Law Enforcement

L.A. Police Commission approves contract for next wave of LAPD body cameras
The Los Angeles Police Commission on Tuesday approved a five-year, $31-million contract between the LAPD and Taser International for more than 6,000 body cameras that, if approved by the city, would move the department another step closer toward becoming the largest in the U.S. to use the technology on a wide scale. The proposed contract covers 6,140 Taser Axon body cameras — as well as replacements and upgrades — along with docking stations, unlimited data storage for the footage captured by the devices, and maintenance, support and licensing for the system, according to the agreement.
Los Angeles Times

Two Arrested in Pedestrian Hit-and-Run in Sun Valley
Police arrested two people after a pedestrian was badly hurt in a hit-and-run in Sun Valley, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Tuesday. Salvador Ramirez, 44, was in grave condition in the hospital after the hit-and-run crash at Glenoaks Boulevard and Pendleton Street on Saturday. Ramirez was collecting recyclables near the street when he was hit. The driver did not stop.
NBC Los Angeles

LAPD Cop Faces Trial for Flashing 5 Victims, Including Long Beach State Athletes
The trial against a Los Angeles Police Department officer accused of an attempted lewd act with a 12-year-old girl and exposing himself near the Huntington Beach wetlands to five female victims—including two Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) students—began on Tuesday in Orange County. Huntington Beach resident Ryan Eric Galliher, 33, is charged with one felony count of attempted lewd act upon a child under 14 years old, one felony count of contacting a minor with the intent to commit a lewd act, six misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure, and one misdemeanor count of engaging in lewd conduct, according to officials with the Orange County District Attorney's office.
Long Beach Post

Seen these men? They're suspected of stealing $200K from auto body shop
LAPD Wilshire Station detectives Tuesday released security video of suspects wanted in a pair of unrelated burglaries, one of which netted about $200,000 worth of items from an auto body shop. On Sept. 21, between 1:30 and 4 a.m., A.W. Collision in the 1700 block of South La Cienega Boulevard was burglarized. Three men entered the auto body shop by prying open the rear gate and cutting a lock.
mynewsLA.com

Driver sought in hit-and-run death of boy, 15, in West L.A.
Investigators are asking the public to help track down the driver of a stolen vehicle who fatally struck a 15-year-old boy this week and immediately fled the scene. The deadly collision occurred Sunday evening about 8:40 p.m. near Venice Boulevard and Hughes Avenue in the Palms neighborhood, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Los Angeles Times

LA Police Commission, Community Activists Call For Action On Rise In Police Shootings
A sharp rise in the number of officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles caused both the L.A. Police Commission and community activists to call for reforms Monday. A total of 45 officer-involved shootings have been recorded for 2015 so far, in comparison to 23 in 2014, and L.A. Police Commission President Matthew Johnson calls it an alarming development. "I would be looking at these same exact issues even if we were down from last year," he said. "I'm of the firm belief we can always do better."
ABC 7

Homelessness

L.A. council declares shelter crisis in effort to help the homeless
With an estimated 26,000 people calling Los Angeles sidewalks, cars and storm drains home, city officials on Tuesday approved an expanded campaign to help the homeless this winter by opening public buildings as temporary shelters and allowing people to sleep inside vehicles in designated lots. The move comes as Los Angeles' homeless population has multiplied across the region and Southern California is expected to be hit by severe rainstorms and possible flooding from El Niño, which could put unsheltered residents at increased risk.
Los Angeles Times