LAPD Investigating Officers for Failing Integrity Test
Los Angeles: Wednesday morning, May 10, 2006, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Ethics Enforcement Section confronted a 16-year veteran officer, Edward Zamora, following a six-month investigation into Zamora's activities while on duty.
Officer Zamora, 44, came to the investigators' attention during a routine review of officers' work histories, which included reviewing arrest reports, public claims, personnel complaints, and other records. The detectives noticed a pattern worthy of investigating, and designed a series of controlled situations to test Zamora’s veracity.
"This investigation reaffirms the LAPD's commitment to full implementation of the Consent Decree and its mandates, which ironically arose from officers assigned to Rampart station in the late nineties," said Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton.
Late Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, undercover investigators conducted their audit to determine how Zamora and his partner would handle an arrest. At the audit's conclusion, the investigators notified Zamora and his partner and relieved them from duty. Both officers are assigned to home, pending the outcome.
The original investigation had only focused on Zamora, who has been assigned to Rampart Police Station since 1992. There is no indication that Zamora’s behavior is linked to any other officers.
Detectives will determine what part, if any, the partner officer had in the event. Zamora's partner was not originally part of the investigation.
Investigators presented the case to the District Attorney's office yesterday. It will be up to prosecutors to determine what, if any, criminal charges will be filed. Zamora will also face internal, administrative charges, which are typically addressed after the criminal review is done.
Professional Standards Bureau, LAPD's internal affairs, is conducting an intensive review of Zamora's arrest reports and daily field activities. The Police Commission's Inspector General has monitored the investigation since its inception.
The Ethics Enforcement Section was created in 2001, and is made up of undercover detectives and sergeants. They track and analyze officers’ activities, looking for aberrant problems. They conduct tests, or audits, to evaluate police integrity. In 2005, the unit conducted 47 audits of possible criminal activities. The unit’s findings are reported to the Police Commission. The unit also audits conformance to department policy, such as the likelihood of officers accepting a public complaint.
It's good to see this blog is covering both positive and negative news about the LAPD. You'll get a lot more citizen attention by doing this, as opposed to being an empty puff organ like so many LA city websites. Good job.
Why does the Rampart Dvision receive so much negative press? There are lots of good officers out there, and (Surprise!) many of them work in Rampart. Don't base all your perceptions on what you read in the media.
So of the 47 audits done by the secret police in 2005, how many investigations actually cleared the officers and found the officers of no wrong-doing? This story and they way it was written leaves the reader with the assumption that there were 47 or more bad cops out there. I am sure the truth will prove to be the opposite. There is no reason to write such a misleading paragraph. Let's please tell the entire truth.
With the lack of info as to exactly what the officers are being investigated for, I can't really back or condemn them. I can say that lately there has been an increase in "witch hunts."
Having grown up in L.A. and had my share of run-ins with LAPD during my teen years, I can say that if not for the stern dealings by the officers, the message might not have gotten to me. Nowadays, the treatment I got would land them in hot water. I appreciate the way they treated me as it not only scared me, it forever established their position of authority and respect. I know of no one now that knows what an "alley ride" is!
We need to stop vilifying the officers and making them afraid to assert their authority! When respect for them is lost, all is lost!
Let us all wait to see what the out come of this investigation is. The LAPD's Police Commission has jumped to conclusions as recently as Ofcr Hatfield in the Southeast incident and Ofcr Garcia in the Devon Brown shooting. The Department makes Ofcrs sceptical by assuming every Ofcr is guilty until proven innocent. If this Ofcr broke the law or department policy, deal with him accordingly. But lets reserve our judgement until the investigation is complete.
The article didn't say anything about officer Zamora being arrested on the spot. In order to plant the drugs on someone he had to be possessing them didn't he? Isn't that a felony in California? Instead of relieving this guy of duty, why don't you fire him and lock him up the way he deserves to be? I'd be willing to bet the farm on it that sometime down the road this guy walks away scott free and then sues the city of Los Angeles for millions like that officer that beat that 16 year old deaf black kid a few years ago. What a joke. I still haven't seen the video where the officer claims this kid hit him in the groin. What would happen if your average citizen were to plant drugs on someone and then have them arrested and the police found out about it? They would arrest him on the spot. If the LAPD is so interested in changing the image they've had for so long, doing the right thing here would be a good start.
these officers are innocent until proven guilty!!!! why is the chief running them threw the mud?
why is his partner relieved of duty..he didint do anything?
I don't understand why Mr. Doit has such a problem with Internal Affairs doing their job. It seems that IA had enough information to warrant their decision. As a citizen, I would not want corrupt officers 'protecting' me. If Zamora and his partner did nothing wrong, than they need not worry. They will be returned to duty. If Zamora was in the wrong, and his partner was aware of it, then he is an accessory.
Mr. Doit says that the NEW LAPD motto is guilty until proven innocent. Would he rather go back to the Chief Parks era, where all officers who had a complaint filed against them by anyone (even Gang Bangers) were put on unpaid leave while the complaint was being investigated. Even when these officers were cleared of any wrong-doing, the complaints remained in their files, and did not receive retro-pay for the forced time off.
If I were an officer, I think I would opt for the new LAPD vs. the old...
I say Bring back Chief Gates, he'll get the job done! If not then make the Chiefs position a civil service appointment or elected position! These politicians are playing with our safety and we, the people, are losing! And why not a public VOTE on the consent decree? Let us decide.
This comment is specifically for Mike in Lancaster. Oh, so many things that you have half the information about.
1) For starters, the accusation is not that the officer pulled the drugs from his own pocket. Everything I have read in the newspapers is stating that there were drugs in close proximety of the "suspect" and the officer falsely reported he found the drugs ON the "suspect". So, that is the reason he was not arrested on the spot. He was not in possession of narcotics.
2) The 16 year old black kid you refer to who was "beaten" was not arrested by any officer in LAPD. Those officers were from Inglewood. (by the way, I found that on Google in about 15 seconds) I don't expect everyone to know every department something happens in, but please don't place blame where it is not deserved. It is bad enough when LAPD gets put through the ringer for the sake of TV ratings and media hype. The reason that you haven't "seen the video where the kid kicks the officer in the groin?" I imagine that is because you either haven't looked for it, or it hasn't been shown to the public because, that wouldn't cause an uproar about how bad the Police are. For the most part, the information is out there. Take the time to look for it and don't count on the television and print media. For the most part, outrage sells and both television and print are in the business of selling.
It is truly sad when someone will take any chance to take a swing at the LAPD or any police department and feel justified because they have a computer and a keyboard.
KEEP YOUR HEADS UP GUYS WE'RE DEALING WITH THE SAME THING OUT HERE. IT'S FUNNY HOW SOME GUY'S THAT CLAIM TO HAVE BLUE BLOOD CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT. THE FACT IS THAT THEY'RE COWARDS AND WERE NEVER GOOD STREET COPS BUT JEALOUS OF MEN WHO DON'T CAVE-IN TO LIBERAL, POLITICAL, AND MEDIA PRESSURE. IA WAS INTENDED TO CLEAR COPS NOT LYNCH THEM.
The problem that the Chief faces is that unlike Daryl Gates, he has to answer to our wonderful Mayor who recently declared at an immigration rally that "There are NO Illegals"....Please explain that one to us Mr. Mayor...
He also has to answer to John Mack, (Former President of the LA Urban League) who is now the President of the Police Commission...SAY WHAT??
And he also has to deal with a far left City Council....it's amazing that Cops can do their job at all...
If most would just put a few things into perspective without allowing their to anger get in the way, you'd truly see the big picutre. Audits have definately cleared their share of Officers yet but in todays climate that is not at all newsworthy; so you don't hear about it. Those that wish to point fingers, rant and rave should make sure they have reviewed all the pertinent information and then make an educated assumption. You can have your negative opinions about the internal audits but I'd bet your integrity is strengthened. Integrity is doing the right thing all the time even when no one is watching.
Well if one partner is negligent OR criminal during his duty and his partner stands by, makes no attempt to correct him or makes no effort to report him then, true he may not have assisted him in the behavior- but he has a duty to uphold and refusal to stop a crime or negligence is a failure to serve and protect.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me begin by stating that I am an ex-LAPD officer (8 years) who has moved on to another police department. The lure of being treated like an adult was too much for me. That being said, without a doubt, the best police officers in the world are in the LAPD. But I would not go back there if you made me a P-III plus fifty. This Ethics Enforcement Section sounds like a good gig. I am sure they are hard chargers who have set their recap goal and have exceeded that goal with flying colors. Police policing the police.The stack of 15.7s to go there must appear very impressive. Very noble indeed. However, I would like to see that unit recognize those officers who were "tested" and passed their set-ups with integrity, and honor. As the majority of officers everywhere do.
A close friend of mine who once worked for the Advocate Section of I.A, once responded to my "How can you sleep at night" tirades, by giving me examples of what some cops do to get themselves before an advocate. The examples made me realize that I.A is a necessary evil. However, the majority was off duty related tomfoolery or knee jerk reations to stupid harmless mistakes. No Raphael Perez Serpico capers. Hardly the stuff to pull needed investigators off robberies and homicides and form these secret decoder ring units. Put those people back on the street. If a cop is bad, he is usually stupid and he will eventually be discovered. In the mean time brothers and sisters be careful and do the right thing.
This stuck in my craw all weekend. Unless Zamora was a sociopath who slipped by the psychological testing upon entry, this was no way for the city to handle a multimillion dollar investment of taxpayer funds. Instead of having a squad of ghouls trying to prove the worst in human nature to justify their positions, I have another suggestion; as someone previously said, put them back in uniform. Take the best and brightest, most gifted professionals (who are mostly hardworking street cops), invest some money to train them as trainers, and let them rotate between divisions, riding along with officers, providing a continual upgrading of skills and techniques. Don't let an officer make mistakes or start going outside of the lines for 16 years and then knock him out of the game. Instead of so much emphasis on respecting boundaries, true concern demands that we get personal and let our coworkers and subordinates and our superiors know when we don't trust that they are acting in their best interest or our own. It is possible to do this while maintaining a state of forgiveness toward them. I know this because my superior is always in a state of forgiveness toward me, which allows me to continually self correct so that I can remain in the environment. My coworkers pull no punches with me, nor I with them. No one in our work environment considers it acceptable to lie in wait to catch someone and then to throw them away. My other suggestion to LAPD management: start catching your officers doing something right. It's real easy. I do it every day.
shame on himm
Posted by: johnny | May 16, 2006 at 02:09 PM
!!!!!!!!!!!!!GOTCHA!!!!!!!!!!!
score another point for the good guys down at IA. a hero's work is never down (right, berkow?).
Posted by: former officer formby | May 17, 2006 at 12:09 AM
So what exactly did Zamora do wrong?
Posted by: Rich | May 17, 2006 at 01:26 PM
It's good to see this blog is covering both positive and negative news about the LAPD. You'll get a lot more citizen attention by doing this, as opposed to being an empty puff organ like so many LA city websites. Good job.
Posted by: Screenscribbler | May 17, 2006 at 04:35 PM
Why does the Rampart Dvision receive so much negative press? There are lots of good officers out there, and (Surprise!) many of them work in Rampart. Don't base all your perceptions on what you read in the media.
Posted by: LA Fan | May 17, 2006 at 08:39 PM
So of the 47 audits done by the secret police in 2005, how many investigations actually cleared the officers and found the officers of no wrong-doing? This story and they way it was written leaves the reader with the assumption that there were 47 or more bad cops out there. I am sure the truth will prove to be the opposite. There is no reason to write such a misleading paragraph. Let's please tell the entire truth.
Posted by: Vic | May 18, 2006 at 11:48 AM
If his partner didn't have anything to do with it, why is the rat sqaud relieving him of duty?
Oh, I know, guilty until proven innocent; the new LAPD IA motto.
Posted by: Willie Doit | May 19, 2006 at 11:01 AM
With the lack of info as to exactly what the officers are being investigated for, I can't really back or condemn them. I can say that lately there has been an increase in "witch hunts."
Having grown up in L.A. and had my share of run-ins with LAPD during my teen years, I can say that if not for the stern dealings by the officers, the message might not have gotten to me. Nowadays, the treatment I got would land them in hot water. I appreciate the way they treated me as it not only scared me, it forever established their position of authority and respect. I know of no one now that knows what an "alley ride" is!
We need to stop vilifying the officers and making them afraid to assert their authority! When respect for them is lost, all is lost!
Posted by: Ripem | May 20, 2006 at 04:36 AM
Let us all wait to see what the out come of this investigation is. The LAPD's Police Commission has jumped to conclusions as recently as Ofcr Hatfield in the Southeast incident and Ofcr Garcia in the Devon Brown shooting. The Department makes Ofcrs sceptical by assuming every Ofcr is guilty until proven innocent. If this Ofcr broke the law or department policy, deal with him accordingly. But lets reserve our judgement until the investigation is complete.
Posted by: Great Job | May 20, 2006 at 11:05 AM
The article didn't say anything about officer Zamora being arrested on the spot. In order to plant the drugs on someone he had to be possessing them didn't he? Isn't that a felony in California? Instead of relieving this guy of duty, why don't you fire him and lock him up the way he deserves to be? I'd be willing to bet the farm on it that sometime down the road this guy walks away scott free and then sues the city of Los Angeles for millions like that officer that beat that 16 year old deaf black kid a few years ago. What a joke. I still haven't seen the video where the officer claims this kid hit him in the groin. What would happen if your average citizen were to plant drugs on someone and then have them arrested and the police found out about it? They would arrest him on the spot. If the LAPD is so interested in changing the image they've had for so long, doing the right thing here would be a good start.
Posted by: Mike in Lancaster | May 20, 2006 at 12:45 PM
these officers are innocent until proven guilty!!!! why is the chief running them threw the mud?
why is his partner relieved of duty..he didint do anything?
Posted by: unk | May 21, 2006 at 01:01 PM
I don't understand why Mr. Doit has such a problem with Internal Affairs doing their job. It seems that IA had enough information to warrant their decision. As a citizen, I would not want corrupt officers 'protecting' me. If Zamora and his partner did nothing wrong, than they need not worry. They will be returned to duty. If Zamora was in the wrong, and his partner was aware of it, then he is an accessory.
Mr. Doit says that the NEW LAPD motto is guilty until proven innocent. Would he rather go back to the Chief Parks era, where all officers who had a complaint filed against them by anyone (even Gang Bangers) were put on unpaid leave while the complaint was being investigated. Even when these officers were cleared of any wrong-doing, the complaints remained in their files, and did not receive retro-pay for the forced time off.
If I were an officer, I think I would opt for the new LAPD vs. the old...
Posted by: Allison | May 22, 2006 at 12:25 AM
I say Bring back Chief Gates, he'll get the job done! If not then make the Chiefs position a civil service appointment or elected position! These politicians are playing with our safety and we, the people, are losing! And why not a public VOTE on the consent decree? Let us decide.
Posted by: Ed | May 23, 2006 at 04:28 PM
This comment is specifically for Mike in Lancaster. Oh, so many things that you have half the information about.
1) For starters, the accusation is not that the officer pulled the drugs from his own pocket. Everything I have read in the newspapers is stating that there were drugs in close proximety of the "suspect" and the officer falsely reported he found the drugs ON the "suspect". So, that is the reason he was not arrested on the spot. He was not in possession of narcotics.
2) The 16 year old black kid you refer to who was "beaten" was not arrested by any officer in LAPD. Those officers were from Inglewood. (by the way, I found that on Google in about 15 seconds) I don't expect everyone to know every department something happens in, but please don't place blame where it is not deserved. It is bad enough when LAPD gets put through the ringer for the sake of TV ratings and media hype. The reason that you haven't "seen the video where the kid kicks the officer in the groin?" I imagine that is because you either haven't looked for it, or it hasn't been shown to the public because, that wouldn't cause an uproar about how bad the Police are. For the most part, the information is out there. Take the time to look for it and don't count on the television and print media. For the most part, outrage sells and both television and print are in the business of selling.
It is truly sad when someone will take any chance to take a swing at the LAPD or any police department and feel justified because they have a computer and a keyboard.
Posted by: Just Think People... | May 23, 2006 at 05:44 PM
KEEP YOUR HEADS UP GUYS WE'RE DEALING WITH THE SAME THING OUT HERE. IT'S FUNNY HOW SOME GUY'S THAT CLAIM TO HAVE BLUE BLOOD CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT. THE FACT IS THAT THEY'RE COWARDS AND WERE NEVER GOOD STREET COPS BUT JEALOUS OF MEN WHO DON'T CAVE-IN TO LIBERAL, POLITICAL, AND MEDIA PRESSURE. IA WAS INTENDED TO CLEAR COPS NOT LYNCH THEM.
Posted by: JERSEYCOP | May 24, 2006 at 02:46 PM
To Willie Doit or anyone who cares to respond:
What is an "alley ride"?
Thanks
Posted by: Chris F | May 25, 2006 at 01:17 PM
amen ed !!!!
amen just think people !!!
Posted by: curtis | May 26, 2006 at 01:35 AM
The problem that the Chief faces is that unlike Daryl Gates, he has to answer to our wonderful Mayor who recently declared at an immigration rally that "There are NO Illegals"....Please explain that one to us Mr. Mayor...
He also has to answer to John Mack, (Former President of the LA Urban League) who is now the President of the Police Commission...SAY WHAT??
And he also has to deal with a far left City Council....it's amazing that Cops can do their job at all...
Posted by: Matt Payne | May 28, 2006 at 08:51 AM
If most would just put a few things into perspective without allowing their to anger get in the way, you'd truly see the big picutre. Audits have definately cleared their share of Officers yet but in todays climate that is not at all newsworthy; so you don't hear about it. Those that wish to point fingers, rant and rave should make sure they have reviewed all the pertinent information and then make an educated assumption. You can have your negative opinions about the internal audits but I'd bet your integrity is strengthened. Integrity is doing the right thing all the time even when no one is watching.
Posted by: CRASHCop | May 29, 2006 at 03:23 PM
Well if one partner is negligent OR criminal during his duty and his partner stands by, makes no attempt to correct him or makes no effort to report him then, true he may not have assisted him in the behavior- but he has a duty to uphold and refusal to stop a crime or negligence is a failure to serve and protect.
Posted by: Lucky Lou | August 11, 2006 at 12:30 PM
It looks like Zamora's partner might have rolled on him. I see that he didn't get booked today at Parker Center Jail.
Hmm.......
Posted by: LEO | August 11, 2006 at 03:59 PM
Ed send email to [email protected]. Have eyes only info for you.
Posted by: looking for Ed O'Shea | August 11, 2006 at 04:29 PM
Zamora has now been formally charged. There's a piece on LAObserved.com today about the charges against him.
Posted by: Jack T. | August 11, 2006 at 04:57 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me begin by stating that I am an ex-LAPD officer (8 years) who has moved on to another police department. The lure of being treated like an adult was too much for me. That being said, without a doubt, the best police officers in the world are in the LAPD. But I would not go back there if you made me a P-III plus fifty. This Ethics Enforcement Section sounds like a good gig. I am sure they are hard chargers who have set their recap goal and have exceeded that goal with flying colors. Police policing the police.The stack of 15.7s to go there must appear very impressive. Very noble indeed. However, I would like to see that unit recognize those officers who were "tested" and passed their set-ups with integrity, and honor. As the majority of officers everywhere do.
A close friend of mine who once worked for the Advocate Section of I.A, once responded to my "How can you sleep at night" tirades, by giving me examples of what some cops do to get themselves before an advocate. The examples made me realize that I.A is a necessary evil. However, the majority was off duty related tomfoolery or knee jerk reations to stupid harmless mistakes. No Raphael Perez Serpico capers. Hardly the stuff to pull needed investigators off robberies and homicides and form these secret decoder ring units. Put those people back on the street. If a cop is bad, he is usually stupid and he will eventually be discovered. In the mean time brothers and sisters be careful and do the right thing.
Posted by: Vice Dude | August 13, 2006 at 11:26 PM
This stuck in my craw all weekend. Unless Zamora was a sociopath who slipped by the psychological testing upon entry, this was no way for the city to handle a multimillion dollar investment of taxpayer funds. Instead of having a squad of ghouls trying to prove the worst in human nature to justify their positions, I have another suggestion; as someone previously said, put them back in uniform. Take the best and brightest, most gifted professionals (who are mostly hardworking street cops), invest some money to train them as trainers, and let them rotate between divisions, riding along with officers, providing a continual upgrading of skills and techniques. Don't let an officer make mistakes or start going outside of the lines for 16 years and then knock him out of the game. Instead of so much emphasis on respecting boundaries, true concern demands that we get personal and let our coworkers and subordinates and our superiors know when we don't trust that they are acting in their best interest or our own. It is possible to do this while maintaining a state of forgiveness toward them. I know this because my superior is always in a state of forgiveness toward me, which allows me to continually self correct so that I can remain in the environment. My coworkers pull no punches with me, nor I with them. No one in our work environment considers it acceptable to lie in wait to catch someone and then to throw them away. My other suggestion to LAPD management: start catching your officers doing something right. It's real easy. I do it every day.
Posted by: concerned for LA LEOs | August 14, 2006 at 04:59 PM