This is the archived version of MPAC's website. For the latest updates, visit mpac.org.
This is the archived version of MPAC's website. For the latest updates, visit mpac.org.
This is the archived version of MPAC's website. For the latest updates, visit mpac.org.
Muslim Public Affairs Council
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Civilian Oversight

Former LAPD Deputy Chief: “Policing Is Not an Occupying Army”

Videos
Civilian Oversight
Community Policing
lapd
Law Enforcement Accountability
mike downing
mpac
muslim public affairs council
Police Commission
Police Reform
public safety
salam al-marayati
The MPAC Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati
On August 27, 2026 By MPAC
In this clip from The MPAC Podcast, former LAPD Deputy Chief Mike Downing breaks down why dismantling community affairs and shifting away from community-based policing is a critical mistake. Downing explains that without continuous community engagement, advisory boards, and civilian partnership, a police department stops serving the public and functions like a military occupation. Watch full podcast episodes and policy breakdowns on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Links in the description! Subscribe to MPAC's channel: http://bit.ly/MPACYouTube Like MPAC on Facebook: http://fb.com/mpacnational Follow MPAC on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mpac_national Follow MPAC on Instagram: http://instagram.com/mpac_national Visit MPAC's website: http://mpac.org About the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) We improve public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Help us to continue this work by making a donation today: http://mpac.org/give.
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