Police Commission News Briefing

At the Police Commission Meeting on May 17, 2025

Commissioner Comments – Commissioner Robert Saltzman and President John Mack both attended the Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives Installation Brunch and commented how impressed they were. A great deal of history, progress, and vision was shared at this well-attended event.

Chief’s Report – Chief Charlie Beck commended Wilshire and Olympic Divisions on their outstanding work in capturing bandits that had been terrorizing the area. Violent crime is down by 10.9% compared to this time last year, and gang-related crime is down by 19%. There are currently 9,898 sworn employee, 246 level one reserves, 26 level two reserves, 155 level three reserves, 640 volunteers, and 2,863 civilian employees.

Inspector General Nicole Bershon presented her review of the Department’s Quarterly Discipline Report, Fourth Quarter, 2010. For this review, she stated that her office focused on retaliation complaints made by Department personnel. The review revealed that there is no problem with complaints being taken, however there needs to be some attention given to the way these types of complaints are investigated and adjudicated. She felt that part of the problem rests in the fact that retaliation complaints are considered as “non-disciplinary” complaints and therefore, do not receive the same type of attention as other complaints. Captain Don Schwarzter and Commander Rick Webb agreed with recommendations made by the Inspector General and had already been working on a plan to elevate the “workplace” complaint unit to a section, and to also not categorize these complaints as “non-disciplinary.”  The Commissioners expressed their concerns regarding the investigation of these types of complaints while also acknowledging the balancing of risk management issues. The Commission approved the report asking that the Department return in two weeks with an additional report addressing a risk management strategy, early intervention, and a plan to minimize litigation.

The Inspector General’s Annual Report , May 2010 to May 2011, was approved. Inspector General Bershon stated that this report gives her an opportunity to give praise to her staff members. With staff cuts and furloughs, the Office of the Inspector General has produced even more work in the past year, reflecting the employees’ dedication and hard work. The Office of the Inspector General consists of the Complaint Intake and Review Section,  Audit Section,  Categorical Use of Force Section, and Administrative Support Staff.  Ms. Bershon reiterated that it has been a very busy and productive year. As an example of the quantity of work, Ms. Bershon noted that 235 Abridged Summaries of Categorical Use of Force cases have been completed and posted.

Comments

[BWop]

The 800 pound gorilla in the room is again being ignored. Lieutenants and below in rank are continually monitored for risk and liability exposure via the TEAMS II computer system mandated by the Consent Decree. This means that an officer whose "numbers" go above or below a risk management threshold in the TEAMS II system, will generate a top to bottom review by supervisors and his commanding officer for a pattern of conduct that might lead to a liability for the Department.

Who has cost the city and the Department millions of dollars in court judgements pursuant to lawsuits filed by the rank and file for bad decision making, retaliation, and violations of the law? Captains and above in the ranks. Do these managers have a TEAMS II program that identifies poor managers whose badly thought out and illegal decisions are the cause for all these millions paid out? No.

I am yet to see a Captain, Commander, Deputy Chief, or Assistant Chief held responsible or fired for making decisions in employee matters that end up in court and causes the Department and the city to write million-dollar checks.

Nothing will change until the buck stops at the fog shrouded ivory tower of Department leadership.

One opinion, of course.