© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Understanding Skid Row's Tensions After A Fatal Police Shooting

Many of LA's Skid Row residents live in makeshift tents.
Kelly McEvers
Many of LA's Skid Row residents live in makeshift tents.

Skid Row, in downtown Los Angeles, has long been known for its high concentration of homeless, drug- or alcohol-addicted and mentally ill residents. They live on the streets, in boxes and tents or in subsidized one-room apartments.

After police fatally shot an unarmed man on Skid Row on March 1, activists and residents demanded an investigation. NPR's Kelly McEvers and producer Tom Dreisbach decided to delve into the divide between many Skid Row residents and the police who are responsible for patrolling the area.

"We wanted to understand the disconnect between the two," McEvers says, "the disconnect that happens after a shooting, and the disconnect that might lead to another shooting."

She and Dreisbach hit the streets, spending time with Skid Row residents and with police officers on patrol.

Listen to the full story at the audio link.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content