Law Enforcement

California killings spark massive manhunt for ex-cop
A massive manhunt was underway in Southern California Friday after a former Los Angeles cop went on a self-confessed revenge killing spree that left a policeman and two others dead and forced the Los Angeles Police Department to dispatch officers to guard their own. Police said Christopher Dorner, a former LAPD officer with military training, began the wave of violence against other men in blue as retribution after being fired in 2008 for making false statements.
USA Today

A cop's nightmare
As the scope of Christopher Jordan Dorner's ambitions sank in Thursday, thousands of police hunted him and waited, on edge, as he seemed determined to hunt them. At departments across the Southland, bulletproof vests and riot gear were strapped on, shotguns readied. Motorcycle cops rode inside the protective metal of squad cars. The joking morning chatter had been replaced by grim quiet. Their adversary was a linebacker-sized ex-cop with a multitude of firearms, military training and a seemingly bottomless grudge born when the LAPD fired him in 2009.
Los Angeles Times

LAPD chief to fugitive former cop: 'No one else needs to die'
As the search continued Thursday for a former police officer suspected of a double homicide and shooting three police officers, one fatally, Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck called the situation "extremely worrisome and scary." Beck said suspect Christoper Jordan Dorner, 33, had multiple weapons at his disposal, including an assault rifle, and called the ex-LAPD officer and former Navy reserve lieutenant "armed and extremely dangerous."
Los Angeles Times

Villaraigosa asks L.A. to 'remain alert' during manhunt for ex-cop
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa asked Angelenos to "remain alert" as a manhunt continued Thursday for an ex-police officer suspected of a double homicide and shooting three police officers, killing one. Villaraigosa also urged residents to call 911 if they saw anything suspicious. "My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those so senselessly slain in this tragedy," the mayor said in a statement.
Los Angeles Times

Jerry Brown mourns officer's death as manhunt continues
Gov. Jerry Brown issued a statement mourning the death of the Riverside police officer who authorities say was killed by a former Los Angeles cop on Thursday morning. “Anne and I were shocked and saddened to learn of the senseless attack on a Riverside police officer that resulted in his death this morning," the governor said. "We join his family, friends, co-workers and the Riverside community in mourning his death and in honoring his sacrifice.” Brown said flags at the Capitol will be flown at half-staff for the 34-year-old Riverside officer, who has not been identified.
Los Angeles Times

Manhunt: FAA orders media copters to leave Big Bear search area
Federal aviation authorities on Thursday ordered media helicopters to stay away from an area around Big Bear where authorities were intensifying their search for a former LAPD officer wanted in connection with a deadly shooting spree. Earlier Thursday, law enforcement authorities had expressed concern that helicopter TV cameras were compromising officer safety by showing police as they combed the snow-covered mountains where Christopher Dorner, 33, is believed to have fled.
Los Angeles Times

Crime alerts for Florence and 10 other L.A. neighborhoods
Crime reports are up significantly for the latest week in 11 L.A. neighborhoods, according to an analysis of LAPD data by the Los Angeles Times' Crime L.A. database. Five neighborhoods reported a significant increase in violent crime. Florence was the most unusual, recording 20 reports compared with a weekly average of 11 over the last three months. Green Meadows topped the list of seven neighborhoods with property crime alerts.
Los Angeles Times

Juvenile charged in Ashton Kutcher 'swatting' prank
A 12-year-old who allegedly made prank calls to police that in one incident sent officers rushing to actor Ashton Kutcher's home was charged Thursday with making false bomb threats and other counts related to "swatting." The term "swatting" refers to prank calls reporting a violent crime with the aim of earning a tactical police response that may include a SWAT team. The incident at Kutcher's home on Arrowhead Drive occurred in early October.
Los Angeles Times

Legislation

California Democratic lawmakers unveil gun control legislation
Flanked by police chiefs, big-city mayors and gun control advocates, a group of California Democratic legislators announced a series of proposals Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said would "once again make California's gun laws the very toughest in the nation." Thursday's announcement was the latest gun control push from state lawmakers in the wake of December's mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.
Sacramento Bee

Immigration

Illegal immigrants may have to wait 10 years for green card
Illegal immigrants may have to wait about a decade before receiving a green card under an immigration bill being crafted by a group of senators from both parties. The details are still being negotiated, but "the process is likely to be in the range of 10 years," said Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) during a meeting on Capitol Hill with Spanish-language reporters and others.
Los Angeles Times

City Government

Budget report: LAPD layoffs possible without tax increase
The Los Angeles Police Department could see its ranks reduced by as many as 500 police officers if a proposed sales tax increase fails, according to a report released Thursday by the city's top budget official. Measure A on the March 5 ballot asks voters to increase the city of Los Angeles' sales tax by a half-cent. That would bring the city's sales tax to 9.5 percent. City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana is scheduled to discuss his findings later this afternoon.
Southern California Public Radio