Los Angeles, CA...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has announced the formation of a newly-defined and formal partnership with key law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles and the surrounding region to assist in the battle against hate crime and extremists.

"In the battle against haters, extremists and those who seek to erode our democratic values and threaten our security, we are committed to providing law enforcement agencies with the resources and tools to augment their ongoing efforts," said Nancy Volpert, Associate Director of ADL's Los Angeles Regional Office. "We have extensive resources available to law enforcement, including current and archival information, analysis and programs."

The Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, which consists of 13 law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels, will meet quarterly beginning in March 2002 and work with ADL to implement and enhance the League's programs and resources for law enforcement.

"We put a lot of energy since September 11 looking at terrorists in other countries, but you can never forget the terrorists that are home-grown," said Bernard C. Parks, Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, who announced the formation of the advisory committee at a news conference on Feb. 11, 2002 at the Los Angeles Police Academy.

The committee was established as a way for ADL and police to share information about the criminal activity and patterns among hate groups and extremists. While the League has long fostered relationships with law enforcement, the advisory group focuses the relationship and brings in additional law enforcement agencies in Southern California.

Participating agencies include:

• Bakersfield Police Department

• California Attorney General's Office

• California Highway Patrol - Southern Division

• Federal Bureau of Investigation

• Los Angeles Police Department

• Los Angeles School Police Department

• Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

• Palm Springs Police Department

• Pasadena Police Department

• Riverside County Sheriff's Department

• San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

• San Bernardino Police Department

• Santa Barbara Police Department

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