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Union and public commenters urge halt to jail de-civilianization and call for outside Rampart inquiry
Summary
Public commenters, including a union representative and community advocates, urged the council to stop the immediate removal of civilian jail management positions from the police department and called for an independent outside investigation into alleged misconduct in the Rampart scandal.
During the public comment period the council heard multiple speakers pressing for independent oversight of police misconduct and for protection of civilian positions in jail management.
Julie Butcher, speaking for Local 347 and representing more than 1,000 civilian employees who work for the Los Angeles Police Department, said workers were told that effective March 12 civilians would be removed from jail management and replaced by sworn sergeants and lieutenants. Butcher said the change "would undo 10 years of progress" and criticized the department's move as contrary to recommendations that increased civilian oversight. She urged the council to stop the planned de-civilianization and to instead examine ways to expand civilian functions.
A separate commenter urged the council to create an independent commission to investigate systemic misconduct in the Rampart and other stations, arguing the board of inquiry and internal reviews were insufficient. The commenter referenced a prior sheriff's-department investigation that led to FBI involvement and criminal convictions and said an outside commission similar to the Christopher Commission was needed to restore credibility and thoroughly examine systemic issues.
No formal council action was taken on the public comments recorded on the transcript; the speakers asked the council and mayor to pursue independent reviews and to halt operational changes that remove civilian personnel from jail management.
