Smart Negotiating or Scare Tactic?

Several billboards in Monrovia have residents and business owners up in arms. The controversial, larger-than-life signs were put up by the Monrovia Police Officers' Association with a bold message: Caution: You're Approaching Monrovia. Higher Violent Crime. Fewer Officers Patrolling. The MPOA is hoping the billboards will help to gain public support for a 23 percent increase for the city's police force. Last March, the city council broke off negotiations with the officers' union after an offer of a 16.5 percent raise was rejected.

Residents and business owners feel these billboards are painting an unfair picture of their city, and they're not afraid to let their voices be heard. One Monrovia store owner says it's hurting her business. "I believe it’s not portraying what the city really is. We are not a dangerous city." Another business owner, who has had her Monrovia business for over 17 years, says she feels betrayed. "I hope that they get their act together and that they apologize to us because I don’t know how they’re gonna repair the damage in the breach of trust that they’ve created with those billboards." She goes on to say, "This worries me because police are supposed to have very high ethical standards and while most of our officers do, it’s clear that the police union in general does not."

So are these billboards welcoming criminals to the city by stating that there are "fewer officers patrolling?" One salon owner says yes. "They’re saying they’re not really equipped, they don’t have enough officers…and perhaps criminals will go and steal from residences or the salon."

While many residents understand that negotiating a higher salary is a normal process, they're on the fence when it comes to this type of tacic. The Monrovia Police Officers' Association has created a website to explain their billboards. www.monroviapoa.com

Is it smart negotiating or a scare tactic? You be the judge. Check out my full report on KTLA.com.