I think that's an assumption on your part regarding avoidance.  If you lived in LA, you'd know that LAPD officers are not shrinking violets.  

But these days, if they do avoid "hoods", it's because of the Ferguson and Baltimore incidents, where the police got "thrown under the bus", or crucified, by their local government officials.  So the officers hold back, are not proactive, and instead, just write reports of any crime committed and file them.

I can't validate or attest to the author's story.  Afterall, it's second hand information.

The author supports Black Lives Matter, but I ask what positive contribution has this organization made toward race relations?  I only equate it with violent demonstrations.  Am I mistaken?