Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore banned the display of the “thin blue line” flag at public events and station lobbies, and one former captain is having a sad. Via NewsNation:

The mandate, issued Saturday, comes in response to the flag’s divisive symbolism — some believe it represents support for law enforcement, while others say it’s become a symbol of far-right ideology and white supremacism.

“While I do not personally view the ‘Thin Blue Line Flag’ in the same manner as the community member and others, its display in our public lobbies can be divisive,” Moore said in part of a statement issued to NewsNation affiliate KTLA.

Jerry Rodriguez, a former LAPD captain and former deputy commissioner for the Baltimore Police Department, called the move “unfortunate.”

Rodriguez appeared on Good Morning America and spelled it out.

“Things like this where the officers, the rank and file, the unions believe that it is a further demonstration of their lack of support could have a negative impact on morale, productivity, and that relates right to the crime surge,” he said.

Translation: If you don't elevate police above the law, it will make them feel so bad that they will refuse to do their jobs. In other words, he's blaming the crime surge on the hurt fee-fees of the rank and file, who apparently are not professional enough to do their jobs no matter what.

You could also interpret the flag as a threat: Give us what we want, or else.