Policing at So-Fi Stadium: An Investigation
Benjamin Bressette (Urban Planning) in partnership with NOlympics LA
SoFi Stadium has been transforming Inglewood since its opening in 2020, changing how people experience the neighborhood. While the influx of patrons attending games for the Rams and Chargers, as well as other events, can be a boon for local businesses, it also has been increasing traffic congestion and police presence. In this historically Black community, the increased police presence raises concerns about the interactions between law enforcement and long time residents. Future events of national and international significance – the Superbowl, World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic games – will increase this presence further, coordinating with both state and federal law enforcement agencies to thoroughly surveil the site. But the public remains in the dark about this collaboration, with limited to no public documentation detailing any facet of the increased policing at SoFi Stadium. This report culminates in three distinct findings: (1) There is limited public knowledge regarding the allocation of overtime hours; (2) Certain schedule schemes lead to more overtime; and (3) There are no public documents identifying the relationship between the City of Inglewood and private security forces. Overwhelmingly, this lack of accountability and regulation further put Inglewood residents at increased risk for police violence, especially during non-event times where private security forces are patrolling the stadium on a regular basis.