LAPD Blog

Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University Concludes 10-year Study on Changes Made by the LAPD

May 18, 2009 – Chief William Bratton along with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and members from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University held a press conference to announce the findings of a 10-year study conducted by the renowned university.  The independent study, which was funded by the Los Angeles Police Foundation, offers an analysis of data provided by the Department which includes Use of Force issues, discipline, leadership and governance, and Department perception among the community. 

With the Department looking to come out from under a Federal Consent Decree, this independent report studies many of the same aspects laid out by the federal government and should underscore the findings of the federal monitor.

To view the report in its entirety, please visit our website atwww.lapdonline.org

CHIEF BRATTON VISITS RECRUIT CLASS

April 23, 2009 - This morning at Elysian Park Academy Chief Bratton addressed the newest Recruit class. He stated the Recruits had worked hard to get there, and encouraged them to continue to work hard in order to complete the strenuous demands and training of the program. Chief Bratton recognized that by being in the Academy, the Recruits have proved they have the physical, mental, and spiritual strength needed to become an LAPD Officer.

He informed the Recruits law enforcement is an extraordinary profession, and the LAPD is an excellent organization, the epitome of law enforcement. The LAPD badge is most recognized worldwide, it is a privilege to wear it, and the Recruits should not be tempted to tarnish it.  “Every time you pin it, look at it, feel it and understand what it represents. ’’

Chief Bratton stated the recruits have joined the Department at an exciting time. He commented that becoming an LAPD Officer comes with great power, but the law should be enforced with great responsibility. The Chief urged the Recruits to enforce the law constitutionally, compassionately, and consistently. Police Officers must never break the law to enforce it, and never be tempted to pass the threshold of the Constitution.  Lastly he encouraged the Recruits to work hard and strive to be the best, to be an individual, but to share their skills with others that might need help.

The class composed of 76 recruits, began training in the Academy in March 2009, and is scheduled to graduate in September 11, 2009.

Note for the April 14, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman commented on the Department’s planning efforts for the pending California Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8.  He commended the Department for reaching out and working with community groups to ensure the protection of their 1st and 4th Amendment rights as citizens.
• Police Chief William Bratton informed the Commission that generally economic downturns result in a rise in property crime but stated that hasn’t been the case in the City.  In categories such as burglary and domestic violence, which tend to trend higher, the numbers are down.  He attributed the declining numbers to the officers in uniform and community involvement.  Chief Bratton also announced he will be attending a conference at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Boston regarding gang crime. 
• The Department’s verbal presentation on the status of Autism training was given by Captain Ann Young.  She informed the Commission 1,196 Department employees have been trained so far.  This number includes police officers, dispatchers, jailers, and reserves.  She added the Department works with the Autism Society of America to provide the training and added that April is Autism Awareness Month. 
• The Department’s verbal report and discussion relative to City Council Motion (CF #09-0546) regarding the naming of the new Police Administration Building was given by Assistant Chief Sharon Papa.  She said the City Council proposed the name “Parker Center” in honor of Police Chief William Parker who ran the Department from 1950 until his death in 1966.  Chief Papa added the motion was going ahead to the full City Council for a vote.  Commission President Anthony Pacheco said the Commission and community should have input into the naming of the new building. 
• The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to an update on the Department’s revised disciplinary process was given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez.  He stated there is no dramatic change to procedures to the Department manual as it pertains to discipline but noted there is a new way in which the Department deals with Official Reprimands (OR).  The Department is now going to be more involved in working with employees who receive OR’s by developing personnel through increased training.  The goal is to create more discourse among command staff to change the way employees think and behave.  He added there will be a lot more rigors in determining punishments and trainings.    
• The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of pending disciplinary actions as a result of the May Day 2007 incidents was given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez.  He said of the four remaining cases, three are pending and one is complete. Of the three pending cases, one opted for a Board of Rights (BOR) after receiving a suspension from the Chief of Police.  The completed case went to a BOR where the employee was found Not-Guilty on a count of False Statements and found Guilty of a count of Unauthorized Force.  Chief Perez said he would come back in June to inform the Commission on the findings of the last three cases.
• The Department’s verbal presentation relative to the Work Environment Liaison Division (WELD) was given by Captain Jerilyn Weinstein.  She said WELD was formally known as the OMBUDS office and was created in 1997.  After careful consideration the name was formally changed to WELD due to definition discrepancies.  Two of the main areas of emphasis to the division were to assist with honesty and to change the Department’s perception on problem solving.  She added the division has since been fielding many phone calls from Department personnel who want direction on how to handle workplace conflict.
• The Department’s report, dated March 20, 2009, relative to the effectiveness of the Lateral Officer Hiring Signing Bonus, as given by Captain Joseph Mariani, was approved and transmitted to the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee.  Captain Mariani informed the Commission since the ordinance was enacted on January 16, 2008 the Department has hired 739 recruits, four of which were laterals.  Based on the success of the Department’s recruitment process, he recommended the program be discontinued.
• The Executive Director’s report, dated April 2, 2009, relative to the Attorney-Client Advice Letter to the board confirming lien processing fees should have been included in the official police garages’ 7% gross receipts fees, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the City Controller. 
• The Department’s report, dated March 27, 2009, relative to the Gang Awareness Training Audit (AD No. 08-024), was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated March 17, 2009, relative to the Quarterly Status Report, Third Quarter, Fiscal Year 2008/09, was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated March 25, 2009, relative to the Southeast Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID No. 08-118), was approved.
• The Department’s report, dated March 27, 2009, relative to Complaint Form 1.28, Investigations Audit – Phase II (AD No. C08-010), was received and the Office of the Inspector General was directed to submit an analysis of the report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.
• The Department’s report, dated March 27, 2009, relative to the Gang Enforcement Detail Selection Criteria Audit (AD No. C08-011), was received and the Office of the Inspector General was directed to submit an analysis of the report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.
• The Department’s report, dated March 18, 2009, relative to the Management’s Response to the recommendation of the supervisor and Field Training Officer Training Audit, Second Quarter (AD No. 07-018), was received and filed.
• The Office of the Inspector General’s report, dated April 2, 2009, relative to the Department’s Complaint Form 1.28, Investigations Phase I Audit, Fiscal Year 2008-2009, as given by Inspector General Andre Birotte, was approved.  Mr. Birotte informed the Commission the audit was well done and thought it was a significant improvement over the last report with regards to complaints.  He recommended to Commander Richard Webb that complaint investigations be completed within 150 days.
• The Office of the Inspector General’s report, dated April 2, 2009, relative to the Department’s Warrant Applications and Supporting Affidavits Audit, Fiscal Year 2008-2009, was approved.

Professional Standards Bureau Formal Inspection

LAPD’s Professional Standards Bureau’s (PSB) badges were shining brightly as they held their Formal Uniform Inspection this morning.  Deputy Chief Mark Perez, Commanding Officer of PSB, proudly led Chief William J. Bratton, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, and Commander Rick Webb as they inspected the Bureau’s rank and file.

Chief Bratton thanked the Bureau for its contributions and hard work in assisting the Department in exiting from the Consent Decree later on in June this year.  The LAPD has not only met the strenuous requirements of the Consent Decree but has exceeded them, creating what is known around the nation as best practices.  He stated, "The pillars that we get to stand on, the foundation of the future LAPD, is in many respects a foundation that you helped to shape and create."

Chief Bratton further praised the Officers. “I've watch you reform yourself. . . like a phoenix rising from the ashes . . . you restored the reputation of the whole Department."  He concluded by congratulating the officers on a successful inspection stating, “Nobody in the country does it better than the LAPD when it comes to the area of expertise that PSB possesses and that is exhibited everyday in the performance of their duties.”

Chief McDonnell also thanked and acknowledged the work performed by PSB “The work that they do has restored the credibility of the Department.  The credibility of this organization is right here, you are the palace’s guards.”

LAPD Harbor Area Teen Community Police Advisory Board

LAPD Harbor Area Teen Community Police Advisory Board’s
3rd Annual Teen Police Conference
By Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino, Teen CPAB Coordinator

  Teen C-PAB podcst

On Thursday, April 2, 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Teen Community Police Advisory Board (Teen CPAB) held its third Annual Teen Police Conference at the San Pedro Crowne Plaza.  250 students from area High Schools and members from LAPD youth programs took part of the City’s only teen police conference.  The conference began on a high note with messages of the importance of having strong character and believing in oneself by Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger.  Chief Paysinger was joined by LAPD Harbor Area Captain William Hayes, Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, School Board Member Dr. Richard Vladovic.

The conference committee was coordinated by the LAPD’s first Teen Community Police Advisory Board.  Teen CPAB, which was fathered by Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino, is an organization including teens who break down the barriers between police officers and teenagers.  Teen CPAB tackles complex issues involving teens and encourages them to problem solve with the police department.

Since its inception in January 2006, Harbor Area has experienced a decrease in youth violence.  In addition, Teen CPAB has produced and disseminated two public service announcements on the negative impacts of graffiti and the consequences of a curfew arrest.  Additionally, the teen organization has assisted eight other LAPD stations with starting their own respective Teen CPABs.  

Participants had an opportunity to attend three breakout sessions that focused on gang intervention/prevention measures, the negative impacts of driving under the influence, racial understanding and making the right choices.  

The Conference was summed up with a phenomenal keynote address from Chief William J. Bratton, who gave us an inspirational message of character and making the right choices in order to be productive members of society.

 

An Angel Gets His Wings

It was a celebration of a life well lived at the Faith Dome Sanctuary yesterday as dignitaries, family, friends and colleagues remembered their dearly beloved Deputy Chief Kenneth O. Garner.  Thousands of mourners filled the church to pay tribute to the community legend and to reminisce and exchange memories of him, each more wonderful than the next. 

Affectionately nicknamed Kenny G., Deputy Chief Garner was known throughout the City as a humanitarian for his deep compassion for the community, positive outlook and steadfast conviction that things can always get better.  Chief William J. Bratton commented on the humble leader, “He was a dreamer who got things done, a maker of those dreams.”    

As each speaker honored Deputy Chief Garner, one thing became apparent – there were three loves in his life: his love for his family, first and foremost his baby girl Lauren, his love for his Department, and his love for his community. Considered his “wingman,” Jim Tanner spoke of his good friend, “My wingman got his wings.”

Deputy Chief Garner proudly served the Department for nearly 32 years, most recently, returning to the community where he grew up and spent most of his early years in life when he assumed command of Operations-South Bureau.  He will be profoundly missed by all those who knew him.

Notes for the February 3, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• The Board of Police Commissioners offered words of encouragement to Officer Tony Razo and wished him a speedy recovery.
• Police Chief William Bratton reported thus far this year, property crime is down and violent crime has gone up a little.  However, with the implementation of new initiatives, he expects violent crime to trend downward over the course of the year.  Other areas of focus for the Department in 2009 are to achieve a 15% reduction in gang crime and reduce the number of traffic fatalities.  Chief Bratton also informed the Commission he and Deputy Chief Michael Downing recently returned from a Jordanian government sponsored trip to Jordan where they participated in a counter-terrorist forum.  The Jordanian government is believed to have some of the best counter-terrorism practices in the world and Chief Bratton will be sending a delegation of counter-terrorism officers to Jordan sometime later this year for additional training.
• The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the Department’s 2008 Officer Involved Shootings as presented by Captain Kris Pitcher was received.  Captain Pitcher reported while the number of Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) occurrences remained fairly steady over the past few years, due to improved officer training, there was a 17% increase in hit ratio since 2005 which is a 7% increase from last year.  He noted due to its complexity, OIS investigations comprise over 50% of the work load for the Force Investigation Division.  In comparison with other law enforcement agencies, the Los Angeles Police Department conducts one of the most thorough and comprehensive investigations, counting every single round involved in an OIS incident and taking the number of rounds in consideration when calculating the hit ratio.  Captain Pitcher also noted there was a 500% increase in off-duty shootings due in part to several officers being caught in off-duty situations where the public’s safety was in danger. Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco commended the Department for leading the way in investigating officer involved shootings. 
• The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to sworn officers performing functions of vacant civilian positions within the Department as presented by Police Administrator Sue Gordon was received.  Given the city’s financial situation and hiring freeze, she warned there may be a need to have sworn officers man civilian positions.  As sworn are unable to fill specialized positions as those in Scientific Investigation and Motor Transport Divisions, most of the positions they would be assisting with are administrative and clerical in nature. 
• The Department’s report, dated January 23, 2009, in response to City Council Motion (CF No. 08-0033), relative to Ingress and Egress Procedures for Evacuations, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.
• The Department’s report, dated January 23, 2009, in response to City Council Motion (CF No. 08-3128), relative to LAPD Direct Access to Developing Increased Safety Through Arms Recovery Management (DISARM) Program, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.
• The Department’s report, dated January 12, 2009, relative to the Annual Review of Intelligence Investigations, was approved.  

Compstat - End of the Year in Review for 2008

Click here for podcast

For the Troops Flag Presentation

December 8, 2008 – In a presentation held in front of Parker Center, members of the non-profit organization "For the Troops" presented Police Chief William Bratton with an American Flag which was flown over Camp Liberty in Iraq on September 11, 2008.  Members of the 716th Military Police Unit, stationed in Iraq, sent the flag to the Chief to serve as a "Thank You" for the Department's recent efforts in collecting donated goods that were sent overseas. 
 The items collected included students letters from local elementary schools, recording CD's, playing cards, pens, and non-perishable items listed on the troops request list.  They were collected as part of a fundraising effort initiated by the Department’s Valley Bureau and executed by its seven area divisions.  
 "For the Troops" is a volunteer non-profit foundation dedicated to showing the troops abroad that America Cares.  To date, 8,000 care packages have been sent to servicemen and women currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  

Chief Bratton in studio with Ryan Seacrest

Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - Chief Bratton was an in studio guest with Ryan Seacrest on his radio morning show, “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest” on KIIS-102.7FM.  During the 30 minute interview, Chief Bratton encouraged women to attend the Women’s Job Fair and Recruitment Seminar taking placed this weekend.  He talked about the need for the LAPD to have more female police officers, and the many career choices available to a female police officer. Chief Bratton said he is looking for women applicants who are “smart, tough and committed” and “being a LAPD officer is an extraordinary job offer.”

Mr. Seacrest congratulated the Chief on his success in keeping crime down in the City and asked him to describe what a typical day is like for him.  Mr. Seacrest also asked the Chief where he stands on the paparazzi and celebrities, pet peeves, and his reaction to the Mumbai terrorist events.

The Women’s Job Fair and Recruitment Seminar 2008 will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center, 5651 West Manchester Blvd, Los Angeles, 90045 (near LAX) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The LAPD entrance examination will be given at 11 a.m.

Demonstrations will feature physical fitness performance requirements, a Self-Defense demonstration and LAPD programs provided by the Candidate Assistance Program (CAP). 

The Women’s Job Fair and Recruitment Seminar provides community members an opportunity to meet with members of the Police Department and learn about the challenges and rewards of working in law enforcement. 

For more information on a career with the LAPD visit www.JOINLAPD.com or call 866-444-LAPD.