Religious Leaders Call For Change On Skid Row

The Black and Jewish Justice Alliance gathered in front of LAPD headquarters Wednesday. Members of the organization demanded more oversight on deadly shootings that involved police officers. They outlined their demands in a letter addressed to Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck. 

Rabbi Aryeh Cohen said, "Because of the video, shot by a bystander, the officer was charged with murder...If not for the independent video supplied to news outlets we would be hearing today that the police department was conducting an internal investigation." 

The letter included three main areas the group believes the city can implement better oversight. The religious leaders are asking for more housing for the homeless, mental health support and fewer police officers on Skid Row that they believe are "over policing" community members in the area. 

"We say leadership isn't about coming out and having conversations. We say its about standing firm in tough times such as these," said Pete White, the Director of LA Community Action Network. 

The letters were hand delivered to both LAPD and the Mayor's Office, signed by civil rights lawyers to community outreach programs. 

ATVN reached out to LAPD and the Mayor's Office for comments, but have not received a response.

These religious leaders hope Chief Beck and Mayor Garcetti respond to their requests.