In the News

Pomona - San Gabriel Police Officer Andy Le is tired of the unfriendly looks and nasty remarks he gets most days he's on patrol. Too many in the public think all officers are bad just because a few are accused of using excessive force, Le griped.

"People don't seem to recognize that police are human beings," Le said.

Le and his colleagues from more than 35 Southland police departments hoped to improve those perceptions Saturday at the Police Expo and Family Security Show at Pomona Fairplex.

"We show a positive image for the public", said Baldwin Park Police Officer Rudy Hernandez.

"Many people are very apprehensive about talking to police officers," Hernandez said, "but at the expo, people spoke freely."

"It shows we're not the bad guys. We want to help," Hernandez said.

"For the officers, a better relationship with the public can also mean a safer job," said Pasadena Police Officer Mike Villalobos.

Throughout the day, thousands of people spoke one-on-one with officers, asking them questions about police operations.