City Council endorses police commission direction on Rampart investigation

The Los Angeles City Council on March 17 voted to reaffirm the Police Commission's direction that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) must comply with existing procedures for sharing investigatory materials with prosecutors and that any change to that policy must be taken up first by the commission.

Council Member Miskowski introduced the motion, telling colleagues the Police Commission had met in a special session and “indicated that they wanted to clarify and confirm that the police department must comply and comport with the codes of law in terms of providing all necessary information to the district attorney.” The council approved the item as "Special 1." The final vote on the motion was recorded as 13 ayes.

Why it matters: The vote came amid intense media coverage and public concern about the Rampart-area investigation, leaks and whether department and civilian oversight lines were being followed. Council members said the endorsement was intended to show unified public support for a thorough, law‑based probe and to reduce public confusion about overlapping authorities.

Council debate and context

Several council members urged clarity and resources rather than finger-pointing. Council Member Feuer said he "rise[d] in strong support of this motion," adding that city leaders should speak with "one voice" so the investigation would not be imperiled by intergovernmental disputes. Council Member Holden warned against turning the matter into a political fight and stressed confidentiality in investigations. Council Member Burton asked for a review of the charter language that defines the Police Commission's role, calling the current wording "blurry" and suggesting a committee process to clarify authorities.

Other speakers urged the commission to seek outside assistance. Council Member Berns (speaking on process) suggested the U.S. Justice Department or other federal resources be invited to provide leadership and organizational help on the probe. Council Member Padilla said he and Miskowski had considered bringing a similar motion earlier but agreed to let the commission act first.

Outcome and next steps

The motion directed the council's public endorsement of the police commission's action; councilmembers stated they expect the commission to continue its inquiry and to request resources (including budgetary authority for independent investigative work) as needed. Several members signaled plans for follow-up through the Public Safety Committee and for a staff-level review of charter language and oversight structure.

Quotes

"The commission asserted its role to direct the chief and the department to comply fully, and that there shall be no change in this policy without coming forward to the police commission for any discussion and a commission determination that the policy should be changed," Council Member Miskowski said.

"We cannot allow this kind of dispute to imperil the fundamental goals of the investigation," Council Member Feuer said.

"This divisiveness must stop and stop now," Council Member Holden said, urging confidentiality and a rapid move to indictments where warranted.

Ending

Council members indicated the action is a starting point; the council directed committees and staff to follow up on resource needs, potential charter clarifications and continued coordination among the Police Commission, the LAPD, the district attorney's office and federal partners.