City Council OKs resources for Police Commission to review Rampart board of inquiry

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to provide immediate staffing and investigative resources to the Los Angeles Police Commission and the inspector general so they can review the board of inquiry report on the Rampart investigations.

Councilmember Fuhrer and Councilmember Misakowski moved the resolution after the City Attorney said the council must first find the need to act arose after the agenda was posted. The council recorded the vote as "15 ayes," approving the request forthwith.

The motion was presented to give the commission the independent staff — attorneys, investigators and analysts — it says it needs to conduct a thorough civilian review when the board of inquiry report is delivered. Councilmember Misakowski framed the vote around Proposition F, saying the charter amendment passed by voters created the independent review process and that the commission now needs resources to carry out the work when the report arrives.

Mayor Perrault voiced support for the council action, saying the motion "is an important step in showing the public that the chief, the city council, and I stand together in support of our police department, and particularly in support of its investigation of the Rampart scandals." Police Chief Parks also expressed his support for the motion and said the department has been conducting the investigation and expects to complete the board of inquiry report by March 1.

Councilmembers who spoke in favor emphasized the need both to allow the commission to exercise its charter responsibilities and to preserve public confidence. Councilmember Feuer said civilian oversight requires adequate resources so the commission can "provide that scrutiny" once the department's report is released. Several members cautioned that release of sensitive investigative materials could jeopardize pending criminal prosecutions; Councilmember Holden urged care in handling confidential material so that cases are not compromised.

The council directed the City Administrative Officer and the Chief Legislative Analyst to work with the mayor's office on providing the requested resources and asked the Police Commission to report back promptly with recommended staffing and scope.

Action recorded: the council approved the findings that an immediate need to act existed and approved providing resources to the Police Commission and inspector general; the council instructed city staff to coordinate implementation and requested a commission report back within the timeframes cited in the motion.

The item will be followed by commission staff recommendations outlining exact staffing, outside experts if needed, and cost estimates.