Panel Backs Plan to Protect Officers Who File Complaints

The Los Angeles City Council endorsed proposals Friday to ban retaliation against police officers who cooperate with the Police Commission’s inspector general and to require the work of the investigator to remain confidential.

The proposals, which have been drafted into an ordinance for a council vote next week, were in response to concerns regarding the recent handling of a complaint to the inspector general against the chief.

The inspector general was away when the complaint came in, and it was dismissed by the Police Commission’s executive director and sent to the chief.

Councilwoman Laura Chick said the ordinances help clarify and strengthen the role of the inspector general, a position created when voters approved a police reform measure in 1992.

“I feel what we are moving forward on is very much supporting what the Christopher Commission worked very hard on and what our voters passed back in the early 1990s,” Chick said.

Council members have also been concerned by the recent resignation of Katherine Mader as inspector general after she complained her work had been hindered by the Police Commission.

Councilman Mike Feuer said a strong and independent inspector general is needed to help the Police Commission fulfill its role of providing civilian oversight of the LAPD.

Deputy Chief Dave Gascon told the council Friday that the LAPD already prohibits retaliation against officers who file complaints.

However, council members said that prohibition is contained in an order by the chief, which can be modified at any time.

“An ordinance is insulated from that potential change,” Feuer said.

The Police Protective League also endorsed the new ordinance on retaliation and confidentiality.

“We think it’s necessary,” said union director Dennis Zine. “We think it’s long overdue.”

Chick also urged her colleagues to support charter changes to give the inspector general power to initiate investigations. That proposal will come to the council in the next few weeks as part of the unified charter drafted by the city’s elected and appointed commissions.