Law Enforcement

LAPPL and City to Enter Contract Mediation in Mid-February
Today, the Los Angeles Police Protective League announced it will enter into mediation with the City of Los Angeles in mid-February to negotiate a new contract for members of the LAPD. The League also released a brief video that shows unique work done by police officers to assure public safety. Craig Lally, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, commented on behalf of the League, “The LAPPL looks forward to negotiating a contract with fair compensation that recognizes the dangerous work our officers do and retains our experienced and well-trained officers who tirelessly work to keep our City safe. We are committed to finding a solution with the City, which is why we agreed to enter into mediation and look forward to a compromise, especially with violent crime rates rising over 14 percent. We are hopeful we will reach an agreement as there is broad understanding that the ultimate goal is the highest level of public safety for our City.”
LAPD.com

LAPD officials won't explain why murder cases were closed
The Los Angeles Police Department's high rate of closing certain murder cases surprised law enforcement experts this week. But without more information about why suspects weren't arrested and charged, observers say the public is left guessing. Besides bringing killers to justice, police close cases for certain reasons — from dead suspects to uncooperative prosecutors. A breakdown could show if the system is askew and point to solutions, experts say.
Los Angeles Daily News

Surprised by unsolved homicide statistics, victim advocates, others eye solutions
When San Pedro victim advocate LaWanda Hawkins' son Reggie was slain, she expected police would find his killer and justice would be done.The 1995 shooting death remains unsolved. On Tuesday Hawkins, who founded Justice for Murdered Children after her son's killing, pointed to statistics that show about half of the homicides committed in Los Angeles County from 2000 through 2010 remain unsolved and vowed to continue her push to hold local police departments and the Sheriff's Department accountable.
Los Angeles Daily News

L.A. police chief goes public with concerns over Google Waze app
As the Tuesday afternoon rush hour approached, the Waze traffic map for the San Fernando Valley was lighting up with users reporting fender-benders, stalled cars, scattered debris and other commuter obstacles. One of the more frequent reports, however, was of police officers. Users tracked one officer driving on the 405 Freeway near Sherman Way. Several spotted a cluster of police cars along a one-mile stretch of Sepulveda Boulevard. Another officer was spotted on Woodman Avenue.
Los Angeles Times

LAPD Investigating Series of Burglaries at Encino Businesses on Ventura Boulevard
About nine businesses reported being burglarized overnight along Ventura Boulevard in Encino, Los Angeles police said Tuesday.The first call came in the Los Angeles Police Department's West Valley Division shortly after midnight, according to Detective John Deorbecker.
KTLA 5

Man guilty of killing 2, leaving bodies to rot at Chatsworth home
A man who was the subject of a search in the summer of 2011 after police discovered the decomposing bodies of his former housemates behind a Chatsworth home was convicted Tuesday on two counts of murder. Brent Zubek, 46, was found guilty on nine felony charges, including two counts of murder and six counts of assaulting a police officer, Los Angeles County Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael Blake said.
Los Angeles Times

Vandals Shoot Out Windows of More Than 20 Vehicles in Beach Cities
Residents and business were counting the cost after vandals shot the windows and windshields of more than 20 vehicles while driving through South Bay beach cities.The crime spree, which caused thousands of dollars' worth of damage, happened in Torrance, Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach in the early morning hours of Monday.
NBC Los Angeles

$50,000 Reward Approved In Connection With Fatal South L.A. Hit-And-Run
The Los Angeles City Council approved a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction in a deadly hit-and-run case.The reward motion introduced by Councilmember Bernard Parks was voted on during Tuesday's meeting.
CBS Los Angeles , MyNewsLA.com

City Government

Lawsuit challenges minimum wage hike for L.A. hotel workers
A pair of hotel industry groups announced Tuesday they have gone to court in hopes of stopping Los Angeles from requiring hotel owners to pay their workers at least $15.37 per hour starting in July. The American Hotel & Lodging Association and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association filed a lawsuit challenging the minimum wage increase, and a hearing will be held March 26 on a request for an injunction that would prevent the increased wage from taking effect. MyNewsLA.com