LAPD takes down 'Thin Blue Line' flag after complaint it represents extremist viewpoints

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is reportedly taking down a "Thin Blue Line Flag" from one of its local stations after a citizen complained the flag was a symbol of extremism. 

LAPD Chief Michel Moore said he disagreed with the community member's complaint, but said the flag’s "display in our public lobbies can be divisive," according to a report by Fox11 in L.A. 

Moore released a statement saying the public had been tricked into seeing the flag as something negative and hateful, because they are being manipulated to think that way on purpose despite the facts. 

"It’s unfortunate that extremist groups have hijacked the use of the 'Thin Blue Line Flag' to symbolize their undemocratic, racist, and bigoted views," the statement read. "Flags serve as powerful symbols with specific meanings. The 'Thin Blue Line Flag' to me presents the honor, valor, dedication, and sacrifice of law enforcement to protect our communities. Tragically, that view is not universally held and others have been able to persuade the public it symbolizes racist, bigoted and oppressive values. 

Moore added that employees and staff will still be allowed to keep any "Thin Blue Line Flag" related materials in their "workspace, locker door, and personal vehicles. Memorials for fallen officers will also be authorized in all public spaces," Fox11 reported. 

"Given our lobbies should be places that people feel safe, free of political ideology, and welcoming, it remains our long-standing policy that only official items be displayed," the statement concluded. 

Moore also said the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) expressed disappointment in his decision to remove the flag. 

The union group, which represents police officers, called the decision  "political pandering" and said people like the one who lodged the complaint have far too much power over the many, and for all the wrong reasons. 

"It is difficult to express the level of utter disgust and disappointment with Chief Moore’s politically pandering directive to remove Thin Blue Line flags and memorials for fallen officers from all public areas within our police stations," the Board of directors for the Los Angeles Police Protective League wrote in a statement, per Fox News Digital. "This direction came as a result of complaints from anti-police, criminal apologists, and activists who hold too much sway over our city leaders and, unfortunately, our Chief." 

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