From a July 11 campaign stop in Lynwood, California, the Los Angeles Times quoted Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger responding to a question about minutemen, saying the following:
"I support any time that a civilian wants to go and do the job that law enforcement cannot do. I'm for that. I'm not for any harassment. I'm not for anyone carrying weapons. I'm not for any of that.
"But I have, for instance, in my house -- for years and years and years -- I've hired private security to take care of my house, because I felt that the police could not really cover every single house and protect the children and families."
The statement ignited controversy, rallying both the Governor's political critics, and leaders of state law enforcement organizations.
A July 14 letter demanding an apology was cosigned and sent by leaders within Police Officers Associations (POAs) of LA County, Fresno, Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco, as well as from the Deputy Sherriff's Associations (DSAs) of Santa Clara and Sacramento. The letter took offense with the Governor's comments and criticized his efforts to curb police benefits and recruitment.