A different LAPD
The requirements of the consent decree were met
In the past 12 years, the Los Angeles Police Department has undergone a transformation. This has been a long but necessary road to recover trust in the police.
Because of a corruption and police abuse case in the Rampart Division and faced with the threat of a trial for civil rights violations, the LAPD was placed under the oversight of the Justice Department in 2001. The goal of this oversight was to implement many changes in the department to prevent cases of racism. A few days ago, the consent decree that mandated federal oversight was finally dismissed.
This is the result of the leadership shown by former Chief William Bratton, current Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who helped implement many changes of procedures and internal systems intended to eliminate the LAPD’s sadly famous police excesses.
This transformation would have been impossible without police officers developing close ties to the communities in Los Angeles. They have understood the importance of having a presence and establishing fluid contacts, which are helping regain the trust lost over many years.
On the other hand, today the LAPD reflects the diversity of our city in its ranks, something that it developed during the past decade under federal oversight guidelines. The department has the values and technical support to properly fulfill its function.
The end of the consent decree is a major step for the LAPD. The changes that took place in the Police Department are helping to make Los Angeles safer, while at the same time being tested every day in interactions between the police and the public.
