Officer Accused of Violating Court Order

A Los Angeles Police Department sergeant who pleaded guilty to criminal charges of stalking and threatening his ex-girlfriend now stands accused of violating a temporary restraining order because of a meeting with Chief Bernard C. Parks to discuss the case.

The problem was that the August meeting took place at police headquarters, which is where the sergeant’s victim--an LAPD detective--also works.

That allegedly put Sgt. Howard Irvin in violation of a restraining order prohibiting him from entering her place of employment, according to LAPD officials. The incident prompted an LAPD investigation, which led a judge to issue a warrant for Irvin’s arrest, officials said.

Parks intervened and asked department officials to explain to the judge that he had helped set up the meeting at Parker Center and that Irvin may not be completely at fault. Specifically, Parks agreed to arrange the meeting requested by Irvin because he was aware that the department’s Internal Affairs investigators wanted to contact Irvin about another unrelated investigation.

“He thought it was unfair to charge him with a violation if he facilitated the meeting,” said LAPD Cmdr. Dave Kalish, who added that Parks was unaware of Irvin’s restraining order at that time.

Apparently the judge did not believe it was unfair and said the arrest warrant was still valid. Irvin turned himself into authorities last week.

The situation has caused a minor tempest within the LAPD with some department insiders, including the victim, accusing Parks of obstructing justice by delaying the serving of the warrant. The victim complained about the incident when she learned, after the visit, that Irvin had been in Parker Center.

“He had every right to explain his views to the judge, but he had no right to not serve the warrant. I don’t understand why the chief would do this,” said Det. Linda Compton.

Compton said she brought the matter to Inspector General Katherine Mader’s attention and was told Mader would brief the Police Commission. Mader declined to comment.

Deputy Chief Martin H. Pomeroy said the chief was not trying to obstruct justice, but merely making sure that the judge had all the facts in case.

Meanwhile, Irvin--who could not be reached for comment--has other problems to face. He has been ordered to a personnel hearing to review his criminal case, for which he faces possible termination. A defense lawyer for Irvin said the sergeant--who is on unpaid leave--did not violate the restraining order.