NCJ Number
134954
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The Independent Commission on the Los Angeles Police Department investigated the use of excessive force by the department's officers as well as related issues. The Commission's investigation was prompted by the videotaped beating of Rodney King by three uniformed officers, in the presence of a police sergeant, with a large group of other officers standing nearby.
Abstract
The Commission based this report on a review of personnel files, transcripts from 182 days of Mobile Digital Terminals (MDTs), and records from the department's investigation and discipline of officers involved in 83 civil lawsuits alleging excessive or improper use of force. The Commission found that there is a significant number of officers who repetitively misuse force and ignore the written policies of the department regarding use of force. The department's efforts to control or discipline these officers have been inadequate, and supervisors have not been held responsible for excessive use of force by officers in their command. There is a disturbingly high level of racism and bias within the department that is translated into unacceptable behavior in the field. The department has an organizational culture that emphasizes crime control over crime prevention and isolates the police from the communities they serve. The Commission recommends ways in which officer recruitment, training, promotion, and discipline can reflect a new awareness of the proper use of force.