Law Enforcement

Police Week: Honoring the fallen
Preliminary statistics released Monday by the FBI show that 47 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed last year, 25 fewer than in 2011. Twelve of those killed last year died from injuries they sustained while investigating suspicious persons or circumstances. Eight were killed during traffic pursuits or stops, and five were killed in ambushes. "Each of these losses reminds us that our safety and freedom come at great cost," Director Mueller said in a May 13 video message to law enforcement colleagues.
FBI Press Release

Recent corrections officer shooting brings officer safety to forefront
A team of law-enforcement agents armed and wearing tactical gear enter the home of a gang member. The team quickly gathers up all the occupants while going room to room, making sure the home is secure and safe. In one room, posted on a wall is a newspaper article with a picture. Nate Scarrano, a supervising San Bernardino County probation officer, walks up to the article and recognizes the man in the picture. It's him. "This guy had my picture up in his house," recalled Scarrano, then a SMASH Gang team member.
San Bernardino Sun

Third victim in Harbor Gateway quadruple shooting identified
Los Angeles County coroner's officials released the name of the third man who died in a quadruple shooting Friday in Harbor Gateway that killed three and left one wounded. Authorities identified the third victim as Courtney George Murray, 44. The other two who died were Laurent Kenroy Latty, 33, of and Dwayne Damion Cover, 33. All three were from Torrance. Officials said police received a 911 call about 5:35 a.m. Friday from a resident who reported hearing eight or nine gunshots in an apartment building in the 1600 block of West 205th Street. Officers found three of the victims there.
Los Angeles Times

Four accused of posing as city workers during Pasadena burglary
Police arrested four men Saturday in Los Angeles on suspicion of posing as city workers to burglarize a house in Pasadena, authorities said. George Peres, 33, of Texas, Frank Marks, 51, of Texas, Paul Mitchell, 44, of Arizona and Geno John, an Ohio man whose age was not available due to medical issues that delayed booking, were arrested Saturday by Los Angeles police officers in the LAPD's Southwest Division, Pasadena police Lt. Jason Clawson said.
Pasadena Star-News

Do gun buybacks really reduce crime?
More than a 1,000 guns were surrendered at this past weekend's gun buyback event, held throughout Los Angeles. The city collected 516 handguns, 381 rifles, 226 shotguns and 49 assault weapons. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says during his administration, the anonymous gun buyback program has removed more than 11,000 guns from the street. But is it doing anything to reduce crime? City officials believe so. But a 2004 report by the National Academy of Sciences found the guns typically surrendered in buyback programs are usually old or malfunctioning, and unlikely to be used in criminal activities.
KCRW

Legislation

California Senate backs requiring warrants when police want emails
The state Senate on Monday approved a measure that would expand instances in which law enforcement officers in California would have to get search warrants before they can access the public's email. Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) won Republican support for his privacy measure after including an exemption for emergency situations in which there is a risk of the destruction of evidence.
Los Angeles Times

Prisons & Counseling

Jerry Brown files notice to appeal prison ruling to Supreme Court
Gov. Jerry Brown has, as promised, filed legal papers to appeal federal court orders to reduce the state's prison population with the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief notice of appeal, filed Monday afternoon, simply states that a panel of three federal judges "did not fully or fairly consider the evidence showing that the state's prison healthcare now exceeds constitutional standards." It is to be followed by the full appeal itself within 60 days.
Los Angeles Times

Lax oversight allows felons to counsel addicts, report finds
California's lax rules governing who can work as substance abuse counselors have allowed sex offenders and other felons to treat addicts with little to no scrutiny by the state, according to a report by the Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes released Monday. California does not require a criminal background check for drug and alcohol counselors, nor does it ask applicants to report their criminal histories, according to the report, which found that at least 23 sex offenders have been permitted to work as counselors since 2005.
Los Angeles Times

Cities

Riding the wave of the future: Cities plan sprawling network of bicycle lanes
A cycling revival of sorts is sweeping across America's cities, especially among adults seeking a healthier alternative to the automobile. And maybe a bit more fun in their lives. Over the next 30 years, the city of Los Angeles plans to install 1,600 miles of bikeways. The goal? To connect the sprawling, car-loving metropolis and make it more bike-friendly. It won't come without growing pains, as officials were reminded this month when new bike lanes on two San Pedro streets replaced car lanes.
Los Angeles Daily News

City Election

Polls shows city attorney candidate Mike Feuer, controller candidate Dennis Zine leading in L.A. elections
Heading into the final week of Los Angeles' 2013 election, a poll released Monday showed City Attorney Carmen Trutanich trailing in his bid for re-election while Councilman Dennis Zine held a growing lead in his race for city controller. The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs at Cal State Los Angeles said that Trutanich, who came in second behind former Assemblyman Mike Feuer in the primary election, continues to trail by a 35-24 percent margin.
Los Angeles Daily News