Charge of Governor Edmund G. Brown to the Commission
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Chairman McCone and distinguished members of the Commission:
In announcing a week ago that I would appoint a Commission of distinguished Californians to make an objective and dispassionate study of the Los Angeles riots, I emphasized that I would put no limits on the scope of the Commission's inquiries. Nevertheless, since I was deeply engrossed in this subject almost constantly, day and night, during all of last week, I feel it may be useful if I set out some of the areas in which I hope the Commission will make inquiries and recommendations. In a sense, this is my charge as Governor, to the Commission: First, I believe that the Commission should prepare an accurate chronology and description of the riots and attempt to draw any lessons which may be learned from a retrospective study of these events. The purpose of this would not be to fix blame or find scapegoats, but rather to develop a comprehensive and detailed chronology and description of the disorders. This should include, by way of example, a study of the following subjects: A. The circumstances surrounding the arrest which touched off the riots. B. Why the riots continued and spread, including whether there was any organization, leadership, or outside stimulation of the rioters. C. The efforts of law enforcement officials to control the riots. D. The action taken by private individuals, both white and Negro, as well as the leadership in organizations.... within or without the troubled area.... in attempting to control the riots. E. Events surrounding the ordering in of the National Guard. F. The action taken jointly by law enforcement officers and the National Guard to bring the riots under control. G. The circumstances surrounding the deaths which took place and a consideration of the personal injuries caused. H. The damage done to property by fires, force, and looting. I. The weapons used and how they were obtained. J. The disturbances of a similar nature in other Southern California areas at approximately the same time. K. The arrests, arraignments and trials of the persons apprehended during the riots. Second, I believe that the Commission should probe deeply the immediate and underlying causes of the riots. In this connection, the Commission will want to consider the following: A. The physical and sociological condition in the area of the riots at the time they commenced. B. The opportunities for Negroes in employment, education, and recreation in the troubled area; and the attitude and awareness of the Negro community regarding those opportunities. C. The public and private welfare programs available and not available in the area and the extent to which they were utilized. D. Pertinent facts regarding the persons involved in the riots, including their age, education, job status, habits, family situation, and associations. E. The attitudes of the rioters toward the community and law enforcement officials in the community and whether these attitudes are supported by fact and reason. F. The significance of looting in stimulating and prolonging the riots. Third, the Commission should develop recommendations for action designed to prevent a recurrence of these tragic disorders. The Commission should consider what additional can be done at any level of government or by any agency of the government to prevent a recurrence. Of equal importance, the Commission should consider whether there are steps which private citizens may take, individually or jointly, to prevent a repetition of the bloodshed. |
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Violence in the City: An End or a Beginning?