LOS ANGELES - In response to continued concerns about the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) disciplinary system, Councilmembers introduced a motion today calling for a comprehensive review of the current disciplinary system. The authors of the motion hope this review will guide the City Council and Mayor in presenting a ballot measure to the voters of Los Angeles that reflects the proposed reforms.
The initiative follows Mayor Karen Bass' recent veto of a related item, where she highlighted police officers' collective frustrations with the existing disciplinary system. In her veto message, the Mayor said she looked forward to working with the Council to do a “thorough and comprehensive review with officers, the department, and other stakeholders to ensure fairness for all.”
The motion calling for this comprehensive review was introduced by Councilmember Tim McOsker, Council President Paul Krekorian, Council President Pro Tempore Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Public Safety Committee Chair Monica Rodriguez, and Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee Chair Eunisses Hernandez.
“Engaging with everyone, from police officers to community members, and doing a top-to-bottom review of our current system is essential to create the much-needed reforms in our police disciplinary system,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker. “This initiative represents a timely opportunity to work together to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in how we handle police misconduct.”
“Working together, we can create a system that enables the department to act decisively in cases of egregious misconduct,” said Council President Paul Krekorian. “The people of Los Angeles, and the officers who put their lives on the line to defend them, need to know that misconduct or abuses of authority will not be tolerated, and that the enforcement process will be fair, transparent and consistent. This motion provides for the comprehensive review of the disciplinary process that we need in order to achieve that outcome.”
Council President Pro Tempore Marqueece Harris-Dawson added, "the City is moving collaboratively toward reform through a deliberative review process, giving voters an opportunity for change and a well-defined and fair LAPD process.”
“I have partnered with the Los Angeles Police Department to adopt best practices in community policing but the discipline procedures have not been updated in over 30 years and it is time to ensure they are in line with current best practices,” said Councilmember Monica Rodriguez. “As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I am committed to working with the new Chief of Police and community members to create and implement an improved disciplinary process that is inclusive and fair.”
“Angelenos have demanded real reform and true accountability for police misconduct,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. “This is an opportunity to ground this process in community and center the people who have been most harmed by misconduct and systemic violence in bringing forward the solutions.”
The motion invites the participation of the Mayor’s Office, LAPD, the Board of Police Commissioners, City Council Offices, community stakeholders, and community safety advocates. It seeks to review all aspects of the disciplinary process, including:
- Generation, filing, and receipt of complaints;
- Investigation timelines and processes;
- Rules and processes for hearings;
- Selection of advocates and quasi-judicial officers;
- Due process before, during, and after administrative hearings;
- Burdens of proof;
- Authority and responsibilities of the Chief of Police;
- Range of disciplinary actions, including dismissal, suspension, and demotion;
- Legal rights and remedies of parties post-process;
- Reporting and transparency to public bodies and the public;
- And, any other relevant aspects.
The motion also calls for regular community meetings throughout the city to discuss matters related to the disciplinary system and the pending review. These meetings would be held with the participation of the Mayor’s Office, LAPD, the Board of Police Commissioners, City Council Offices, community stakeholders, and community safety advocates.
The motion has been referred to the Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee and the Public Safety Committee.
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