LAPD Pulls Down Station's Thin Blue Line Flag after Complaint

A complaint from the public has led the LAPD to take down a Thin Blue Line flag that was hanging in one of its stations.

"It’s unfortunate that extremist groups have hijacked the use of the 'Thin Blue Line Flag' to symbolize their undemocratic, racist, and bigoted views," LAPD Chief Michel Moore said in a statement, according to KTTV-TV. "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."

The flag had been displayed at the front desk of the department's Rampart station. It came down after a community member complained that the flag was an extremist symbol.

A U.S. flag replaced the police banner, and that will be the policy for the department going forward. However, officers and employees can display Thin Blue Line flags in their workspaces, lockers and personal vehicles.

"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," Moore stated.