Notes from the February 10, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco expressed concern regarding confidential files which were mistakenly posted on the internet releasing the names and information of officers subject to bias complaints.  He affirmed a full investigation would be conducted into the matter in order to prevent the situation from occurring again. 

•Police Commissioner Alan Skobin attended a dedication ceremony held at the West Valley Area Community Police Station to unveil a new memorial monument honoring officers who died in the line of duty in the West Valley Area.  He said it was a wonderful experience and was encouraged by the show of support from the community.

•Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman requested an update on the progress being made on the Department's DNA backlog and requested a copy of the Department's internal report.  Police Commission Executive Director, Richard Tefank, informed the Board the matter has been scheduled for the next Commission meeting.

•First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell informed the Commission a press conference was held by Police Chief William Bratton and Deputy Chief Charlie Beck to provide the public an update on the Department's DNA backlog.  Chief McDonnell reported in October, the Department conducted the most comprehensive review of frozen rape kits in the Department's history.  He noted the Department has a two step plan to eliminate the backlog: hiring more criminalists, technicians and equipment and contracting with outside accredited labs across the country with a goal of reducing the backlog to zero by 2013.  The investigation found a total of 4,423 untested CODIS eligible cases.  Of the 4,423 backlogged cases, 1,184 have been "cleared by arrest" and 1,796 have been presented to prosecutorial agencies and "declined for prosecution."  All 4,423 backlogged cases and all future cases will be tested to ensure a thorough and complete database.   

•The City Personnel Department's and Los Angeles Police Department's verbal presentation and discussion relative to the Police Officer Selection Process, as presented by Commander James Cansler was continued.  Commander Cansler reported in order to address discrepancies brought up by the Commission, he reassigned 3 recruiters to the mentoring team increasing the total from 8 to 11.  The mentors will be responsible for contacting candidates to assist them through the hiring process, specifically concentrating on the interview portion of the background.  He added the Candidate Assistance Program is also in place to assist recruits with the physical portion of the exam.  Commissioner John Mack and Commissioner Robert Saltzman expressed further concern with the discrepancies and stated they would work with the Department's Recruitment Section and Personnel Department to better identify the source of the discrepancies in order to better address them and will report back to the Commission with an update.

•The Department's report, dated February 2, 2009, relative to Approval of Twenty-Fourth Amendment to Agreement No. C-94580 with Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc., was approved and transmitted to the Office of the Mayor.

•The Department's report, dated January 23, 2009, relative to summary of Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audits (AD No. C08-123), as presented by Consent Decree Bureau Police Administrator Gerald Chaleff, was received and the Office of the Inspector General was directed to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.  Mr. Chaleff stressed the importance of KAPPA audits and stated as the Department will eventually exit from the Consent Decree, the audit, at some point, will become an oversight audit.  Police Commission President Anthony Pacheco requested an analysis of the report by the Inspector General to determine the audit's thoroughness.  He stated his hope is to demonstrate to the Monitor, the public and others that the Department can efficiently monitor itself.

•The Department's report, dated February 2, 2009, relative to Biased Policing Update, Quarterly Report due to the Board of Police Commissioners, February 10, 2009, regular meeting, as presented by Commander Richard Webb was approved.  Commander Webb informed the Board the Department averages 200 bias policing complaints per year and noted he reviews all cases before they are closed out.  He added with 30% - 40% of cases eligible for mediation, the Department is investigating the feasibility of having experienced volunteers mediate cases.  Commander Webb stated although the volunteer mediators will need to be trained in law enforcement issues, he believes the program will work well.  He concluded protocols are in place to investigate allegations of bias policing and in the future, he hopes to be able to utilize the Teams II program to red flag bias policing issues.

•The Executive Director's report, dated February 5, 2009, relative to write off of uncollectable False Alarm Accounts Receivable, was approved and transmitted to the City's Board of Review.