chief William Bratton opposes any changes, the police union came out today in support of Zine.

“Councilman Zine’s motion offers a common-sense approach that will give our officers a needed tool to remove dangerous gang members from the communities they are threatening,” said Tim Sands, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League This motion will improve and enhance our officers’ ability to provide security in the neighborhoods where hard-working men and women, immigrants or native born, are trying to protect themselves and their families from gang violence.”

— DRJ