LAPD Blog

Notes from the September 15, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President John Mack announced the final community meeting regarding input on the new Chief of Police would be held Thursday in the Watts community.

•    Police Chief William Bratton said the City experienced a relatively quiet summer with regards to crime trends.  He added there are currently 314 recruits in the academy.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 28, 2009, relative to Northeast Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID No. 09-063), as given by Captain William Murphy, was approved.  Captain Murphy stated the area maintained a 95% compliance on three out of five objectives with the other two needing improvement.  He also had met with Audit Division staff to ensure his officer and detectives were given coaching and training.  Captain Murphy concluded by saying he had complete confidence the numbers would improve.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 31, 2009, relative to the City Council Motion to identify parking regulations and enforcement of government vehicles with E-plates, was approved and transmitted to the Public Safety Committee.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 1, 2009, relative to transmittal of the grant extension of the 2007 Six Site Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative Program, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 1, 2009, relative to Transmittal of the Grant Award Agreement for the Fiscal Year 2007 Infrastructure Protection Grant Program: Chemical Sector Buffer Zone Protection Program Grant, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 1, 2009, relative to Transmittal of the Report of a No Cost Extension for the 2007 Anti-Gang Initiative Grant Program, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 1, 2009, relative to transmittal of the grant application for the fiscal year 2008 Competitive Training Grant Program, as given by Deputy Chief Michael Downing, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council. Chief Downing stated the first counter-terrorism academy started in November of 2007 as a pilot program offered to local, mid-level law enforcement officials.  After a successful pilot, the Department applied for and received federal and state grants.  Chief Downing added the grants would allow there to be an academy for the next three years which will take place at the ARTC in Westchester.  He finished by saying the program will be the most sophisticated system in the nation and will be open to local law enforcement agencies.

•    The Inspector General’s report, dated September 4, 2009, relative to the Office of the Inspector General’s Post-Consent Decree Audit and Review Plan (tentative), was approved.  Inspector General Andre Birotte informed the Board the tentative plan gives the Board a sense of what they are looking at in the coming years with regards to oversight.  Vice-President Andrea Ordin instructed Executive Director Richard Tefank to start scheduling meetings at the Inspector General’s office to discuss what exactly they need from the Board of Police Commissioners.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated August 31, 2009, relative to Los Angeles City Bingo rules and regulations, was approved and transmitted to City Council.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated August 31, 2009, relative to payroll deductions for charitable organizations, was approved and transmitted to the City Council. 

Notes from the September 8, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President John Mack said the Board is holding another community meeting on the west side regarding the new Chief of Police.  President Mack encouraged members of the community to come out and voice their opinions on what qualities they would like to see in the new Police Chief.

•    Police Commission Vice-President Andrea Ordin said she attended the first of a series of community meetings regarding the new Chief of Police and was impressed with the people who attended and the feedback they offered.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman spent a half-day last week learning about the Department’s SWAT team and observed a training session that he described as “very productive.”

•    First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell said he would be attending the Department’s 10th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference on Wednesday, September 9.  He added there is always a good turnout for this event.  Chief McDonnell also informed the Board there are currently 317 new recruits in the academy.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the DNA backlog was given by Deputy Chief Charlie Beck.  Chief Beck informed the Board that as of last week the current back-log of untested kits was 3,266, which represents a 57% reduction from the 7500 untested kits from a year ago.  He said he anticipated having the back-log completely eliminated by July of 2011.  Chief Beck added Scientific Investigation Division hired 10 Criminalists last year and will hire 16 more this year, making the Unit fully staffed by 2011.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 26, 2009, relative to the MacArthur Park, May 1, 2007, Investigation – Disciplinary Investigation and Summary Report, as given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez, was approved.  Chief Perez offered a synopsis of the investigation dating back to its inception.  He said in the hours immediately following the incident an internal investigation began.  Evidence collection was tedious with video and audio tapes and thousands of other things needing to be examined.  Investigators conducted interviews with 72 complainants and 150 police officers.  Once investigations were complete, three command staff officers designed the adjudication.  That adjudication was then presented to the Chief of Police for final recommendation.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 26, 2009, relative to Supplemental Police Account XXIII for Fiscal Year 2009/10, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 27, 2009, relative to the request for approval of automated property information management system evaluation agreement with International Business Machines, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 28, 2009, relative to the Semi-Annual Consent Decree Mental Illness Project Status Report – January through June 2009, as given by Captain Ann Young was approved and transmitted to the City Council, Public Safety Committee.  Captain Young informed the Board they have developed new strategies which include having a satellite unit in each of the Department bureaus.  She added the computer system for tracking has improved over the years and the entire Department participated in an e-learning course.

•    The Department’s report, dated September 4, 2009, relative to the Transmittal of Speed Awareness and Motorcycle Safety (SAMS) grant award from the California Office of Traffic Safety, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Inspector General’s report, dated September 1, 2009, relative to the Transition Agreement Implementation Plan, as given by Inspector General Andre Birotte, was approved.  Mr. Birotte stated the transition agreement between the City of Los Angeles and the Department of Justice is now in effect.  With the new agreement, much of the responsibility of monitoring the Department falls on the Police Commission and the Inspector General’s office.  The four areas of concern with regards to the agreement are bias policing, financial disclosure, TEAMS II continuation, and the management of gang units.  Mr. Birotte added they will continue to monitor other aspects such as complaint investigations and use of force.

Notes from the August 11, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

LOS ANGELES POLICE COMMISSION

       Chief Selection Process

The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners is responsible for the selection of three final candidates for the Chief of Police.  The term for Chief of Police is five years, with the possibility of a second term, if approved by the Commission.  As per the City Charter, the recruitment, selection and appointment process is as follows:

• The recruitment and selection of qualified candidates for the position of Chief of Police shall be administered by the General Manager of the Personnel Department, in cooperation with the Board of Police Commissioners.

• The General Manager of the Personnel Department shall refer a group of at least six highly qualified candidates to the Board of Police Commissioners.

• After an in-depth analysis and interview of the candidates, the Board of Police Commissioners shall provide a list of three candidates, ranked in order, to the Mayor.

• The Mayor may select any of the three candidates or request that the Board of Police Commissioners provide another list of three candidates, ranked in order.

• The Mayor’s final selection is subject to city Council approval.

The Police Commission’s goal is to provide three candidates to Mayor Villaraigosa with sufficient time for his selection of a Chief of Police by the end of October.

•  The Board of Police Commissioners elected John Mack as President and Andrea Sheridan Ordin as Vice President of the Commission for 2009-2010.

•    Police Commissioner Alan Skobin met with Department staff with regards to the new in-car video system.  He said the system was almost ready for field testing with Senior Lead Officers and stressed the system was very important to the Department and was a high priority.

•    Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger congratulated Commissioners John Mack and Andrea Ordin on their newly elected position on behalf of Police Chief William Bratton.  He also congratulated the men and women of the Department and the members of the community for their continued efforts in driving down the crime rate.

•    Executive Director Richard Tefank offered a run-down on the process of selecting the new Chief of Police.  The General Manager of the Personnel Department will refer six highly qualified candidates to the Board of Police Commissioners.  After an in-depth analysis and interview of the candidates, the Commission provides a list of three candidates to the Mayor, at which time the Mayor may select any of the three candidates or request the Board to provide another list of three candidates.  The Mayor’s final selection is subject to City Council approval.

•    The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Pacific Area was given by Captain Joseph Hiltner and Ms. Pat Karasick.  Ms. Karasick said the Pacific C-PAB membership varies throughout the year.  She added they have partnerships with organizations such as Loyola University to address quality of life issues.  The Pacific
C-PAB participated in last week’s National Night Out event and held an open house over the weekend where they passed out information on the C-PAB for recruitment.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 8, 2009, relative to the Police Officer III eligibility, was approved.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated August 5, 2009, relative to Senate Bill 731, Regulation of Massage Therapy, was approved.

Notes from the July 21, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission Vice President John Mack commended the Department, Chief, command staff, and the rank and file employees, both sworn and civilian, for their hard work in bringing the Department out from under the Federal Consent Decree.  Vice President Mack added this was an important chapter in the City’s history and while the Department has made tremendous strides, there is still work to be done.

•    First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell informed the Commission he and Chief William Bratton met with United States Attorney General Eric Holder while he was visiting Los Angeles.  Attorney General Holder was interested in seeing how the relationship between the Department and his agency worked.  Chief McDonnell added there are currently 337 new police recruits in the Academy.

•    The Department’s report, dated July 10, 2009, relative to the Amendment to the Annual Audit Plan, Fiscal Year 2008/09 and notice regarding the annual audit plan, fiscal year 2009/10, was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 26, 2009, relative to the Quarterly Status Report, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2008/09, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated July 10, 2009, relative to the Request for Approval of Letter of Agreement – Oak Tree Gun Club, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

Notes from the June 30, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commissioner John Mack called Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco a man of tremendous integrity as he bid Mr. Pacheco farewell. 

•    Police Commissioner Alan Skobin said President Pacheco has served as a mentor to a number of individuals from the Police Department as well as other City departments.  He added what he was most impressed with was Mr. Pacheco’s upbringing and his rise to the position he occupies today.  He stated President Pacheco never forgot where he came from and thanked him and his law firm for allowing him to serve.

•    Police Commissioner Andrea Ordin echoed the sentiments of her fellow Commissioners and said it was a pleasure to work with President Pacheco.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman said he appreciated President Pacheco’s leadership and friendship.

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco said he had a wonderful four year stint as a Police Commissioner, two of which were as President. He added it was a great pleasure to work with Police Chief Bratton, Inspector General Andre Birotte, Executive Director Richard Tefank and their respective staffs. 

•    Police Chief William Bratton spoke on behalf of the men and women of the Department and thanked President Pacheco for his leadership through the years.  He added President Pacheco can take great pride in the change he has witnessed during his tenure on the Commission. 

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of pending disciplinary actions as a result of the May Day 2007 incident was given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez.  He informed the Commission all investigations pertaining to the May Day incident had been completed.  Five officers were suspended as a result of a Board of Rights and one Sergeant was found Not Guilty.  He added the absence of training had a determination on the outcome of the complaints.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the discipline settlement process was given by Deputy Chief Mark Perez.  Chief Perez stated since 2004, the number of settlements has declined steadily and the criteria have changed.  The Department does not plea bargain and the settlement must meet four main requirements: Command staff belief in development in an employee, employee acceptance of responsibility, core facts must not be in dispute and the proposal must be accepted by Professional Standards Bureau command staff.  The goal is to have less settlement agreements in the end.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the in-car video system was given by Chief Information Officer Tim Riley.  Mr. Riley informed the Commission 300 cars in South Bureau have video installed and the corresponding area stations have equipment which has been tested.  City Hall East stores all the video captured and Scientific Investigation Division is responsible for making videos for court requests.  The video policy draft has been completed and Senior Lead Officers from Southeast Area are going to be the first to be trained on the new system beginning next week. The TEAMS II section will be responsible for training Department personnel and training will take approximately 30 days.  As early as next week the Department could have in-car cameras online and ready to go on a very limited basis.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the Miranda admonishment guidelines was given by Captain Sargent.  He said they looked at the issue of when personnel are supposed to stop questioning.  Realizing there were wider issues with laws, he gave it to Planning and Research Division (PRD) to craft a Department-wide policy.  PRD pulled directives, training bulletins and other documents and is working with the City Attorney to compose a draft. Police Commission Pacheco asked to have the item revisited in a few weeks.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 24, 2009, relative to the Categorical Use of Force Investigation Audit (IAID No. C08-008), was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 9, 2009, relative to the Audit of the Non-Categorical Use of Force Investigation Process (IAID No. C09-064) was received and filed.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated June 30, 2009, relative to the Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal, was approved.  Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco was presented with the Police Commissions highest honor.

Notes from the June 23, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief William Bratton stated two major events, the Lakers rally and parade, went off very well and showcased the professionalism of the Department and its officers.  He also mentioned a Los Angeles Times report on the public’s opinion on the Department mirrored that of the Harvard Study which was released May 2009.  The Chief stated the reports are the tipping point in the public’s opinions on the Department.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation and discussion relative to the status of the digital in-car video system was removed from the calendar.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 2, 2009, relative to the 77th Street Area Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID NO. 09-046), as given by Captain Lance Smith, was approved.  Captain Smith informed the Commission he looked at articulation and documentation when it came to probable cause, performance evaluations, and probation and parole searches.  He brought in personnel from Risk Management and a performance auditor to help evaluate.  Captain Smith added training provided to personnel is on-going and repetitive.  Commissioner Andrea Ordin was pleased with the remarkable change that took place between 2007 and 2009.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 12, 2009, relative to Home-Garaging Authorities – Fiscal Year 2009/2010, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 12, 2009, relative to Special Order Regarding Home-Garaging, Temporary Home-Garaging and Dispersal Parking – Revised, was approved. 

Notes from the June 16, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief William Bratton was in Washington D.C. to speak on behalf of the Major Cities Chief’s Association in favor of a Crime Commission to a congressional panel.  He is going to return to Washington on July 1 to speak on counter-terrorism issues.

•    The verbal presentation by the Department and City Attorney’s office relative to Gang Injunction Guidelines was given by Mr. Bruce Riordan.  Mr. Riordan stated the 2009 gang injunction guidelines have been finalized and are ready for review.  Included in the guidelines is the incorporation of a removal process.  The goal of the 2009 version was to make the injunction targeted.  The injunction will be made publicly available.

•    The Department’s verbal presentation relative to the change of uniform to be worn by retired police officers employed by private entities to provide traffic and crowd control at filming locations was given by First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell.  Chief McDonnell said the Department would no longer allow retired personnel to wear an active duty uniform.  The issue at hand is the LAPD image, credibility and brand.  A public safety type uniform will be available which is not similar in any way to uniforms worn by the LAPD, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or the California Highway Patrol.  Retirees will be allowed to wear a gun with ammunition, however they must have all the necessary permits.

•    The Department’s report, dated June 3, 2009, relative to the Approval of Twenty-Fifth Amendment to Agreement No. C94580 with Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc. was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor. 

•    The Department’s report, dated June 11, 2009, relative to the approval of First Supplemental Agreement to Agreement No. C-113412 between the City of Los Angeles and Serological Research Institute for Forensic DNA Analysis Services was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

Notes for the June 2, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco, along with Commissioners John Mack and Andrea Sheridan Ordin attended the Department’s 30 year pen ceremony held in the Parker Center Auditorium.  The ceremony honors those employees who have 30 years or more of service to the Department and the community. 

•    Over the weekend, Commissioner Andrea Sheridan Ordin attended the Women Against Gun Violence Conference where Officer Kristina Ripatti was honored.  Commissioner Ordin said Ms. Ripatti spoke wonderfully and was happy to see her honored.

•    First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell stated last Thursday’s Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony and Luncheon was a very proud day for the organization.  With 26 recipients, 5 of which were women, it was the most the Department has celebrated in one year.  He added he was very impressed with their stories of sacrifice and heroism.  Chief McDonnell also said the Department held the 31st Annual Memorial Run at the Elysian Park Police Academy.  More than 800 people participated in this year’s event which culminated Police Memorial Month.

•    The verbal presentation and update from the Commanding Officer and Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) representative regarding community initiated problem solving, crime strategies, and other programs and goals within the Harbor area was given by Captain William Hayes and C-PAB co-chair Mona Sutton.  Ms. Sutton said Harbor area has a very strong and dedicated group of C-PAB members.  They have established a Spanish C-PAB which for the first time was combined with the English C-PAB.  In addition, the Teen C-PAB works with local High Schools on drinking and drug issues.  They also conduct an annual Teen C-PAB conference.  Other programs include CAL PAL summer program, KID COP, Helping Badge and Movies in the Park.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 13, 2009, relative to the Discipline Report, First Quarter, 2009, was received. The Commission directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 26, 2009, relative to the contract no. 90112360 to present the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation (ICI) Courses – July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010, was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

Notes from the May 26, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco announced he would be stepping down from his position on the Commission effective July 1, 2009.  He expressed his sincere gratitude for being able to serve on the Commission for four years and thanked his fellow Commissioners for their support.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman informed the Commission that he was going to be accompanying the Chief to various demonstrations throughout the City over the California Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8. 

•    The verbal presentation and discussion by the Department relative to the Human Trafficking Task Force was given by Lieutenant Dennis Ballas and Management Analyst  Kimberly Agbonkpolor.  Ms. Agbonkpolor stated the task force started in 2005 through a grant from the federal government.  Since then, the task force has trained more than 8,000 LAPD personnel and 500 City personnel which include building inspectors and other entities.  Lieutenant Ballas added that human trafficking amounts to modern-day slave trade and the Department conducts surveillance and undercover operations in order to disband the trafficking rings.  He continued by saying the Department has good relationships with other agencies across the nation in which they share information with.  This helps in tracking the rings as they move from city to city.  The unit has an 800 number to report any suspicious activity and have developed a website which will launch shortly.

•    The Department’s report dated January 3, 2009, and Inspector General’s report, dated May 14, 2009, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, Fourth Quarter 2008, as given by Inspector General André Birotte, was reviewed and approved.  Mr. Birotte stated he looked at samples of complaint intake audits and Ethics Enforcement audits and felt the investigations were done very well.  He added he has a very positive working relationship with the Ethics Enforcement Section of Professional Standards Bureau and was very impressed overall.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 13, 2009, relative to the Supplemental Police Account First Quarterly Report (January through March 2009) was approved and transmitted to the City Council and City Controller.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 19, 2009, relative to the Foothill Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID No. 09-047) was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 15, 2009, relative to Management’s Response to the Recommendation of the Timekeeping and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) audit, March 2008, was received and filed.

Notes from the May 19, 2009 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief William Bratton informed the Commission that he was in Washington D.C last week as part of a police memorial which honored fallen Los Angeles Police Officers Randall Simmons and Spree Desha among others.  The Department had a contingent of more than 100 officers in attendance.  While in D.C., Chief Bratton also met with Department of Homeland Security personnel to discuss counter-terrorism policies and procedures.

•    The verbal presentation by the Department and the Mary Magdalene Project relative to the Mary Magdalene Project was given by Dr. Martin McCombs and Deputy Chief Michael Moore.  Dr. McCombs spoke on the history of the institution saying the organization gives women who have been victimized by street prostitution the opportunity to turn their lives around and has been in existence for 30 years.  Chief Moore stated Valley Bureau works with the Mary Magdalene Project to help women who have been arrested for prostitution in the area.  The pilot program, which took 3 ½ years to develop, is given at no cost to the City and is funded by grants.

•    The verbal presentation by the Department and the U.S Attorney’s Office relative to gang enforcement and prosecution was given by United States Attorney Tom Obrien.  Mr. Obrien’s district covers 7 Southern California counties including Los Angeles.  Increased cooperation between state and local agencies had led to the capture and imprisonment of some of the most notorious gang members in the city.  Mr. Obrien added Chief Bratton has been one of the biggest collaborators with his office in devising a comprehensive attack on the most violent and active gangs in the City.  He finished by saying he looks forward to continuing their efforts in the fight against gang violence.

•    The verbal presentation by the Department and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University regarding the “Policing Los Angeles Under a Consent Decree: The Dynamics of Change at the LAPD” report was given by Ms. Christine Cole and Mr. Todd Fogelsong.  Ms. Cole stated the study aimed to answer a number of questions pertaining to the Department as it relates to organizational progress.  The report analyzed data provided by the Department and conducted numerous surveys.  The findings revealed a greater accountability with officers and as a result, there has been a reduction in crime, an increase in public confidence and an increase in the total number of prosecutions.  Ms. Cole finished by adding the full report could be viewed on the University’s website.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 4, 2009, relative to the Department’s response to the recommendation of the Office of the Inspector General’s Non-Categorical use of Force Investigations Audit, Fiscal Year 2007/2008, was continued to next week.

•    The Department’s report, dated May 12, 2009, relative to the Request for Information: Recapitulation of Warrants Authored and Firearms Seized by Gang Impact Teams, First Quarter 2009, was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated April 30, 2009, relative to the Semi-Annual Consent Decree Mental Illness Project Status Report – July through December 2008, was approved and transmitted to the City Council, Public Safety Committee.