PARKS SAYS SHOOTING NOT RESULT OF RACISM.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

In his strongest remarks since LAPD officers fatally shot a homeless African-American woman last week, Police Chief Bernard C. Parks rejected accusations Thursday the incident was racially motivated.

Parks also expressed frustration that the police are being blamed for the nation's racial problems.

``We shouldn't use race as an issue,'' Parks said.

``We are not going to solve the racial concerns of this country on this shooting, and we're not going to place the racial concerns of this country on law enforcement as the only element to be dealt with.

``If there is racism in the community, we should deal with it. But we should not say it is because of law enforcement.''

The LAPD and the FBI are looking into the May 21 shooting of Margaret Laverne Mitchell, a 54-year-old homeless woman. She was shot once in the chest after police say she lunged with a screwdriver at an officer.

At a meeting with Parks, Danny Bakewell of the Brotherhood Crusade, an advocacy group for African-Americans, raised the prospect that racism led to the shooting.

Parks said he tried to persuade Bakewell otherwise.

``I spoke with Mr. Bakewell and I disagree with him,'' said Parks, who is also African-American.

``I don't think this department or the officers involved should carry the weight of issues that are far older than they are and the baggage (others) want to lace on stereotyping law enforcement in general or the LAPD in particular,'' Parks said.

As protests continued around Parker Center on the police actions, Parks said he hoped to see a speedy conclusion to the investigation.

``We think this will come to some resolution very quickly,'' Parks said. ``We can't prejudge the situation or declare what we think we have. We have to interview witnesses . . . to have a comprehensive investigation to submit to the use-of-force board and the Police Commission.''

Mayor Richard Riordan also urged caution.

``We shouldn't judge this,'' Riordan said. ``Independent investigations are under way, and we should wait to see what develops.''

Riordan also expressed his condolences for the Mitchell family, who had tried to get the woman into counseling and treatment programs to get her off the streets.

``We are putting more money in the city for the homeless than ever before,'' Riordan said. ``And I do feel sorry for the woman and her family.''