LAPD Police Chief: Yes, I Support Drivers Licenses for Illegal Immigrants
- Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:36am by
Billy Hallowell
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LAPD Chief Charlie Beck (AP)
Should illegal immigrants have the right to secure state-issued drivers licenses? In California, Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck believes so. Regardless of citizenship standing, the public official says that drivers licenses should be attainable.
On Wednesday, Beck met with Los Angeles Times editors and reporters, where he made his vision on the matter known. His main argument in supporting driving rights for illegals? The laws to prevent illegals‘ use of vehicles haven’t prevented the practice.
“My personal belief is that they should be able to [have licenses],” Beck proclaimed when asked by Times reporters. “The reality is that all the things that we’ve done – ‘we’ being the state of California – over the last 14, 16 years have not reduced the problem one iota, haven’t reduced undocumented aliens driving without licenses. So we have to look at what we’re doing. When something doesn’t work over and over and over again, my view is that you should reexamine it to see if there is another way that makes more sense.”
That being said, he did differentiate between regular licenses and the “provisional” documentation that would be granted to undocumented individuals. He called the potential proposal a “non-resident license.” Additionally, he touted the alleged improvement to safety that such a measure would offer California.
“Why wouldn’t you want to put people through a rigorous testing process? Why wouldn’t you want to better identify people who are going to be here?,” he asked. “It doesn’t make any sense to me. And we could increase safety on the roads. When you make things illegal you cause a lot of other things by chain reaction.”
Beck is right that other issues do, indeed, accompany this problem. With illegal immigrant drivers also comes more uninsured drivers on the road. If and when an accident occurs, this clearly creates a problem for the undocumented driver as well as for the individual whose car has been damaged. Considering the feared penalties for being caught without papers, illegals also also more likely to hit-and-run following collisions.
The Huffington Post has more:
A San Francisco Chronicle analysis of California statistics found that hit-and-run collisions accounted for 7.8 percent of traffic accident deaths in 2001 — more than twice the national average, which was 3.8 percent at the time.
More recent reports show that there were 15,611 hit-and-run collisions in California that left 20,260 injured and 185 dead, according to a 2009 annual report from the California Highway Patrol [PDF].
The Los Angeles police chief has been more vocal on the issue of unlicensed driving in his effort to change the LAPD’s vehicle impound rules. Beck’s proposed impound reforms would do away with the current standard of a 30-day vehicle impound and fines of up to $2,000 for all unlicensed drivers — a burden that he thinks is unfair on undocumented immigrants, notes CBS.
The debate surrounding this issue is a tough one. While people, like Beck, would contend that it would be safer to grant driving rights to undocumented workers, those individuals opposed to illegal immigration would see this as a negative action that validates unacceptable behavior.
(H/T: Huffington Post)
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Comments (127)
Ray2447
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:48amAnd what‘s Charlie Beck’s next plan, “Grants and Loans for Bank Robbers?” This clown deserves some time off the rethink his life. No way, do I want him “protecting” my city.
The side of every LAPD patrol car says (paraphrasing), “to protect and serve.” Change the motto on Beck’s car to say, “to endanger and disserve.”
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:29amI think Magnum PI needs to get fired and replaced with someone that realizes that law enforcement needs to enforce the law.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:02amExactly, Why not just throw any law out the window that they can’t enforce. WHICH IS ALL OF THEM.
Report Post »Everyones stuff now belongs to everyone,allcars will be equipped with keyless ignitions ,all homes will have all locks removed,businesses will remove all registers as everything is free. …..
Funny thing is this is the same county that just imposed a 1000 dollar fine on throwing frisbees and footballs at the beach. dam Cali.need a 12 magitude …and fast
Walkabout
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:13amWe could go with his suggestion.
So if the illegals get a license (take the same licensing test), will they get car insurance?
Are we tired of paying for uninsured & underinsured motorists?
If a illegal is pulled over for speeding, running a red light, & the police check their registration. license & insurance., will the illegal be deported for breaking the law (no insurance)?
If not this is a non starter.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:35amBenedict Arnold. These people are aiding and abetting the invaders. These people are betraying America. These people are the enemy.
Report Post »B-Neil
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:39amThank you @ Rangerp. Spot on. CARRY ON McDUFF
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:38amA few days ago, I was in line to pay for groceries (I still have alittle money left to eat-LOL) and watched an interaction a(approx.10 yr. old) boy with his mom & dad. The boy grabbed a candy & the mom said “no”. The boy sorta put it back on the shelve and then turned to his mom & dad and asked again if he could have it and the dad said “no”. The boy again, sorta put it back & then placed the candy by the cashier. The cashier said the amount due & the boy just looked at her and then the cashier said,“you need money to buy it”. The boy turned to his mom & dad and the mom said,”OK, you can have it but this is the last time you will do this”. End of story! Kid had won…illegals have won!
Report Post »INOGAWD
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:11pmNo need for Registration or Insurance though, in Mexifornia..
Report Post »I have personally witnessed SEVERAL vehicle accidents
involving illegals and each and every time they RUN…
.the law usually turns a blind eye and says “Oh Well”…..
So much for “To Serve and Protect”
Gas prices going through, DUMP THIS ADMINISTRATION !!
cosette
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:56pmI have zero sympathy for California residents. You get exactly the kind of government you vote for. This half wit was appointed by an elected official, probably the mayor. You elected the mayor, you are stuck with his appointee and his ridiculous decisions. It will only improve when the majority of the voters decide it’s time. There are no barriers keeping you there. Leave the state and move to one where sanity rules. Of all 50, or is it 57, California is, by all accounts, the worst.
Report Post »2theADDLED
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:30pmI would support it if they used a real and verified I.D. and address where we could pick them up for deportation later.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:37pmWell, there you go.
“When you make things illegal you cause a lot of other things by chain reaction.”
I guess its time to abolish all laws, then. Right? Jackass.
Report Post »MetalPatriot
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:16pm@ cosette
Sorry, but there are some of us that have voted against these uber-left wingers. “We” are a small percentage of the population. We have the largest gang population, one of if not the largest illegal population, some of the most dishonest & disengenuous Senators (Feinstein/Boxer), a corrupt L.A. mayor (Villaragosa) who’s pals with the Venezuelan dictator, a dolt for a governor (Terminator wasn’t any better for you diehard Repubs).
So, with so few of us that love liberty & the Creator, yet aren’t able to leave the state, “What’s your brilliant solution?”
Yes, I understand this idiot chief is supporting a foolish agenda. It is just one MORE way to allow illegals to be legal. His agenda is treasonous on that point. You seriously believe he came up with this on his own? You don’t think Villaragosa, who is racist, is pushing him? You don’t think the Senators that have armed body guards (paid by tax dollars) AND have a concealed carry permit (all the while abolishing my 2nd Ammendment rights) is pushing him?
Ya, some of us are stuck here. The few of us can’t fix it. Maybe if some of the “big talkers” would come stand up with us we might stand a chance. Won’t happen.
I‘m happy you’re in a great position without having to fight a lost war.
Report Post »hallkbrdz
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:30pm“When something doesn’t work over and over and over again, my view is that you should reexamine it to see if there is another way that makes more sense”
Hmmm I can think of quite a few things that would go along with this train of thought…
Illegal drugs
Illegal modifications to cars in Calif (non CARB approved!)
Illegal fireworks (ha)
Illegal firearms (not that there really is such a thing)
Here’s a thought Beck – how about just getting RID of the ILLEGAL people by actually enforcing existing LAWS?
No? Then of course since ILLEGAL obviously means next to nothing – the above items should just be ignored by the police as well – right? Good luck with that…
Report Post »jonjon
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:46amwhat they’ve done in the last 14 or 15 years is turn Los Angeles into a sanctuary city , The DMV is already screwed up , now they want to creat a new branch to cater to Illegals , where do they find the money?
Report Post »INOGAWD
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:15pmFrom American Tax Payers…..
Report Post »tzion
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:44amI don’t blame this guy. It‘s not his fault no one’s doing anything to permanently and successfully fix the illegal immigrant problem. Allowing illegals to have some form of ID makes it easier to for the police to do their jobs and catch the really bad criminals. An unideal solution for an unideal situation. All this does is highlight problems elsewhere that the police end up having to clean up after.
Report Post »txjb
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:18pmThey are illegals !!
Report Post »IMPEACHBHO
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:40amIllegal. If you are in the country illegally, you have no right to a license, insurance or anything else.
Report Post »tzion
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:32amTrue but until someone comes up with a solution the police are left having to clean up the mess. I‘m sure the whole license thing is just to make illegals easier to keep track of since they can’t afford to arrest them all.
Report Post »ripcord506
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:49amIllegal and they will not deport them-Put them permanently in tent city
Report Post »tomcat741
Posted on February 24, 2012 at 2:58amI have an idea.. take away a companies right to do business and fine them 10k per illegal working for them They will leae on their own.
Report Post »This is insane. These people are breaking the law and we are just going well they wanted work. Ok and so do 15 Million Americans.
Tickdog
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:39amwow what a surprise.. another idiot…
Report Post »Capt. Ron
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:38amShould fired on the spot and deported.
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:36amIdentification for voting.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:26pmYou got that right .
Report Post »georgepatton
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:34amBeck needs to be fired!
Report Post »jakartaman
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:33amThis is a Law enforcement Officer
Did he miss the enforcement part of Laws!!!
Your fired – Dope!
Report Post »KICKILLEGALSOUT
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:28amHe should be fired immediately for conspiring for aiding and abetting felons. The foreign criminal invasion of our country and taxpayer funded public services has to stop!
Report Post »Fipper
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:15amJust think about it. The Chief of Police wants to give drivers licenses to those breaking the law. It is a bunch of hooey. “It’s just too difficult to enforce the law, so let’s just give them licenses.” is the liberal mindset — or, we need their votes so let’s be nice to them. Sickening stuff. Never thought I would see the day a law enforcement officer would be saying let them break the law.
Report Post »hatchetjob
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:33pmI am so sick of the illegal parasites taking over everything. You said it right Fipper.
Report Post »wellhangingchad
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:12amHe sounds like the Mexican police. He has been paid off by the cartels or has been threatened so he says these out of fear. Or perhaps he’s just another liberal Californian.
Report Post »Bro. Chuck
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:12amdefective people -
Report Post »thinking defectively……..
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:11amOne more radical to remove from office and try for treason.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:11amI like the fact of being able to identify and track criminals a driver’s license would help to track them down. With THAT said this is BS for the fact that making things MORE convenient for criminals is NOT the way to go!!! Close the damn borders!!!! Then we can look into “fixing” the illegal issue!! This “driver’s license” is ANOTHER incentive to law breakers!!!! Thanks California maybe we should kick you back to Mexico????
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:40amBuild the dang border !
That will stop the flow of illegals.
THEN we can discuss what to do about the ones here.
LA Times estimated that 40% of ALL money changing hands in LA is under the table.
Talk about a black market !! NONE of that money is taxed.
LA has allowed itself to become a cesspool.
I lived in Palm Springs where I was hit-and-run by an illegal. The PSPD said it was ‘COMMON.”
My home was also burglarized not once, not even twice, but THREE TIMES by the same bunch of illegals before they were stopped. That was in BROAD DAYLIGHT – they used moving vans. Cleaned me out. Fortunately, I wasn’t home – fortunately FOR THEM !
Oh, I forgot, I’m supposed to feel guilty because they are only here to pick veggies nobody else will.
NOT
My LEGAL immigrant landscaper in Palm Springs, tells me he cannot keep illegal workers because they all move to Texas where they can get 15 to 20 dollars per hour, UNREPORTED. That’s 36,400 TAX FREE ! Which is like $50,000.00 to those of us who DO pay taxes!
I don’t know about you, but I know LOTS of American citizens who will mow yards, dig ditches, scrub toilets, or anything else for $50,000.00 per year!
BUILD THE BORDER !
A secured border also cuts off the drug flow, which puts drug cartels out of business, which saves TENS OF THOUSANDS OF MEXICAN LIVES! And thousands of American lives, and saves children from getting hooked on drugs, and improves the economy in drug-gang neighborhoods.
BUILD THE BORDER !
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:09amIsn’t that strange if you are a US citizen a driver licenses is privilege but if you are a illegal its DRIVING RIGHTS. What in the He**s wrong wit this picture?
Report Post »drbage
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:14amUsing his “logic,” should we then legalize drugs as a means of ending the drug usage in the US? Would that end the drug wars in Mexico?
Report Post »BROBB549
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:03am“So we have to look at what we’re doing. When something doesn’t work over and over and over again, my view is that you should reexamine it to see if there is another way that makes more sense.”
Report Post »Does this mean that you are going to stop handing out speeding tickets or stop arresting people for selling or using drugs. You have gone through this over and over and over again and it has not made any difference.
hatchetjob
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:37pmGreat point!
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:01am.
Report Post »LAPD Police Chief: Yes, And I support putting things in my behind that don’t belong there either…..
Rick300
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:58amWOW! Just when you think you’ve heard everything! Well…once you give the illegals drivers licenses are you going to make them pay taxes too? Think not…
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:55amFire this fools sorry *zz….
Report Post »crazyoz
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:53amThis is one way to keep your job in the Dirt Bag state.
Report Post »DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:11amThis is why I do not support police. They are an unconstitutional, permanent, standing, army. You have no real way to get rid of this guy or his corrupt pigs. You have to rely on the pigs to clean their own pens. Simple solution: disband all police and replace them with ELECTED sheriffs and their deputies. When you have a corrupt sheriff/dept., vote the sheriff out and vote in someone who will get rid of any corrupt deputies. Wake up Beck heads. Stop believing Glenn’s lie that only leftist hate cops and conservatives always support cops. Cops are the lapdogs of the left.
Conservatives support elected law enforcement. Stop being brainwashed to obey the uniform. The uniform is nothing and does not make the person. This new “real seal team members” movie is aimed at such brainwashing; hero worship. Conditioning you to obey/fear the uniform no matter what. Glenn feeds this.
Report Post »IslandMama
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:52amDriver’s licenses are used as proof of citizenship too – if you drive into Tijuana, you can come back to America using just your license. So, if you give them driver’s licenses, then aren’t we effectively making them de facto citizens? Ask yourself, why can‘t I just take a trip to Germany and get a German driver’s license? Or France or anywhere else for that matter? Because I am not a citizen. This is NOT the solution. The solution is to enforce our immigration policy. If the policy isn’t working, re-examine it and find a way to make it work. But you can’t give illegal immigrants the same rights as citizens. Right now, in some ways, they have more.
Report Post »objectivetruth
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:41amActually you are not quite right in your assumption.You can’t get a citizens drivers license,you can get a international and or a provisional one though.In fact, in some countries if you stay long enough ,you are required to.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:46amOf course Los Angeles go ahead and take another shovel full of dirt because your grave is about dug anyway. When all theses welfare stealing illegles don‘t get their freebee’s because the state and city are broke and can’t pay they will burn it down. I actually can’t wait to watch the show while Watts and Compton burn to the ground. Maybe this time we will see Beverly Hills in flames when the OWS fold start dragging all the rich folks out of their mansions. What a day that will be……I think I’ll put in for a vaction day and watch it on tv.
Report Post »MYHEROISRON
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:55amI think this police chief has been spending too much time in the evidence locker. I say drug test him!
Report Post »Nemo13
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:43amIllegals do not need drivers licenses because they shouldn’t be here in the first place. Why do these people not comprehend I-L-L-E-G-A-L? What does that mean, HMM? This isn’t a hazy subject, it’s very clear. Get them out.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:11amRight on point
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:42amFire him now.
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