Yasmine-Imani McMorrin: Defunding Culver City Police Since 2020

Introduction

On November 29th, 2022, at 11:20 pm, an armed robbery occurred at the Chevron gas station on Washington Place in Culver City. The suspects, wielding a semi-automatic handgun, forced the station attendant to hand over $200 before fleeing into the night. This alarming incident drew attention to the city's crime and public safety issues, prompting an investigation and a press release from the Culver City Police Department (CCPD).

However, instead of expressing concern for the victim or supporting law enforcement's efforts, Culver City Councilmember Yasmine-Imani McMorrin responded dismissively, questioning whether the CCPD’s press release itself cost more than the amount stolen, suggesting that perhaps not all crimes warrant a public response based on the monetary value lost. This flippant reaction raises a troubling question: does the seriousness of a crime hinge on how much money was taken, even when a semi-automatic weapon is involved?

McMorrin's Response: Minimizing the Threat

In her email exchange with Chief Manuel Cid (who has since left Culver City), Councilmember McMorrin further questioned the value of issuing a press release, drawing a comparison to her own shopping habits: "$200 seems like such a low amount. I spend that each time I go to Costco for my small family." This statement reveals a startling disconnect from the reality faced by the gas station employee who had a gun pointed at his head. Instead of empathizing with the victim, McMorrin pivoted to a broader discussion about income inequality, seemingly more concerned with the potential hardships faced by the armed robbers than the terror experienced by the worker.

She went on to inquire whether there was data about the wealth of the employee and the value of the amount stolen, asking, "I'm wondering if there's aggregated data around the dollar amount of property stolen? And the wealth of the individual who was involved?" This line of questioning implies that the crime's severity should be assessed not by the danger posed but by the socioeconomic status of those involved. It’s a dangerous precedent to imply that violent crimes might be viewed differently depending on the wealth of the victim.

Chief Cid's Response: Bringing the Focus Back to Public Safety

Chief Manuel Cid responded with clarity and professionalism, highlighting the essential role of law enforcement in protecting the community. “Theft of any kind is against the law and it's our job (law enforcement) to reasonably and professionally enforce those laws, regardless of the potential causes leading any person to committing any theft. But I also think it is important to highlight that this incident is much less about the theft, and/or the amount of money or property stolen, and primarily about the act of violence and use of a deadly firearm to accomplish this theft." Chief Cid's reply reinforced that the true issue was the presence of an armed criminal in the community and the immediate threat this posed to residents, regardless of the dollar amount involved.

Chief Cid also reminded Councilmember McMorrin that the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) uses press releases not just for transparency, but as a method to collaborate with the community to identify and apprehend criminals. "As a police department, we use press releases for several reasons, including for transparency, both with the media and community, as well as a tool to work collaboratively with the community in identifying and apprehending criminals." Cid underscored the fact that the victim's wealth or poverty isn't considered when responding to crimes. Law enforcement is there to protect everyone, regardless of their financial status.

Addressing the Realities of Crime in Culver City: The Data Tells a Different Story

Over 90% of individuals arrested in Culver City are not residents, as shown in the police department’s 2024 report, which documents arrests back to 2021, including the time period of the Chevron armed robbery. This means that many of the socioeconomic factors Mayor McMorrin cites as causes for crime fall outside what Culver City can address through local social programs.

McMorrin’s argument to redirect police funds toward community programs misses the mark, as the majority of criminals here are from other areas. The CCPD’s main role is to protect our residents from external threats, not serve as a social agency for issues beyond our jurisdiction.

Investing in social spending won’t change the reality: a well-funded police force is essential to address crime, regardless of where offenders come from. By ignoring this, McMorrin and her allies, Bryan “Bubba” Fish and Nancy Barba, appear to prioritize ideology over the practical safety needs of Culver City residents.

Stepping Back to 2020: McMorrin's Original Campaign Promise

The mayor’s current stance is not an anomaly but part of a longer-term agenda. A screenshot from McMorrin’s 2020 campaign website, retrieved via the Wayback Machine, reveals her explicit intention to "defund" the Culver City Police Department by 50%. While she now avoids using such direct language, advocating instead for "community budgets," the underlying goal remains the same. Her original platform called for drastic reductions to police resources, which would undoubtedly impact the department’s ability to respond to incidents like the Chevron armed robbery.

The June 2024 Candidate Forum: No Donations from Law Enforcement

On June 2, 2024, during a candidate forum hosted by the Culver City Democratic Club, Councilmember McMorrin made it clear that she would not accept donations or endorsements from law enforcement agencies, stating that they "further harm to our community and society." This refusal to engage with law enforcement in any capacity, even as a candidate for re-election, illustrates her ongoing skepticism and lack of support for the very institution tasked with maintaining public safety.

The August 2024 Interview: Questioning the Police Budget

In an August 29, 2024 interview, McMorrin reiterated her belief that public safety can be achieved through means other than a well-funded police department. She acknowledged that residents have a “reasonable expectation to want safety in their city” but emphasized her role in questioning whether the police budget is truly the best way to achieve that safety. This echoes her earlier campaign promises and reveals that despite shifting terminology, her intent to reduce police resources has remained unchanged.

The Danger of Misplaced Priorities

The most concerning aspect of Culver City Councilmember McMorrin’s stance is her tendency to prioritize abstract discussions of systemic issues over immediate public safety concerns. The gas station employee, who had a gun pointed at his head, is unlikely to be comforted by an academic debate on poverty or systemic inequality. What he needed—and what the community needs—is assurance that armed criminals will be pursued and that the safety of residents, workers, and visitors is a top priority.

Furthermore, McMorrin's unusual focus on the financial cost of the press release and her suggestion that crimes might not warrant public attention unless they meet a certain dollar threshold reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of law enforcement. Public safety is not a cost-benefit analysis; it’s about preventing harm and ensuring that residents feel secure.

What This Means for Culver City's Future

As we approach Election Day, it’s crucial for Culver City residents to consider the consistency of Councilmember Yasmine-Imani McMorrin’s record on policing and public safety. Her responses to the Chevron robbery, her rejection of law enforcement support, and her 2020 campaign platform all point to a leadership style that prioritizes an ideology without law enforcement over the practical needs of community safety.

Call to Action

It’s time for Culver City residents to demand leadership that balances progressive ideals with the reality of maintaining public safety. As ballots are cast in this upcoming election, consider whether McMorrin’s defund the police approach truly serves the needs of our community or if it's time for a change that genuinely prioritizes safety, accountability, and transparency.