LAPD Chief Not A Happy Camper

This has got to be a first for the LAPD in that the
chief has viewed videotapes and deemed the actions
of his officers to be inappropriate. An investigation is
to follow and this is bound to create a moral problem
in the department. But then the chief is also up for
another five year term as head of the department. So
for now all we can do is wait and see what will become
of this latest investigation within the ranks fo the LAPD.


Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton said today that some actions taken by officers trying to clear a crowd of marchers at MacArthur Park were "inappropriate" and that he has launched two investigations. The chief told KNX-AM (1070) that he reviewed the videotapes showing officers using batons and rubber bullets to disperse crowds -- including TV news reporters -- and said "quite frankly, I was disturbed at what I saw."

"Some of the officers' action … were inappropriate in terms of use of batons and possible use of nonlethal rounds fired," he said. The chief stressed that his impressions were based solely on viewing several videotapes shot of the confrontation and he would withhold further judgment until the investigation was completed. He said the police were provoked by some protesters who threw objects at them. Videotapes of the confrontation between police officers and protesters drew concerns about officer conduct from members of the Police Commission, who said they will review the incident with the help of Inspector General Andre Birotte.

"The videotapes raise questions for which we are going to seek answers,'' said Commission Vice President Alan Skobin. "If someone assaults a police officer, there is an appropriate response, and we want to make sure the response was appropriate.'' Added Commissioner Andrea Sheridan Ordin: "The inspector general will work closely with the department in looking into this.'' Tens of thousands of jubilant protesters marched through the streets of Los Angeles on Tuesday during a mostly peaceful day that ended with clashes in MacArthur Park between police and demonstrators demanding citizenship for undocumented immigrants.





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