In interviews with The Times, numerous Black officers said that they felt targeted by what they saw as dog-whistle language in McBride's column about “Coolio” hairstyles. 

LAPD Chief Michel Moore said that while he only skimmed McBride's column, it was clear from what he read that the union leader's views were “out of step” with changing social norms.

“I would ask that Jamie reflect upon the evolution of our societal standards and that he evolve as well,” Moore said in an interview.

He also pointed to what he saw as the hypocrisy of McBride talking about officers' appearances, when the union leader proudly displays sleeve tattoos off duty and has been known to sport a goatee in the past.

“I find it interesting that he would throw rocks at others,” the chief said, noting that since McBride doesn't regularly wear a uniform or appear in court, he doesn't have to adhere to the same standards as other officers.

But, the chief added: “I think his criticisms go beyond that. I think his criticisms went to disagree with the CROWN Act provisions, and that is where I think he's out of step.”

McBride told The Times that his column had everything to do upholding a certain standard of appearance, not race. He said he had received nothing but positive feedback, including from “active command staff [who] said that they agree with me but they can't say anything because of their position.”

“This isn't picking on any one group, white, Black and Latino officers with beards,” he said. “We're LAPD: we're supposed to look sharp, we're supposed to look processional.”