SPJ/LA seeks inquiry into LAPD's treatment of freelance journalist

The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists issued the following statement regarding the incident involving freelance journalist Lexis-Olivier Ray and the Los Angeles Police Department during Tuesday night's Dodger celebrations:

SPJ/LA is concerned by reports that Ray was knocked to the ground, sustained injuries and had his equipment damaged while documenting police activities in downtown Los Angeles. We ask that the city's Board of Police Commissioners fully investigate this incident to determine whether officers used excessive force and whether LAPD policies were correctly followed.

Both journalists and members of the public have a First Amendment right to document police activities in public spaces without harassment. We must ensure that these rights are protected.

CONTACT: Joel Bellman, SPJ/LA (424) 324-1815.

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