Law Enforcement

ACLU appeals to DOJ regarding body-worn camera funding
The recent debate over the implementation of body cameras for police officers has exposed some clear divisions over the intended use of the video footage. Is it to provide an additional perspective to document events relating to criminal activity by recording the officer's viewpoint and the witnesses' live statements? Or, is it a “gotcha” tool, designed to try to “catch” officers in wrongdoing?
LAPD.com

LAPPL issues statement on passing of Martin Milner
In response to the passing of Actor Martin Milner, Craig Lally, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League issued the following statement on behalf of the League: “The Los Angeles Police Protective League expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family of Martin Milner, who passed away this weekend. Milner was an actor, best known for the role of Officer Pete Malloy in the TV series ‘Adam-12,' which followed the daily activities of two patrol officers as they answered calls, fought crime and solved problems in the community. Milner's character helped shape a perception of the LAPD as the pinnacle of law enforcement excellence and carried this vision to a national audience, building the reputation of the Department.”
LAPD.com

LA Police Chief Charlie Beck Paid Tribute to Late Martin Milner
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck paid tribute to the late actor Martin Milner today for inspiring thousands of men and women to become LAPD officers through his portrayal of a beat cop on TV's hit show “Adam-12.” Milner died at his home Sunday night at age 83. His death was first reported by the entertainment Website TMZ.
Westsidetoday.com

$75K Reward Offered For Suspect Wanted In Shooting Death Of Man In LA
Police will offer a $75,000 reward on Tuesday for information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting death of a man in Los Angeles. Around 7 a.m. on Jan. 10, Jose Andres Escobar walked with a friend in the area of Crenshaw Boulevard and 59th Street and collected aluminum cans.
CBS Los Angeles

Suspect With Horn Tattoos Sought by Downey Police Following Fatal Shooting
Police asked the public for help Tuesday in their search for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a man in Downey last month. Jehosua Ruvalcaba, 27, was walking with the victim and two other men in the area of Paramount Boulevard and Stewart and Gray Road at about 8:44 p.m. on Aug. 14 when the victim got into an argument with an unidentified person, according to a bulletin issued by the Downey Police Department.
KTLA 5

The Police Commission vs. its audience
The commissioners don't like the rudeness, understandably. What's more, it can get in the way of doing business. But what can be done? Should unruly speech and behavior be banned? And if so, how should the commission draw the line between what is permissible and what should not be tolerated? Those are the dilemmas facing the commission as it prepares new rules to keep misbehavior in check. It's a tricky business. Rules must be crafted with extreme care, weighing peoples' right to express themselves openly and honestly and without fear at a public meeting against the commission's need to work productively.
Los Angeles Times

Hundreds of police officers attend funeral for slain Illinois lieutenant
Several hundred police officers from around the country attended a funeral Monday for a suburban Chicago lieutenant shot and killed last week, and residents of the area turned out by the thousands to watch the hearse go by. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, who was 52 and on the cusp of retirement after more than 30 years with the Fox Lake Police Department, was shot and killed shortly after he radioed in that he was chasing three suspicious men on foot.
Fox News

Baltimore Announces $6.4 Million Settlement in the Death of Freddie Gray
The family of Freddie Gray, the 25-year-old black man who sustained a fatal spinal cord injury in police custody — setting off the worst unrest in Baltimore since 1968 — reached a $6.4 million settlement with the city on Tuesday, just days before a judge is to consider whether to move the trials of six officers facing charges in his death.
New York Times

Pensions

Pensions as Economic Stimulus
Each month the California economy experiences a large stimulus and the positive jolt is barely felt or acknowledged by civic, political or media leaders. But hundreds of thousands of citizens and many local businesses anticipate and welcome the infusion of money. The stimulus is monthly government pension payments, which is a contributor on par with the State's largest industries.
Fox & Hounds Daily