Yasmine-Imani McMorrin's Voting Record on Police-Related Issues in Culver City (2021-2024)

Council Member Yasmine-Imani McMorrin has consistently voted against public safety measures and adequate funding for the police in Culver City. It is worth noting that these requests from the police not only help keep the community safe, but also help keep the police officers safe.

Over the last four years, even as local crime rates remained significant in the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), McMorrin cast 14 key votes rejecting requests for police funding, additional staffing, and law enforcement resources. Her arguments are typically emotional pleas not backed up by supporting evidence for the Council and Staff to consider.

These NO on Police votes include Council Member Yasmine-Imani McMorrin's opposition to the purchase of vehicles, body cameras, and pursuit technology, as well as grants for bulletproof vests and police motorcycles. In City Council meetings, she has mostly expressed her personal opinions on these matters absent any research. Further, McMorrin politicizes the word "militarization" to describe what is often considered standard police equipment.

As Culver City continues to address concerns about public safety, McMorrin's consistent opposition to supporting and working with the police raises questions about her willingness to focus on keeping the community safe. While long-term solutions to public safety are being explored, immediate needs for adequate policing resources remain an ongoing concern for residents and city leadership.

As the 2024 election nears, voting for public safety remains a top priority.

McMorrin's Key Votes on Police-Related Issues (2021-2024):

• Police Staffing Adjustments and Funding (May 24, 2021)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed additional staffing and funding increases for CCPD.

• 2021-2022 Police Budget Increase (June 14, 2021)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed increasing the police budget.

• Purchase of Armored Ford Transit Vans (July 11, 2022)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed the purchase of police vehicles.

• Motorcycle Replacement for CCPD (March 13, 2023)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Voted against replacing a police motorcycle.

• Body-Worn Camera Grant (March 27, 2023)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed funding for body cameras.

• Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) (May 8, 2023)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Voted against the ALPR system.

• Grant for Bulletproof Vests (June 12, 2023)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed applying for a grant to purchase bulletproof vests.

• CCPD Budget Discussion (March 18, 2024)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Voted against the proposed CCPD budget enhancements for 2024-2025.

• CCPD Budget Enhancements (March 20, 2024)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Voted against proposed budget enhancements for the CCPD.

• Pursuit Mitigation Technology (April 29, 2024)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed a three-year contract for Pursuit Mitigation Technology, a new tool to help in police operations.

• Security Funding for City Hall and Public Events (May 28, 2024)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed the allocation of $1.8 million for contracting out security services for public safety at large events.

• General CCPD Budget (May 28, 2024)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed budget enhancements for CCPD.

• ALPR System Expansion (June 10, 2024)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed the expansion of the Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.

• Grant for Police-Related Equipment (June 12, 2024)
  • Vote: No
  • Summary: Opposed a funding grant application for police equipment.

These votes reflect Yasmine-Imani McMorrin’s consistent stance to de-prioritize public safety.

November 5, 2024 -- Vote for Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin, Denice Renteria, and Albert Vera

Sources:

Culver City Council’s meeting minutes

Culver City Police Department’s transparency reports 

Potential Impacts of McMorrin’s NO Votes:

• Police Staffing Adjustments and Funding (May 24, 2021): By rejecting additional staffing and funding, the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) struggles to keep up with rising demands, leading to increased response times during emergencies and officer fatigue, which can compromise public safety.
• 2021-2022 Police Budget Increase (June 14, 2021): The lack of increased funding hinders CCPD's ability to implement necessary training programs and upgrade essential equipment, potentially resulting in outdated methods and less effective policing.
• Purchase of Armored Ford Transit Vans (July 11, 2022): The refusal to purchase these vehicles leaves officers vulnerable in high-risk situations, such as active shooter events or riots, where these vans would have provided crucial protection.
• Motorcycle Replacement for CCPD (March 13, 2023): By voting against replacing old police motorcycles, the department faces reliability issues in traffic enforcement and rapid response, affecting CCPD's mobility and effectiveness.
• Body-Worn Camera Grant (March 27, 2023): The opposition to body-worn cameras means missing opportunities to increase transparency and accountability during police interactions. These cameras have been shown to reduce complaints and improve behavior from both officers and the public.
• Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) (May 8, 2023): Rejecting ALPR technology limits CCPD's ability to efficiently track stolen vehicles and identify suspects, affecting their capacity to solve and deter crimes.
• Grant for Bulletproof Vests (June 12, 2023): Refusing funding for bulletproof vests directly impacts officer safety, leaving them at risk during potentially dangerous operations where protective gear is crucial.
• CCPD Budget Enhancements (March 18 and 20, 2024): The refusal to enhance CCPD's budget restricts the department's ability to expand community policing initiatives and address increasing calls for service, putting further strain on limited resources.
• Pursuit Mitigation Technology (April 29, 2024): The opposition to pursuit mitigation technology keeps CCPD from employing tools that could safely bring high-speed pursuits to an end, putting both officers and civilians at greater risk during such incidents.
• Security Funding for City Hall and Public Events (May 28, 2024): Voting against security funding for large public events increases vulnerability at those events, as adequate security measures could not be put in place to protect attendees.
• ALPR System Expansion (June 10, 2024): By opposing the expansion of the ALPR system, CCPD's ability to prevent vehicle-related crimes and improve neighborhood safety is curtailed.
• Grant for Police-Related Equipment (June 12, 2024): Refusing to apply for this grant limits CCPD's ability to modernize and equip officers effectively, impacting their readiness to respond to incidents.