LAPD Blog

Los Angeles Police Department Statement on the Release of the Christopher Dorner Review

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has submitted to the Board of Police Commissioners the comprehensive review of the firing of former LAPD Officer Christopher Dorner.  Mr. Dorner was discharged from his position as a Los Angeles Police Officer and later went on a murder rampage, killing four people before dying during a police shootout in San Bernardino County.

The Dorner report, entitled "Review of the Investigation Surrounding the Termination of Christopher Dorner," is scheduled to be heard by the Board of Police Commissioners on Tuesday, June 25th during the Board of Police Commissioners meeting.  The report along with the June 25, 2025 Board of Police Commissioner’s Agenda is available on the Police Commission’s website at: www.lapdonline.org/police_commission.

For the past five months, the Special Assistant for Constitutional Policing, Mr. Gerald Chaleff (see bio below) and his staff members have researched, compiled, and reviewed thousands of pages of testimony, internal reports, complaint Investigations, as well as Dorner’s "manifesto."

The report addresses the specifics of Dorner's discharge, including allegations made against Dorner, and the allegations made by Dorner in regard to alleged unfair treatment, retaliation and conflicts of interest surrounding his discharge.  The report concludes that based upon the facts and evidence, the discharge of Christopher Dorner was factually and legally proper.  According to the report, discharging Dorner from the Department "was not only appropriate, it was the only course the Department could have taken based on the facts and evidence."  Dorner was discharged due to consequences of his own actions and that decision was found to be sound and just.    

“After a thorough review of all the available information, my analysis concludes that the discharge of Christopher Dorner was justified,” said LAPD Special Assistant Gerald Chaleff.  “His discharge was based on his own actions.  The allegations he made against his training officer appeared to have been made in an effort to forward his own agenda.”

“I directed this review because I wanted to ensure that the Los Angeles Police Department is fair and transparent in all that we do,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.  “All of us recognize that as a Department we are not perfect, nonetheless, this report shows that the discharge of Christopher Dorner was factually and legally the right decision.”

A second report on the Dorner matter will be published later in the year.  That report will specifically address issues raised by Dorner and others regarding the Department's disciplinary system and the state of employee relations within the Department.  

Gerald Chaleff was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department by Chief of Police William J. Bratton on January 13, 2003.  He currently serves as the Special Assistant for Constitutional Policing (SACP) to the Chief of Police.  As the SACP, Mr. Chaleff oversees the operations of the Department Risk Manager, Planning and Research Division, Legal Affairs Division, Internal Audits and Inspections Division, and Fiscal Operations Division.

In 2013, the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) will award Gerald Chaleff the Shattuck-Price Outstanding Lawyer Award.  The LACBA President Richard Burdge said Chaleff, “was selected as the recipient of the Shattuck-Price Award for his remarkable career of service to the justice system, including his dedication and efforts in helping to guide the Los Angeles Police Department into a more transparent and community-oriented department.”

In 1997, Mr. Chaleff was appointed to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, and elected as President of the Board from 1999 to 2001.  He is a former President of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and served as Deputy General Counsel to the Webster Commission, which examined the Department's response to the 1992 civil unrest. He has prior experience with both the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office, and spent several years in private practice.  Mr. Chaleff received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

In private practice, Mr. Chaleff is a nationally recognized expert in criminal defense, in both state and federal courts, and has been elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Chancery Club.  He is a former partner of the firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP, where he chaired the white-collar criminal defense practice group.  He has extensive trial experience and has provided legal analysis to a variety of news media, providing commentary and legal analysis on high profile criminal cases.
 

LAPD Knock-Knock Task Force Issues Final Notice for Online Viewing and Identification of Stolen Items

Los Angeles: Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Police Department began the Knock-Knock Task Force to investigate “fence” burglaries.  A fence is an individual who knowingly buys stolen property for later resale, sometimes in a legitimate market.   The task force engaged in extensive surveillance and investigative efforts.  They activity culminated with the arrest of numerous suspected burglars and the service of multiple search and arrest warrants at several locations of suspected “fencing” operations, resulting in the potential recovery of stolen property.  Ultimately, 11,000 items of evidence were booked. In an ongoing effort to return the property to its rightful owners and victims of burglaries, the LAPD has had property available for viewing online since November 19, 2012, and would like to remind the public and victims of burglaries in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, to view the online photographs using the following link: http://www.lapdonline.org/valley_bureau/news_view/52394 If individuals were the victims of a residential burglary prior to September 19, 2012, and believe their property is depicted in any of the photographs, they may send an e-mail to lapdvctf@lapd.lacity.org or leave a message at (818) 644-8091.  In the e-mail or message left, please include a brief description of the item, the item number written on the yellow tab in the photograph, the name listed as the victim on your burglary report, the report number, the address where the burglary occurred, the date of the crime, and a callback number. Further information or questions may be directed to Operations-Valley Bureau Detective II Joe Esquivel at (818) 644-8091.

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Summer Night Lights begins 6th Year of Violence Reduction Programing in Los Angeles

June 19, 2025 — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, along with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Deputy Mayor Guillermo Cespedes, and 320 Youth Squad members, today announced the start of the 2013 season of the Summer Night Lights (SNL) program, the final SNL of the Mayor's administration. Summer Night Lights is an expanded series of after-hours events in 32 public parks located in areas with high rates of violent gang-related crime.

Since its implementation in 2008, SNL has successfully reduced violence in communities most impacted by gang activity by extending park hours until midnight four days a week (Wednesday - Saturday) during summer months. The program aids violence reduction by providing meals, mentoring, and activities, including athletics and cultural enrichment, during peak evening hours for gang activity.

“As one of my final acts as Mayor, I am proud to kick off another season of Summer Night Lights," Mayor Villaraigosa said. “This program has been a catalyst for change in our neighborhoods, providing hope, safety, and opportunity for local youth. It has become a model for combating gang violence nationwide, and I am proud to have been a part of it.”

Summer Night Lights also provides at-risk youth with the opportunity for employment and professional development. Youth Squad members undergo training on a variety of relevant topics prior to the start of Summer Night Lights and receive a stipend for their work implementing the programs. This year, training took place at California State University Los Angeles, providing many members with their first exposure to a college campus.

“One of the most direct ways that Summer Night Lights impacts neighborhoods is through the employment of local at-risk youth. The lessons learned through training and program implementation will stay with them long after the summer is over,” Gang Reduction and Youth Development Deputy Mayor Cespedes said. “Over the past six years hundreds of youth have been impacted by this program, and none of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Mayor Villaraigosa."

Last year, Summer Night Lights sites experienced a 33% reduction in gang-related part 1 crime and a 47% reduction in gang-related homicides, a difference noticed by one of its partners, the Los Angeles Police Department. The Summer Night Lights program works because of the partnerships that have been forged between the program, law enforcement, and community groups. This is an example of the City’s leaders working together to make Los Angeles safe.

“We remain committed to enriching the lives of the youth in our City by providing them with safe and successful alternatives to gang violence,” said LAPD Chief Beck. “The continued partnership with our youth organizations and our community members has undoubtedly helped bring about positive change in youth culture. This program has been extremely effective, and we are excited about making this summer’s program another success.”

Summer Night Lights will operate in 32 Los Angeles City public parks from June 26th to August 9th, every Wednesday through Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Two Arrested in South L.A. Homicide

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Criminal Gang/Homicide Division detectives have arrested two people responsible for the murder of 21-year-old Samuel Burge of Los Angeles. On Sunday, June 2, 2013, around 7:30 p.m., Burge was walking eastbound in the 1000 block of west 74th Street when the suspect, Michael Crook, walked eastbound toward him and began shooting at him.  Burge was struck down by the gunfire and Crook ran north across the street and got into an awaiting car, which was driven by a second suspect named Rosemary Flowers, and they fled the scene.  LAPD 77th officers arrived at scene and found Burge suffering from gunshot wounds.  LAFD transported Burge to a local hospital where here was pronounced dead. On Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at 12:45 p.m., 44-year-old Rosemary Flowers was arrested in Gardena, California, near her home.  On Monday, June 17, 2013, at 11:30 a.m., 29-year-old Michael Crook, was arrested in Los Angeles.  Both suspects were arrested by members of the LAPD/FBI Fugitive Task Force.  Crook is a gang member from the Hoover Crips, and the motive for this murder was gang related.  Crook and fellow gang members had confronted Burge earlier in the day about his gang status.  Burge was not a gang member. On Thursday, June 13, 2013, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of Murder, (187 P.C.), against Flowers and Crook.  The car used to flee from this crime is also in police custody. Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective John Ferreria or Myra Kellum at (213) 485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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Dispute Leads to Murder

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Olympic Area detectives have arrested three men who were responsible for the murder of a 23-year-old woman in the Mid-City. On Tuesday, June 18, 2013, around 8:30 p.m., LAPD Olympic Area patrol officers responded to a stabbing call in the area of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.  When they arrived they discovered a female suffering from an apparent stab wounds.  LAFD paramedics transported the victim, a 23-year-old female, to a local hospital where she died during surgery. The LAPD Olympic Homicide detectives' investigation revealed that the victim was with a friend walking in the area when they saw three men who were holding signs and panhandling.  The victim and her friend took photos of the men with their cell phones as they were holding their signs.  A dispute ensued and ultimately the victim was stabbed in the torso.  The suspects were described as three male whites in the late twenties and early thirties. The suspects were located near the scene arrested and are now in the custody of Olympic Area Homicide detectives.  The identity of the victim is being withheld until immediate family is notified. Anyone with information is asked to contact Olympic Homicide Detectives Dave Vinton or Jose Robledo at (213) 382-9470. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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Notes from the June 18, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commission Vice President John Mack said he attended the LAPD Cadet graduation last Saturday.  He said there were approximately 500 graduates with approximately 7,000 people in attendance.  Commissioner Mack completed his comments by praising Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger for the successful transition of the program from the Explorer Scouts to Cadets. 

• Assistance Chief Earl Paysinger informed the Board there have been approximately 9,000 police cadets who have graduated from the academy with 6,000 of them currently active.  He added the next cadet academy is scheduled to begin Saturday July 13.

• The Executive Director’s report, dated June 11, 2025 relative to the proposed change in the corporate ownership of U.S. Tow, Inc., official police garage for service area 13 (Newton) of the Los Angeles Police Department, contract no. C-106370 to Moshe Ben Dayan, pursuant to Los Angeles municipal code section 80.77.4(E)(2), was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated June 14, 2013, relative to the Public Safety Committee inquiry regarding the use and retention of the recorded digital in-car video system, was continued until next week.

• The Department’s report, dated June 7, 2013, relative to the Pacific Area detective command accountability performance audit (IAID No. 13-001), was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated May 28, 2013, relative to the Memorandum of Agreement between the Los Angeles Police Department and California State University, Los Angeles, University Police, regarding training of California State University, Los Angeles Police Officers, was approved.

• The Department’s report, dated June 11, 2013, relative to the destruction of obsolete duplicate records for Southwest and Northeast areas, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

West Hills Resident Murdered Outside Her Home

***UPDATE*** San Bernardino:  The suspect sought in the murder of a West Hills mother has been captured in San Bernardino. Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest for the murder of 43-year-old Michelle Ann Kane of West Hills. On June 15, 2013, around 7:55 a.m., Topanga Area Patrol Officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Progress" in the 7100 block of Deveron Ridge Road in the City of West Hills.  Once at the residence, the officers noticed a woman in her mid-40’s lying in the street suffering from multiple stab wounds. Around 7:50 a.m., the victim’s estranged husband arrived at the residence and forced his way inside the home.  The suspect, 46-year-old Michael Rodney Kane, a male White, 5’10, 175 pounds, stabbed the victim multiple times which resulted in her death.  Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and was pronounced dead.  Detectives believe Kane was injured during the assault and may require medical attention. Kane was last seen driving his 1999 Chrysler 300 M Silver, Grey, or Mint Green in color with California License plate number 4HGP487. LAPD Detectives are asking Kane to turn himself in and bring closure to this tragedy.  He may do so by contacting any local police agency.  If seen, the public should not attempt to apprehend Kane but should notify local police immediately. Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Homicide Detectives are following-up on all potential leads.  Anyone with additional information about this crime is urged to call Detective Dave Peteque at (818) 756-4869, Detective Pikor at (818) 756-3363 or Detective Briscoe (818) 756-3362.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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West Hills Resident Murdered Outside Her Home NR13202df

***UPDATE*** San Bernardino:  The suspect sought in the murder of a West Hills mother has been captured in San Bernardino. Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest for the murder of 43-year-old Michelle Ann Kane of West Hills. On June 15, 2013, around 7:55 a.m., Topanga Area Patrol Officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Progress" in the 7100 block of Deveron Ridge Road in the City of West Hills.  Once at the residence, the officers noticed a woman in her mid-40’s lying in the street suffering from multiple stab wounds. Around 7:50 a.m., the victim’s estranged husband arrived at the residence and forced his way inside the home.  The suspect, 46-year-old Michael Rodney Kane, a male White, 5’10, 175 pounds, stabbed the victim multiple times which resulted in her death.  Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and was pronounced dead.  Detectives believe Kane was injured during the assault and may require medical attention. Kane was last seen driving his 1999 Chrysler 300 M Silver, Grey, or Mint Green in color with California License plate number 4HGP487. LAPD Detectives are asking Kane to turn himself in and bring closure to this tragedy.  He may do so by contacting any local police agency.  If seen, the public should not attempt to apprehend Kane but should notify local police immediately. Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Homicide Detectives are following-up on all potential leads.  Anyone with additional information about this crime is urged to call Detective Dave Peteque at (818) 756-4869, Detective Pikor at (818) 756-3363 or Detective Briscoe (818) 756-3362.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

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