Law Enforcement

LAPD officers union approves proposed labor contract with Los Angeles
The union representing Los Angeles Police Department officers late Monday night approved a proposed labor agreement with the city that would provide cost-of-living salary increases over the next five years.The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing about 9,900 officers, completed four days of voting, with more than 2,700 officers casting ballots, the union announced. According to the city, the proposed contract would not provide any increases for 2014 or 2015, but calls for a 4 percent cost-of-living adjustment in July 2016, followed by a 2 percent increase in July 2017 and another 2 percent in January 2018.
Los Angeles Daily News

Recent LAPD controversies have officials in damage-control mode
It's not the kind of housekeeping Charlie Beck wants to do. Standing before reporters Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Department chief looked into television cameras and spoke to one of his own officers. "If Henry Solis is watching this, you have dishonored this Police Department, your country and your service to the country, and your family," Beck said in a grave voice. "And you should turn yourself in and face the consequences for your actions."
Los Angeles Times , ABC 7

Dramatic Pursuit Ends With Two Arrests, Crowds of Spectators in South LA
Sparks flew Tuesday night as a car being driven on a bare rim made its way through South Los Angeles during a dramatic police pursuit. Preliminary information indicated the 90-minute chase began in the Lakewood area when a female, suspected of driving a stolen car, refused to pull over for authorities. The pursuit made its way down the 105 Freeway, then the 110 Freeway before exiting in South LA.
NBC Los Angeles

Police Investigate Fatal Shooting In Van Nuys
Police Wednesday were investigating a fatal shooting in the San Fernando Valley. Officials received a shots fired call just before 11:10 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Hazeltine Avenue and Gilmore Street. When officers arrived on scene they were unable to locate a victim, and left about 15 minutes later to respond to another call.
CBS Los Angeles

$50,000 worth of gold, cash stolen from songwriter's Hollywood Hills home
A Hollywood Hills man known for his platinum has been robbed of his gold. The home of songwriter Toby Gad, whose Grammy-winning songs have contributed to platinum-selling albums for Jessie J, One Direction and Beyonce, among others, was hit by a thief or thieves earlier this month, Los Angeles police said. Gad's wife reportedly called police Monday night to report that someone had broken into the couple's safe inside their home in the 3500 block of Wonder View Drive while the house was being renovated.
Los Angeles Times

Police Search For Sexual Battery Suspect Wanted For Groping Women Near USC
Los Angeles and University of Southern California police Wednesday were searching for a sexual battery suspect who targeted women near the University Park campus. Several similar incidents have been reported to both the LAPD and campus police since Feb. 23 near the sorority row area of the campus, officials said.
CBS Los Angeles

NYPD poised to create special unit to investigate officer-involved shootings, sources say
The NYPD is poised to create a new squad dedicated to investigating police officer-involved shooting incidents, similar to a unit formed by Commissioner William Bratton when he headed the LAPD, the Advance has learned. The squad will be similar to the LAPD's "Force Investigation Division," which looks into all incidents that involve the use of deadly force by an officer, multiple sources tell the Advance. Deputy Inspector John Sprague -- who last May left his role as the commanding officer of the North Shore's 120th Precinct to head the borough's Detective Bureau -- has been tapped to lead the new unit, sources tell the Advance.
SILive.com

City Government

West Hollywood makeover: Council will be led by women
West Hollywood's two longest-serving City Council members stepped down Monday night following an election that reshaped the political face of the city that just turned 30. Councilwoman Abbe Land had been in office 23 years; Mayor Pro Tem John Heilman had served on the council since the city was incorporated in 1984. Lindsey Horvath, an advertising executive who served two years on the council after being appointed following a member's death, and Lauren Meister, a longtime resident and market research professional, were sworn in as new council members.
Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles City Council approves trust fund for new downtown hotel
The Los Angeles City Council tentatively agreed Tuesday to create a trust fund that will hold up to $18.7 million in tax subsidies for a new downtown hotel project.The trust fund is part of a 25-year incentive agreement reached last year between Greenland LA Metropolis Hotel Development LLC and city leaders for a 350-room hotel near L.A. Live. Greenland is an affiliate of Shanghai-based developer Greenland Group. When fully completed, Metropolis will consist of an 18-story hotel, stores, residences and more amenities on a 6.3-acre site near the 110 Freeway and 8th Street.
Los Angeles Daily News