The Catalyst for Change

The story begins with Tionne Tisdale, a young boy whose life changed forever during a police raid in 2008 that targeted his mother’s apartment. At just ten years old, Tionne was abruptly pulled from sleep and thrust into chaos, witnessing his mother’s arrest. This traumatic event instilled in him a lasting fear of law enforcement. Sixteen years later, the impact of that night still resonates with him, fueling a desire for improved relations between police and youth in his community.

The Role of Law Enforcement

Leading the transformation is Officer John Coughlin of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), recognized for his aggressive tactics against gangs in the neighborhood. Reflecting on his past actions, Coughlin expressed regret over the collateral damage inflicted on innocent children. “No one wins when executing a no-knock warrant — but that night, all of us lost,” he notes, acknowledging the deep scars left by past confrontations.

Years later, Coughlin took a pivotal step by partnering with sergeant Emada Tingirides to establish the Community Safety Partnership (CSP). This initiative was aimed at transforming policing methods from aggressive enforcement to community engagement.

The Community Safety Partnership (CSP)

Initiated in 2011, the CSP sought to change perceptions of law enforcement in Watts, a neighborhood long plagued by gang violence and mistrust. Coughlin’s initiative, Operation Progress, was designed to offer youth from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities for private education and mentorship, aiming to reduce gang recruitment.

During this time, the CSP also engaged local residents and gang leaders to build cooperative relationships. Officers began to function less as enforcers and more as community allies, focusing on problem-solving to address root causes of crime. These efforts included mentoring programs, youth recreation leagues, and job placement assistance for families.

Achievements and Challenges

The CSP has reported significant crime reductions in neighborhoods like Watts, with homicide rates dropping dramatically since its inception. Community response has evolved, with residents gradually accepting law enforcement as helpful allies rather than adversaries.

Yet the partnership wasn’t without its hurdles. The CSP faced pushback both from within the police department and some local residents who were skeptical of its approach. “They called us ‘hug-a-thugs,'” Coughlin recalls, illustrating the difficulty in overcoming long-standing animosities towards police. However, consistent community engagement ultimately helped to mitigate these tensions.

Empowering the Community

One of the most impactful elements of CSP is its outreach to children and families. Programs like Safe Passage have facilitated safe routes for kids to school, while after-school initiatives maintain engagement and educational support. As these programs take root in the community, the overall graduation rates for participating youth have soared beyond local averages.

Community members like Kathy Wooten, who tragically lost two sons to violence, expressed support for CSP’s initiatives. She acknowledged that the partnership brought hope where despair previously prevailed. “If they can save our babies — with our help — it will be the best thing that ever happened to our community,” she stated.

Looking Ahead

Though the CSP has faced changes in leadership and challenges to its funding, its foundational successes have laid the groundwork for ongoing efforts to redefine policing in Los Angeles. New police leadership continues to explore ways to expand the CSP’s reach, ensuring that lessons learned in Watts serve as a model for other troubled urban regions across the country.

The story of Tionne Tisdale and the CSP illustrates a pathway toward healing and transformation. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement in policing and highlights a model for reducing crime through empathy and understanding.