REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION OF THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT (FROM POLICE DEVIANCE, THIRD EDITION, P 291-305, 1994, THOMAS BARKER AND DAVID L CARTER, EDS. -- SEE NCJ-144538)

• NCJ Number: 144554
• Author(s): W Christopher
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper presents the findings and recommendations of the Independent Commission on the Los Angeles Police Department, which was formed after the police beating of Rodney King.

Abstract

The commission found that the department had apparently failed to control or discipline officers against whom there had been repeated complaints of the use of excessive force. The commission also found evidence of a departmental "culture" that fostered biased and derogatory police attitudes toward minorities. The complaint system obstructed citizen efforts to make complaints against the police, and the departmental leadership and civilian oversight authorities had failed to address and often contributed to the aforementioned problems. The commission recommends that officers and their supervisors be evaluated by how well they abide by and advance the department's policy on the use of force. The commission also suggests that the department develop ways, for example, through the use of the discipline system, to establish the principle that racism and bias based on ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated. Other commission recommendations pertain to the development of a strong community policing orientation that will focus on working with the community to prevent crime and enhance public safety. Other commission recommendations pertain to recruitment, training, personnel issues, personnel complaints and discipline, and structural issues. Implementation of the commission recommendations is also discussed. 5 study questions