Law Enforcement

LAPD officer's leg shattered in shootout after 'running gun battle'; 1 killed, 1 arrested
A SWAT officer was seriously injured and a man was killed Monday morning in a "running gun battle" after a vehicle pursuit ended in the Historic South-Central neighborhood of Los Angeles, authorities said. Another occupant of the vehicle was in custody. The incident, which shut down the 110 Freeway for hours as police collected shell casings and marked evidence, began when officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop about 2:20 a.m.
KTLA

Officer shot in gun battle may have suffered career-ending wound
A Los Angeles police officer shot in the leg in a gun battle that left one of two suspected gunmen dead may have suffered a career-ending wound, his surgeon said Monday. The 22-year veteran has been a member of the department's elite METRO unit -- or SWAT -- team for 15 years, said LAPD Cmdr. Andy Smith, a department spokesman. He is married and has three kids.
NBC4

Suspect killed in LAPD shootout had 'high-powered' rifle, police say
One of two suspects who are accused of engaging police in a running shootout through South Los Angeles early Monday was armed with a "high-powered" rifle that wounded a 22-year department veteran, police officials said. The SWAT officer is expected to survive what police described as a "significant" gunshot wound to his leg.
Los Angeles Times

LAPD credits armored vehicle for protection in morning shootout
At a time when police action in the Midwest is raising concerns about the militarization of local law enforcement agencies, police in South Los Angeles are crediting some of that equipment for saving lives during a dramatic run-and-gun pursuit before daybreak Monday. For more than three hours, police across South L.A. were engaged in a frantic search near 37th Street and Grand Avenue after two men who police tried to stop about 2:20 a.m. in a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe sped off and opened fire on pursuing officers.
Los Angeles Times

Inspector general calls security cameras at LAPD stations 'inadequate'
Security cameras at Los Angeles police stations are inadequate, with many offering only partial or no view of holding cells or other key areas -- shortcomings illustrated by the cameras' failure to completely capture a gunman's April rampage inside the West Traffic Bureau, according to an inspector general's report released Monday. Inspector Gen. Alex Bustamante will present the report to the Police Commission on Tuesday. In it, he paints a picture of a department whose security cameras inside its 21 stations are poorly maintained, with many not working at all.
Los Angeles Times

8 law enforcement officers go on all-night swim for charity
Eight law enforcement agents put down their police uniforms and donned bathing suits for an all-night swim across the Catalina Channel for charity. The 5th Annual Catalina to Cabrillo Beach Relay - about 26 nautical miles - ended Sunday morning at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. Funds raised will go directly to the "999 for Kids" fund, which benefits physically and mentally challenged children throughout Los Angeles County.
CBS LA

Pensions

CalPERS considers proposal that could boost pensions
Some newly hired state workers could see their pensions increase under changes being considered by the California Public Employees Retirement System. But, the governor doesn't support the changes. On Tuesday CalPERS will hold a public hearing on whether some pension calculations should factor in compensation employees receive for things like professional certifications or holding a position for more than five years.
Capital Public Radio

Prisons

California prisons begin 'use-of-force' reforms for mentally ill inmates
The number of inmates with mild to severe mental illness has grown to 37,000 in California, about a quarter of the prison population. A series of lawsuits brought by inmates against the state over the last two decades has exposed a correctional system poorly equipped to handle their extraordinary needs. Now California is trying to comply with a federal court order to change when and how correctional officers use pepper spray to force uncooperative inmates to leave their cells or follow orders.
KQED

Legislation

Supporters rally for 'gun restraining order' bill
Advocates of a bill that would create a "gun violence restraining order" system are stepping up their efforts in advance of a state Senate floor vote later this month. Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, along with several Bay Area police chiefs and gun control advocates, rallied Monday morning outside the Emeryville Police Department in support of AB 1014. Skinner and Santa Barbara Democrats Assemblyman Das Williams and state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson announced the bill soon after a May rampage at UC-Santa Barbara left six students dead.
Inside Bay Area

City Government

New Los Angeles fire chief sets high goals
Growing up in San Pedro, Ralph Terrazas had one dream - to one day become a firefighter. Thirty-one years ago, he achieved that when he joined the Los Angeles Fire Department. Now, he has taken the ultimate step, becoming chief of the department, commanding a force of 3,200 firefighters and paramedics with a budget of $500 million. And, he has an open-ended mandate from Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City Council to do what it takes to build up the size of the force to help reduce response times to improve public safety.
Los Angeles Daily News

Los Angeles takes another crack at sidewalk repairs
After years of starting and stopping programs to fix the city's buckled and crumbling sidewalks, Los Angeles officials on Monday moved forward on developing a comprehensive program to repair more than 4,700 miles of sidewalks. At a joint hearing of the Budget and Finance and Public Works and Gang Reduction committees, City Council members asked for a series of reports on how they can secure the $1.4 billion that has been estimated it will need to repair the walkways.
Los Angeles Daily News

DWP's drought busters return to Los Angeles streets
A team of inspectors known as the drought busters is hitting the streets to find violators of Los Angeles' water conservation measure. The Department of Water and Power's Water Conservation Response Unit, the team's formal name, will patrol different parts of the city in specially marked light blue cars, looking for water wasters and responding to tips of people and companies violating the measure.
Los Angeles Daily News