http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_8104993

It is not!

There’s no question the “old” LAPD used to close ranks when it came to one of their own, and even lawabiding, affluent citizens felt it was pretty much futile to fight them in court even over alleged moving violations as little as 10 years ago, assuming they’d lie if necessary, and even the judges would side with them.

But here in L. A., we’ve seen a dramatic change in the last five years alone since Bratten took charge, towards real “transparency,” yet many long-time anti-police activists have a hard time overcoming their historical antipathy to LAPD, so I’m skeptical of their criticisms. As for Rice, she seems sincerely well-intentioned and has a lot of good ideas, but the reform proposal she presented the Ad Hoc Commission on Youth and Gangs would cost at least $500 mil the first year, and includes reforming society itself, so I’m not sure how realistic a critic she is.

Still, I’d propose one-two outside observers (with no political axe to grind, if that’s possible) be added to the cops’ internal review commission. Maybe similar to Randy’s description of how the military police are. But let’s keep in mind that LAPD already has more levels of scrutiny, with the Consent Decree, than any other law enforcement agency in the country, and their overall morale is low because of what the rank and file see as an atmosphere of excessive suspicion, and fallout from the May Day Mellee, etc. etc.

Combined with the insistence on the draconian level of financial disclosure demanded for anti-gang unit (again unique in the country), their threats to resign or request transfer, the resulting difficulties in recruitment and retention — we’re already on the verge of jeopardizing public safety.

Simmons Fundraiser Alert:

For anyone local, I got an email that tomorrow 2/13 only, all sales from the Burger King at 700 W. Cesar Chavez Ave in L. A. will be donated to the Simmons family.

Public can also donate to trust funds for his family and for Ofc. Veenstra at http://www.lapfcu (police fed credit union).

Further info: 213-485-3586 (Media Relations). Spread the word!

BTW, your reference to the Monty Pythonm sketch is an accurate reflection of how you attempt to make an argument: “just contradiction.”

I back up my claims.

Randy, just so that you can feel proud, you were the inspiration for this post.

BTW, did you see this picture?

If you want to be intellectually honest in your analogy, the question should then be should the military police be investigated by the military police and the answer to that is no. Nor are they. They are subject to investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division, which consists not only of uniformed personnel, but also civilian DOD employees.

Nice try.

Randy, should we get rid of military courts?

Onetime Bronx patrolman Bernie Cawley, 29, now serving three years to life for narcotics charges and for selling stolen guns, told the commission why he was known to other cops as the Mechanic. “Because I used to ‘tune people up,’ ” he placidly explained. “It’s a police word for beating people.” Suspects? he was asked. “No, I was just beating people up in general.” In four years on the force, Cawley claimed, he assaulted people as many as 400 times with his nightstick, flashlight and lead-lined gloves. “Who’s going to catch us?” he said, shrugging. “We’re the police.” [my emphasis]

In addition, there’s this:

The corruption scandal reportedly resulted in nearly one hundred convictions against seventy defendants being thrown out due to police perjury. With approximately fifteen lawsuits still pending, the city has already paid $2 million in civil settlements to perjury victims. David Kocieniewski, “Man framed by police officers wins payments,” New York Times, February 12, 1998.

There is no question that most police officers ar honest and law-abiding. With the shield of authority behind them, however, if they go bad they are a menace to society. There is no reaosn not to provide civilian oversight over investigations into their conduct.