Introduction to the LAPD Spokeswoman Resignation
The chief spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department has resigned amid accusations from the region’s top federal prosecutor that her office was leaking information, according to three sources familiar with the matter but not cleared to speak publicly.
Background on Jennifer Forkish
Jennifer Forkish, the LAPD’s public information director, said she left the department Thursday at the request of Chief Jim McDonnell but vehemently denied making any unauthorized disclosures. “Any suggestion that I have ever shared or leaked information to the media is categorically false,” she said in a statement. “No one in the Department, including the Chief has ever raised or discussed this baseless allegation with me, because it simply never happened. Anyone claiming otherwise is lying.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Complaint
The three law enforcement sources said the chief’s concerns about Forkish’s overall performance had been mounting, and that pressure Tuesday from acting U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli may have prompted her ouster. The drama began Tuesday evening after a Times reporter reached out to an official at the U.S. attorney’s office to inquire about plans to schedule a news conference related to the Palisades fire.
The Palisades Fire News Conference
Flanked by McDonnell and other law enforcement leaders, Essayli announced at a briefing on Wednesday that authorities had arrested and charged a 29-year-old Uber driver with intentionally sparking one of the most destructive fires in California history. Before the media event, according to the three sources who had been briefed on the matter, Essayli called LAPD senior staff and demanded to know who in the department had tipped the paper off to the news conference, which had not yet been officially scheduled when The Times asked about it.
Forkish’s Departure from the LAPD
It wasn’t immediately clear why Forkish was suspected of revealing details about the news conference, which federal authorities announced to members of the media via email at 5 a.m. Wednesday. Forkish had already left work that afternoon when McDonnell summoned her back to his office at LAPD headquarters for a meeting with him and Assistant Chief Dominic Choi, she told The Times. McDonnell did not reference a call with Essayli during the meeting, telling Forkish only that he did not share her long-term vision for the department’s public relations strategy, she said.
Reaction to Forkish’s Resignation
Choi would not address any phone conversation between LAPD leadership and Essayli. He told The Times he could not discuss Forkish’s case due to confidentiality around personnel matters but confirmed she submitted her letter of resignation on Thursday morning. “We don’t wish any ill will or anything for her,” he said in a brief telephone interview. “We thank her for her service and everything she’s done and for her time with the department.” McDonnell did not respond to a phone call and email seeking comment on Thursday. Inquiries to the U.S. attorney’s office and Mayor Karen Bass also went unreturned.
Forkish’s Career and Legacy
Forkish expressed gratitude for her time with the LAPD. “After much thought, I’ve decided to step down from my role to pursue new opportunities,” she wrote in a statement. “I do so with immense pride in what my team and I accomplished together. We told the hard stories with honesty and balance, supported our officers and our city in moments of crisis, and built a foundation of professionalism that I’ll always be proud of.” Forkish began her career working for former Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, who worked as an LAPD cop for more than three decades before going into politics.
Controversy Surrounding Forkish’s Appointment
But Forkish’s appointment to the LAPD job was not without controversy. Multiple department sources not authorized to speak publicly said a dispute over Forkish’s salary demands created tension before she started on the job. Then, the sources said, there was a disagreement over strategy between Forkish and her predecessor, Capt. Kelly Muniz, which ended with Muniz’s transfer to another unit. Some press advocates say McDonnell’s tenure has been marked by conflict with the local media.
Conclusion
The resignation of Jennifer Forkish as the LAPD’s public information director has sparked controversy and raised questions about the department’s relationship with the media. While Forkish has denied any wrongdoing, the circumstances surrounding her departure have highlighted the tensions between the LAPD and the press. As the department moves forward, it will be important to address these issues and work towards a more transparent and cooperative relationship with the media.
FAQs
- Who is Jennifer Forkish and what was her role in the LAPD?
Jennifer Forkish was the public information director for the Los Angeles Police Department. - Why did Forkish resign from her position?
Forkish resigned amid accusations from the region’s top federal prosecutor that her office was leaking information. - What was the nature of the controversy surrounding Forkish’s appointment to the LAPD job?
There was a dispute over Forkish’s salary demands and a disagreement over strategy between Forkish and her predecessor, Capt. Kelly Muniz. - How has the LAPD’s relationship with the media been described?
The LAPD’s relationship with the media has been marked by conflict, with some press advocates saying that the department has been frustratingly unresponsive to reports of abuses by officers. - What is the significance of Forkish’s resignation?
Forkish’s resignation highlights the tensions between the LAPD and the press, and raises questions about the department’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with the media.
