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Los Angeles
Police Protective League
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the union that represents the
rank and file LAPD officers
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Daily Local & Regional NewsWatch
Daily News Digest
from LA Police Protective League
April 3, 2017 |
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Law Enforcement News
Texas deputy constable fatally shot; suspect at large
A local law enforcement leader is dead after being shot behind the Baytown courthouse about 7 a.m. Monday, police said. The suspected shooter remains at large, leading to a lockdown in the area. Clint Greenwood, assistant chief deputy with the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's Office, was arriving to work when someone opened fire on him. Greenwood had nearly three decades of service with Harris County law enforcement agencies. The shooting was intentional but police have not yet identified a motive, said Lt. Steve Dorris with the Baytown Police Department.
Houston Chronicle
Police Arrests Are Plummeting Across California, Fueling Alarm and Questions
In 2013, something changed on the streets of Los Angeles. Police officers began making fewer arrests. The following year, the Los Angeles Police Department's arrest numbers dipped even lower and continued to fall, dropping by 25% from 2013 to 2015. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the San Diego Police Department also saw significant drops in arrests during that period. Some in law enforcement cite diminished manpower and changes in deployment strategies. Rob Harris, an LAPD union director, said that Proposition 47, combined with the department's “inadequate” staffing levels, has altered the calculus for officers when deciding whether to engage with someone. “Are you going to go and make an arrest that you know is only going to be a misdemeanor? You know your impact is not going to be very great,” Harris said. “That guy is going to be right back out again.” Police union director Lou Turriaga said that every day police officers go to work wanting to make sure that nothing happens to anyone in their piece of the city they patrol.
Los Angeles Times, FOX 11
The number of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers killed in L.A. traffic rose sharply in 2016
Traffic deaths in Los Angeles rose sharply despite a high-profile campaign by Mayor Eric Garcetti and other city leaders to eliminate fatal traffic crashes.
In 2016, the first full year that Garcetti's Vision Zero policy was in effect in L.A., 260 people were killed in traffic crashes on city streets, an increase of almost 43% over the previous year. Rising traffic deaths appear to be more than a one-year fluke: So far in 2017, crash fatalities are 22% higher than in the same period last year. The LAPD's speeding enforcement is challenged by a state law that prevents officers from using radar to catch speeders unless a new traffic study has been performed in that area. The number of speeding tickets issued annually has dropped from 100,000 in 2010 to about 17,000 in 2015, according to police data. Some traffic officers have also been transferred to other duties because of the city's rising crime rate, Ferry said.
Los Angeles Times
60-Year-Old Woman Dies After Being Hit by Vehicle in Downtown Los Angeles; LAPD Investigating
A female pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle on the outskirts of Downtown Los Angeles early Friday afternoon, fire officials said. The deadly incident occurred about 12:21 p.m. in the 500 block of East Cesar E Chavez Avenue, in the tunnel where the road goes under the rail road tracks near Union Station, according to a Los Angeles Fire Department alert. The victim, identified only as a 60-year-old woman, died at the scene. It was not known what type of vehicle was involved in the fatal crash, LAFD said.
KTLA 5
San Pedro High School Baseball Player Brutally Beaten
A San Pedro High School baseball player is in the intensive care unit after he was beaten and left for dead. On Thursday night, Evan Jimenez was walking home from a friends house after a baseball game earlier in the day, when he was jumped and beaten by two men, according to a GoFundMe page set up for the family. The page says, "Evan was hit over the head/face with a Jack Daniels bottle, stepped on, and brutally beaten beyond recognition and left unconscious to die in an alley." The teen is now in the ICU at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. There are no suspects at this time.
FOX 11
Why Some Of The Most Controversial Police Shootings Aren't On Video
Moments after gunfire erupted at a Boyle Heights intersection, Los Angeles police officers spotted a man walking away from the area. The officers tried to stop him, the LAPD said, but he ran and pulled a gun from his waistband, prompting police to shoot. The man was struck in the chest and died in an alley. The officers were wearing body cameras, which are intended to add clarity to controversial moments in policing — including these types of shootings. The problem: The cameras weren't on. Last Saturday's shooting was at least the second this year in which body cameras worn by LAPD officers weren't recording when they fired their guns. Steve Gordon, a director for the union that represents rank and file officers said officers are usually able to activate their cameras for routine encounters, when there's little urgency. That changes, he said, during a high-pressure situation when the officers have to take immediate action — which may end in a shooting. “When there's some kind of urgency, when all the senses are firing in their systems … they don't remember to activate a camera,” he said. “They're thinking about cars, they're thinking about suspects, they're thinking about a million things.
Los Angeles Times
LAPD Chases Armed Robbery Suspects On Southbound 605; 1 At Large
The LAPD chased armed robbery suspects southbound on the 605 Freeway Sunday evening. The dangerous chase ended on Brookhurst, just south of the 405, with a foot bail in Fountain Valley. It was unclear where the LAPD picked up the chase but they pursued the suspects into Orange County. Sky'9's Desmond Shaw was over the chase when it ended with the male driver and a female passenger exited the vehicle just outside the Orange Coast Memorial Center. At one point, the male suspect ran towards the hospital, as well as the parking area before being apprehended. The suspect was driving black truck aimlessly with his lights off. At various points in the chase he put his blinkers on. He mostly stayed in the carpool lane.
CBS 2
Hollywood Standoff Ends With Man In Custody
A nearly eight-hour standoff involving a possibly armed man who was holed up inside his Hollywood apartment ended Saturday when police fired tear gas into his unit and took him into custody. The man was taken in custody at 6:50 a.m., according to a police officer at the LAPD's Hollywood station. ``When they put tear gas inside, he came out peacefully," said Officer Mike Lopez of the LAPD's Media Relations Section, adding it was not immediately known whether police recovered a firearm. Officers were called to the apartment complex, in the area of Vine Street and Sunset Boulevard, at 10:35 p.m. Friday, according to Sgt. Robert Ward of the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood Division.
FOX 11
2 Wounded By Gunfire In Pacoima Alley
Two people were found shot and badly wounded in an alley in Pacoima Friday night, officials said. One victim was described as unconscious and not breathing at the scene, in the 9100 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The other victim was seen on the ground. At least one victim appeared to be a male adult. Paramedics were seen loading both victims onto ambulances. Witnesses told Eyewitness News they heard about six or seven shots, and then silence. Los Angeles police said they did not have a description of any possible suspects.
ABC 7
Burglars Caught On Camera Stealing From Condominium Building In Westwood
Los Angeles police are investigating on Saturday after multiple burglars were caught on security footage stealing mail and personal items from a condominium in Westwood. A group of men were shown breaking into a condominium building at the intersection of Beverly Glen Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard around 5 a.m. Saturday. The burglars used a stolen key to get into the building, according to residents. "Being in your own home at 5 a.m. and realizing somebody has unauthorized access to your building, and doesn't even have to break a sweat," said Aida Kaplan, a resident of the building. "They can just come in, use a key and walk into your place, of course, it's really scary."
KTLA 5
Son of mariachi star Pepe Aguilar arrested, charged with human smuggling
A man charged with trying to smuggle four Chinese nationals stuffed into the trunk of his car from Mexico into San Diego two weeks ago turned out to be the son of Grammy Award-winning mariachi Pepe Aguilar. Jose Emiliano Aguilar, 24, was arrested March 14 on suspicion of human smuggling by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at San Diego's San Ysidro Port of Entry. A criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Diego said Aguilar arranged to smuggle the four Chinese citizens for a fee of between $3,000 and $60,000 each.
Los Angeles Daily News
ShotSpotter tells police only 1 in 4 shootings are reported
San Diego police installed audio sensors that detect gunfire in four neighborhoods last November, and the first batch of data shows only one in four shootings are reported to police. Of 61 shootings, 26 percent were called in by residents, according to data collected by the system called ShotSpotter. The sensors were installed in Valencia Park, Lincoln Park, Skyline and O'Farrell. Most of the “activations” between Nov. 26 and March 27 included multiple gunshots, and nearly all of them happened at night — many between 9 p.m. and midnight.
San Diego Union Tribune
Trying To Speed Up Executions Could Deal 'Mortal Blow' To California Supreme Court
If a November ballot measure to speed up executions goes into effect, the California Supreme Court will have to decide hundreds of death penalty appeals in rapid succession. That mandate would turn the state's highest court into what analysts say would be “a death penalty court,” forced for years to devote about 90% of its time to capital appeals. Proposition 66, sponsored by prosecutors and passed by 51% of voters, gave judicial leaders 1½ years to make new legal rules and then five years to decide a crushing backlog of appeals. “Prop. 66 would require the California Supreme Court to decide virtually nothing but death penalty appeals for at least the next five years — almost no civil cases at all and no criminal cases other than capital murder,” said Jon Eisenberg, president of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers.
Los Angeles Times
Wife Of Baton Rouge Cop Killed During Ambush Gives Birth
The wife of an officer who was killed during the July 2016 ambush in Baton Rouge received a living reminder of her husband last week. Matthew Gerald's wife Dechia gave birth to their son Falyn Matthew on March 21, WAFB reported. As a tribute to his dad, Falyn carries on his dad's law enforcement nickname “Buttons.” Dechia, who has worn her husband's wedding ring as a necklace since he died, said Falyn wouldn't let go of the ring the first time she held him. Matthew Gerald, along with Officers Montrell Jackson and Brad Garafola, were ambushed by a gunman on July 17, 2016, the Associated Press reported. Officer Nick Tullier was critically injured as well. He is still in recovery. The gunman was killed at the scene.
PoliceOne |
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Public Safety News
Man Dies, Woman Injured In Tujunga Apartment Fire: LAFD
A 60-year-old man died and a woman was injured in a Tujunga apartment fire late Saturday, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. The blaze was reported about 10:55 p.m. at 7053 Greeley Street and found the fire in a first-floor apartment. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames in about 16 minutes, but the victim was found dead in the kitchen, Capt. Erik Scott said. He has been identified as Jesse Arellano. A woman was also found with minor burn injuries and smoke inhalation, Scott said. Smoke alarms were found in the apartment, but it is unclear if they were functional. The building did not have sprinklers, but officials said those are optional. The cause and of the fire is under investigation.
KTLA 5 |
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Local Government News
L.A. City Hall Is Considering A Plan To Borrow Money To Cover Lawsuit Settlements. Some Think That's Borrowing Trouble
On the advice of budget officials, the Los Angeles City Council agreed earlier this year to consider borrowing tens of millions of dollars to pay for high-profile legal settlements and court judgments. The money would help offset several multimillion-dollar settlements approved by the city in recent years, including a $200-million agreement to end a lawsuit brought by disability-rights groups over the lack of accessible housing. About $38 million in unspent city money will be returned by departments at the end of this fiscal year, Galperin's office said. “I believe that debt financing of liability claims should only be used in extraordinary circumstances and in times of great need,” Galperin wrote in a letter to the council and Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This year does not meet those criteria, and the city should live within its means instead of borrowing unnecessarily.”
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Voters To Decide On California's 34th Congressional District
Los Angeles voters in California's 34th Congressional District will choose a new member in the U.S. House of Representatives when they head to the polls Tuesday. The open seat, which was previously held by state Attorney General Xavier Becerra, will go to one of the 23 candidates running. So, how can voters differentiate between them all? A public candidate forum was held at Eagle Rock High School, where 20 of the 23 candidates met onstage. The forum helped the candidates distinguish themselves from one another. The newly elected member of Congress will represent the communities of Chinatown, Boyle Heights, Downtown Los Angeles and Eagle Rock, among others.
NBC 4 |
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The LA County Association of Deputy District Attorneys
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the association for the deputy district attorneys (DDAs) of LA County
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Local & Regional News
Weekly News Digest
from LA County Assoc of Deputy DAs |
Roman Polanski lashes out as judge ponders possible U.S. return
Roman Polanski might not find out for several weeks what the next step is in his efforts to return to the U.S. nearly 40 years after fleeing American justice for the rape of a 13-year-old girl. But his lawyer certainly wants to rev up the process and put the system on notice. "Court expressed disbelief of why Roman Polanski would hesitate to trust the Court to sentence him after what the Court called an 'open plea,' " reads a second supplemental argument Polanski attorney Harland Braun intended to file today in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Deadline Hollywood |
Irvine activists who made undercover videos of Planned Parenthood charged with felonies
California prosecutors on Tuesday charged two anti-abortion activists who made undercover videos of themselves trying to buy fetal tissue from Planned Parenthood with 15 felonies, saying they invaded the privacy of medical providers by filming without consent. State Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced the charges against David Daleiden of Davis, California, and Sandra Merritt of San Jose. The two operate the Irvine-based Center for Medical Progress.
CBS.com/AP |
D.A.'s office assists in developing guide aimed at 'breaking the cycle' of domestic abuse
County prosecutors played a key role in developing a guide aimed at aggressively prosecuting domestic violence cases while also advocating for increased community services for victims both locally and nationwide. Working in conjunction with the Women Prosecutor's Section of the National District Attorneys Association, San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office prosecutors assisted in developing a "Best Practices Guide" aimed at combating domestic violence, the office said in a statement Thursday.
Victorville Daily Press |
Former L.A. Coliseum tech manager pleads no contest in corruption case, could avoid jail time
A former Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum technology manager charged in the stadium corruption scandal has pleaded no contest to a charge of conflict of interest, the L.A. County district attorney's office said Thursday. Leopold Caudillo Jr., one of six men charged in the case, was accused of directing more than $20,000 in stadium business to a company he controlled.
Los Angeles Times |
Couple sentenced in 2012 gang murder in Lake Los Angeles
A man and a woman were sentenced March 16 for their role in the gang-motivated killing of Christian Bojorquez, 21, in Lake Los Angeles in 2012, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. Rudolfo Alcantar, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole; Rosie Lisa Morales was sentenced to 48 years to life in prison. On Aug. 5, 2016, a jury found Alcantar guilty of first-degree murder.
Los Angeles Times |
California may free 9,500 inmates in 4 years under new rules
Corrections officials announced new criminal sentencing rules that are projected to trim California's prison population by 9,500 inmates over four years. They include steps like reducing inmates' sentences up to six months for earning a college degree and by up to a month each year for participating in self-help programs such as alcohol and substance abuse support groups and counseling, anger management, life skills, victim awareness, restorative justice and parenting classes.
AP |
New parole rules released as California prisons near court-ordered cap
As the state prison population comes close to exceeding a court-mandated limit, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is pursuing new regulations that aim to get more inmates paroled more quickly over time. The proposed rules, originating from voter approval of Proposition 57 in November, would allow "nonviolent" felons to first seek parole at the conclusion of the base term for their primary offense, before serving additional time for other charges and enhancements that can add years to their sentence.
Sacramento Bee |
Officials unveil controversial guidelines for the release of more inmates to relieve prison overcrowding
California corrections officials unveiled new regulations that will increase the chances of early release for hundreds of state prison inmates, and expand the credits they earn for demonstrating good behavior and completing rehabilitation programs behind bars. The highly anticipated - and hotly contested - guidelines are the first major step toward overhauling the state's prison parole system under Proposition 57, the ballot measure approved by voters last year that aims to reduce the statewide prison population by 9,500 inmates over the next four years.
Los Angeles Times |
Prop. 47 got thousands out of prison. Now, $103 million in savings will go towards keeping them out
Vonya Quarles grew up in South Los Angeles and describes herself as a third-generation convicted felon. But by the time she took the microphone at a Highland town hall meeting in January 2016, she was a lawyer and executive director of a Riverside County nonprofit that helps connect the homeless, formerly incarcerated and mentally ill to transitional housing.
Los Angeles Times |
8,000-mile ride in a prison van left this man bleeding, sleep-deprived and near death
The prisoner wore no underwear. Or socks. Or shoes. David Hastings said he was led away from the Orange County Jail medical wing just after midnight on April 5, 2014, wearing nothing more than a white paper jail-issue jumpsuit. His hands and feet were shackled to his waist. Hastings was wanted 2,600 miles away in Fort Myers, Fla., for violating a restraining order - issued in the midst of a bitter divorce - that prohibited him from contacting his ex-wife or children.
Orange County Register |
Parolee with ankle monitor arrested after girlfriend killed in San Bernardino: Police
A man on active parole has been arrested after allegedly killing his girlfriend in San Bernardino, who was found dead over the weekend, police said Monday. Early Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Police Department received a phone call that 42-year-old Julio Serrano had just shown up at the caller's L.A. residence and indicated he had hurt his girlfriend in a trailer at the back of a home in the 1200 block of North Perris Street in San Bernardino, according to investigators.
KTLA |
Transgender inmates could have bras, cosmetics
Transgender California prison inmates could have bras, cosmetics and other personal items corresponding to their gender identities under newly proposed regulations. The state corrections department filed the rules Tuesday in response to a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit earlier led California to become the first state to provide taxpayer-funded sex reassignment surgery to an inmate.
AP |
San Bernardino parolee wearing ankle monitor suspected of killing girlfriend
A San Bernardino parolee who was wearing an ankle monitor taken into custody Sunday on suspicion of killing his girlfriend during a domestic dispute, police said. Julio Cesar Serrano, 42, showed up at a family member's Los Angeles home about 1:40 p.m. and said that he had hurt his 45-year-old girlfriend, Martha Garcia, according to a news release from the San Bernardino Police Department.
Riverside Press-Enterprise |
Man who served 20 years for crime he didn't commit set free
To screams of joy and applause, a 41-year-old man who spent 20 years behind bars for crimes he did not commit was set free Tuesday after a judge found he had been wrongfully convicted. Marco Contreras, 41, beamed and clasped his hands above his head in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom after Superior Court Judge William Ryan reversed his conviction on attempted murder and robbery charges from a case stemming back to 1996.
NBC4 |
Police suffer carbon monoxide poisoning driving Ford Explorer
At least two police officers have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning while driving the Ford Explorer. Hundreds of motorists have complained and filed lawsuits. However, Ford denies the allegations. A police officer in Texas is recovering after falling ill from carbon monoxide poisoning while in his patrol vehicle. The Austin officer was in his Ford patrol vehicle early Saturday morning when he began feeling nauseous, reported KRISTV.com.
Law Enforcement Today |
Sacramento City Council decisions creating crisis in the Police Department
The Sacramento City Council once again demonstrated it is blissfully unaware that it is causing a crisis in the Sacramento Police Department, one that will take years to undo. Rather than encourage strong, independent leadership in the department, the council continues to substitute its judgment for those who have dedicated their lives to the profession of public safety.
Sacramento Bee |
Hundreds of Sacramento police officers to receive $2,000+ bonus
The Sacramento City Council unanimously approved more than $1.3 million in bonuses for police department officers, sergeants and dispatchers in an effort to close the gap between their pay and the pay of officers in other departments. The bonus will be paid to 687 employees with officers receiving $2,150, sergeants receiving $2,000 and dispatchers receiving $1,000. The bonuses come as a number of officers leave for higher paying departments.
KCRA |
Thefts increased in Napa County last year
Napa County isn't known for having a lot of major crimes, but it still has its problems, including an increase in theft reports. According to statistics from both Napa Police and the Napa County Sheriff's Office, reports of theft increased between 2015 and 2016. Thefts increased by more than 10 percent in Napa and more than 8 percent in unincorporated Napa County. "We've been hammered with thefts," said Sheriff's Capt. Keith Behlmer on Friday.
Napa Valley Register |
Police playing politics with criminal justice measures
Within hours of the murder of Whittier police officer Keith Lane Boyer in February, the tragedy of his death was swiftly diverted toward the political agenda of a few law enforcement officials and politicians. "Enough is enough," declared Whittier Police Chief Jeff Piper during a news conference. "You're passing these propositions, you're creating these laws that [are] raising crime. It's not good for our communities and it's not good for our officers. What you have today is an example of that."
Orange County Register |
Will allowing ICE agents into local jails make immigrants safer?
L.A.'s Sheriff thinks so
L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell is leading the charge against California legislation that would prevent sheriff departments from sharing with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents information about undocumented immigrants. The bill, known as the California Values Act, or SB 54, would prohibit local law enforcement from informing ICE of the release dates of inmates and prohibit ICE from interviewing inmates inside jails.
LA Weekly |
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Las Vegas Strip reopens after 1 shot dead, 1 injured
Las Vegas Metro police said an armed man surrendered after a three-hour standoff on a two-story bus that closed the Vegas Strip on Saturday. Police say the man shot and killed one person and wounded another. Police evacuated the nearby Cosmopolitan hotel and casino floor shortly before 11 a.m. local time Saturday as a result of the incident. They blocked off pedestrian walkways and several blocks of traffic on the Strip.
USA Today |
Don't mess with New York's gun laws
On the first day of the new Congress, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act was introduced in the House, and in February a similar bill was introduced in the Senate. The legislation requires New York state and New York City to honor concealed-carry firearms permits issued in other states. This would be a dangerous and unwarranted interference with state and city laws, undermining public safety in some of America's most celebrated neighborhoods and tourist attractions.
Wall Street Journal |
A Woodland Hills neighborhood plagued by burglars is fighting back with tech
A gate across Jeni Bianco's driveway didn't stop someone from stealing her new Range Rover Sport earlier this month, just hours after Bianco put her beloved teacup Yorkie to sleep. A few nights later, surveillance cameras caught three people with flashlights exiting a car and walking toward the service gate of Bianco's home. And last weekend, Bianco heard banging at the locked service gate in the middle of the night.
Los Angeles Daily News |
FOX 11 News In Depth: Policing in 2017
In our 7th show since starting FOX 11 News IN DEPTH, we spend the entire half hour exploring policing in 2017. We talk to community activists concerned about police-related issues, the president of the police union, we go to the LAPD Police Museum to look at the agencies history, and in Santa Monica, we visit a program aimed at helping kids learn to trust police officers.
Fox11 |
Parker Center, former LAPD headquarters, to be demolished to make way for office tower
A plan to demolish Parker Center, the former Los Angeles Police Department headquarters, has moved forward after a unanimous vote by the city council. Twelve council members voted to adopt a 15-year civic center master plan that includes office space, retail locations and housing. The proposal was heavily pushed by Parker Center's neighbor, Little Tokyo.
ABC7 |
Amazon's credibility problems grow
Amazon would like consumers to believe that Amazon is a safe place to buy name-brand goods, but that is just not true. Amazon, already under fire for allowing and enabling the sale of counterfeits, is now facing a Consumer Watchdog report of deceptive pricing practices. The problem is that anybody, anywhere, can sell just about anything on Amazon. "In Amazon's quest to be the low-cost provider of everything on the planet, the website has morphed into the world's largest flea market - a chaotic, somewhat lawless, bazaar with unlimited inventory" says a recent CNBC Report.
The Counterfeit Report |
Walmart caught selling counterfeits
Global name recognition and consumer perceived credibility is a significant advantage in marketing (and profiting) from consumer goods. Consumers place their confidence in, and rely on Walmart's credibility to purchase authentic goods. But, sometimes that confidence is misplaced. Walmart was caught again selling counterfeit items on its website. The Counterfeit Report, a popular consumer advocate and authorized agent for trademark holders and manufacturers, found counterfeit 64GB microSDHC computer flash memory cards listed on Walmart's website.
The Counterfeit Report |
Law enforcement: Cooperation key in response to terrorist, mass shooting incidents like San Bernardino
Part of the reason the San Bernardino terrorist attack didn't lead to more loss of life started years before. "San Bernardino, we didn't see that coming," said Stephen Woolery, special agent in charge of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division in Los Angeles. "You had a married couple that, Enrique Marquez aside, had kept it all fairly secret." Marquez purchased the rifles that Redlands couple Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik used to kill 14 people and wound 22 others at San Bernardino's Inland Regional Center on Dec. 2, 2015.
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin |
AT&T investing $40B to help build first-responder network
AT&T is investing $40 billion to help build and operate the nation's first broadband network dedicated to police, firefighters, and emergency medical services. The network, the brainchild of the independent entity First Responder Network Authority (or FirstNet), is expected to streamline communications between first responders during public safety crises.
D Magazine |
U.S. arrests Mexican prosecutor in San Diego, alleging massive drug conspiracy
The attorney general of the western Mexican state of Nayarit was in a federal jail in San Diego on Wednesday night on charges of conspiracy to smuggle cocaine, heroin, marijuana and meth, according to court documents. Edgar Veytia, 46, the chief law enforcement officer in Nayarit - the scene of numerous deadly drug gang showdowns in recent years - was arrested Monday at a border crossing in San Diego after he was flagged for an open federal warrant issued in New York.
NBC News |
SF courts anything but safe for some immigrants in sanctuary city
San Francisco's public officials constantly say the city must remain a sanctuary for immigrants living in the country without documentation so they'll come forward if they're a victim of or witness to a crime. But some who have come forward have found the city's courtrooms anything but a safe harbor.
San Francisco Chronicle |
Sheriff McDonnell is right again about immigrant policy
The Los Angeles County sheriff surprised many people this month when he took a stand against the California "sanctuary state" bill that seeks to push back against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration-law enforcement plans. Jim McDonnell's position may have seemed like a step back from his generally hands-off approach to immigration enforcement, expressed in his op-ed on this page Jan. 8. But in fact it's not a step back and certainly not inconsistent.
Los Angeles Daily News |
White House keeps up sanctuary cities pressure with funding threat
Attorney General Jeff Sessions outlined Monday how the Trump administration will use federal funds to crack down on "sanctuary cities" and states that choose not to comply with federal immigration laws, as it has threatened to do since January. The comments came after the Trump administration has made a concerted effort to pressure the so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions as part of its aggressive push to enforce immigration laws.
CNN |
Sanctuary city leaders vow to remain firm, despite threats from U.S. attorney general
Leaders from so-called sanctuary cities across Southern California struck a defiant tone Monday, stating that they would continue to protect people who are in the country illegally despite threats by U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to cut off and even claw back grant funding from the Justice Department.
Los Angeles Times |
Statement by the International Association of Chiefs of Police on United States immigration enforcement policy and sanctions
Immigration enforcement is a complex and challenging issue for communities and their law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. State and local law enforcement agencies are steadfast in their commitment to removing from their communities dangerous criminals and others who pose a threat to public safety. Any suggestion to the contrary is simply inaccurate.
IACP Blog |
Supreme Court considers bad legal advice in immigrant's plea
The Supreme Court tried to figure out Tuesday whether immigrants should get a second chance in court when bad legal advice leads to a guilty plea and certain deportation. The justices seemed divided during an argument about what to do in cases in which the evidence against criminal defendants is strong and the chances of acquittal by a jury are remote. The court is considering the case of Jae Lee, a South Korean immigrant who was facing drug charges.
AP |
De León: Sessions' plan to defund sanctuary cities 'nothing short of blackmail'
California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León on Monday called Attorney General Jeff Sessions' plan to block Justice Department grant funding to sanctuary cities "nothing short of blackmail." During a daily press briefing earlier in the day, Sessions said the Justice Department will require compliance with immigration laws in order for cities to receive grants through the Office of Justice Programs, according to The Associated Press.
Sacramento Bee |
State's chief justice steps up criticism of immigration officials
California's chief justice renewed her criticism of federal immigration officials Monday for conducting raids at courthouses and, in her annual State of the Judiciary address, appeared to escalate her critique of the Trump administration. "Our values, practices and laws are being called into question, and all three branches of government and the free press are in the crosshairs," Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said in remarks prepared for a joint session of the Legislature.
SF Gate |
Battling Trump is 'team sport,' California's attorney general says
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has forcefully criticized President Donald Trump's executive actions calling for a widespread crackdown on undocumented immigrants and barring travel to the United States from predominantly Muslim countries in Africa and the Middle East. Political tough talk, positioning the state as a leader in the resistance to the Trump administration, has dominated Becerra's short tenure since the former Democratic congressman assumed the role in late January.
Sacramento Bee |
California would virtually eliminate money bail under proposed legislation
California lawmakers have unveiled a sweeping plan to overhaul pretrial release in the state that could virtually eliminate the use of money bail. Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Los Angeles, and Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, introduced legislation last December to change a system they argue unfairly punishes the poor by keeping them stuck in custody if they cannot afford expensive bail rates.
Sacramento Bee |
Here's how state lawmakers plan to reform the bail system in California
State lawmakers have unveiled an ambitious plan to reform how counties in California set bail for defendants while they wait for their cases to be resolved or go to trial. New language added Friday to bills by Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) and Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) would prevent criminal defendants from having to post money as a condition of release from jail and would shift some power from judges to pretrial services agencies to assess the risks they would pose if allowed out in the community.
Los Angeles Times |
State law that would seal arrest records moves ahead
A proposed state law that would seal arrest records of people who were never charged with crimes so such records don't follow them through life has moved one step closer to passage. On Tuesday, the California Arrest Record Equity Act was passed out of the Senate Public Safety Committee. The law was introduced by state Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, and sponsored by District Attorney George Gascon.
San Francisco Examiner |
Sanctuary cities aren't as popular as you might think in California
Despite defunding threats from the Trump administration, California voters narrowly support communities declaring themselves "sanctuary cities," according to a statewide survey Tuesday. But the Berkeley IGS Poll found that a slim majority oppose cities and counties being able to disregard federal requests to detain illegal immigrants who have been arrested and are pending release from custody.
Sacramento Bee |
California Democrats want a 'sanctuary state' for immigrants here illegally. But those who are felons should be sent packing
Democratic politicians want California to be a sanctuary for immigrants here illegally. OK. If they're hard working and obeying the law, fine. But if they're thugs? Call the feds and boot their butts back across the border. That's my view. And it's also the opinion of most sane people, I suspect. Even Democratic office holders must think this down deep. So why is it so hard for them to say it?
Los Angeles Times |
New amendments to 'sanctuary state' bill will allow police and sheriffs to contact ICE about violent felons
California Senate leader Kevin de León has amended his "sanctuary state" bill to provide greater flexibility for law enforcement to notify and work with federal immigration officials on cases involving serious and violent felons. The move, amid national debate over "sanctuary city" policies, comes days after a rowdy welcome in Sacramento for the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a forum meant to address the role of police officers and sheriff's deputies in immigration enforcement.
Los Angeles Times |
Trying to speed up executions could deal 'mortal blow' to California Supreme Court
If a November ballot measure to speed up executions goes into effect, the California Supreme Court will have to decide hundreds of death penalty appeals in rapid succession. That mandate would turn the state's highest court into what analysts say would be "a death penalty court," forced for years to devote about 90% of its time to capital appeals.
Los Angeles Times |
Is Proposition 57, approved by voters, delaying justice for victims?
The killing of Madyson Middleton struck at the core of California's conscience because it was a hideous crime committed in a Santa Cruz arts center apartment complex. The slaying of the 8-year-old boy was made more shocking because the identity of the suspect was the victim's then-15 year old neighbor. "It was very emotional and really upsetting and hard to deal with," said Jacob Seedman, who knew both victims.
Fox2 KTVU |
Discussions take aim at criminal justice reform in Stockton
The city is ripe for a criminal justice reform, advocates say, but it's going to take awareness, action and dismantling a history of mass incarceration that has resulted in an unyielding cycle of poverty and crime. Californians for Safety and Justice, which spearheaded last year's free Proposition 47 Record Change and Health Fair, is starting a series of conversations with the Stockton community about what they say is a punitive criminal justice system that has resulted in collateral consequences of conviction.
Recordnet.com |
LA supes to consider making it easier to fire sheriff's deputies
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is looking to make it easier to fire sheriff's deputies who have been found to be dishonest in the past. The move comes amid promises by Sheriff Jim McDonnell to clean house in his department. Since taking office three years ago, McDonnell has moved to fire significantly more deputies than his predecessors, according to department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida.
KPCC |
Small-time thieves catch a break in state high court ruling
The reduced punishment that California voters approved for shoplifting in November 2014 wasn't limited to swiping goods from store shelves, but also covered other types of nonviolent commercial theft, like going to a bank to cash a stolen check, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The decision, a day after a similar ruling by a state appeals court in another case, took a broad view of a ballot measure that was intended to lower the population of California's overcrowded prisons by easing penalties for less-serious crimes.
SF Gate |
S.C. adopts broad interpretation of 'shoplifting'
A man who entered a bank to cash stolen checks is eligible, under Proposition 47, to have his conviction for second degree burglary reduced to misdemeanor shoplifting, the California Supreme Court declared in a 5-2 opinion. The decision comes one day after a published Fifth District Court of Appeal opinion said that a defendant who stole coins from a machine was eligible for a reduction of his offense to shoplifting.
Metropolitan News-Enterprise |
California Supreme Court to rule on gun law
The state Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to decide whether gun manufacturers have the right to challenge a California law requiring identifying microstamps on bullets fired from semiautomatic pistols, a requirement the manufacturers claim can't be met with current technology. A state appeals court had ruled in December that gun groups could present evidence to support their suit seeking to overturn the law, an exception to the usual requirement that statutes can be struck down only if they are unconstitutional.
SF Gate |
Supreme Court wrestles with L.A. sheriff's deputies shooting case
The Supreme Court on Wednesday stepped in to the national conversation on police practices, wrestling with a California police shooting case where sheriff's deputies shot an innocent couple during their search for a wanted man. The justices heard oral arguments in a 2010 case involving Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies. The deputies were searching for a wanted parolee when they entered a shack at the back of a home in the city of Lancaster, north of Los Angeles.
AP |
Steal checks from grandma & receive get out of jail card
Who said crime doesn't pay? California voters - with the help of Proposition 47 authors more concerned about emptying state prisons than justice who created loopholes a jumbo jet could fly through and a state Supreme Court eager to play lawmakers - have done just that. Last week the state high court majority decided that shoplifting does not just refer to swiping merchandise from a store. The 5-2 decision involved a case of one Giovanni Gonzales convicted of felony burglary.
The Manteca Bulletin |
California's top justice touts strength of state courts
State courts must be willing to go beyond the U.S. Supreme Court in protecting individual rights, California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu said Thursday. "A state court can provide protection for basic liberties that otherwise would go unprotected in that state," Liu, an appointee of Gov. Jerry Brown, said in remarks prepared for a speech at New York University in honor of the late Supreme Court Justice William Brennan.
SF Gate |
Judge dismisses challenge to 'suspicious activities' database
A San Francisco federal judge dismissed an American Civil Liberties Union challenge Monday to a federally assembled police database of "suspicious activities" allegedly linked to terrorism, saying the government has broad authority to keep track of potential threats. The lawsuit was filed in 2014 on behalf of five Californians who said they landed on the list for innocent conduct.
SF Gate |
Federal judge tells NRA to put up or shut up in open carry lawsuit
Federal Judge John A. Kronstadt has set a deadline of 11:59 PM, May 1st, 2017, for the NRA to amend its lawsuit seeking concealed carry permits to challenge California's bans on openly carrying firearms in public for self-defense. After the NRA's loss last year before an en banc panel of the 9th circuit court of appeals in the case of Peruta v. San Diego which held that there is no right to concealed carry under the Second Amendment, the NRA filed another lawsuit in Federal court which argued that people have a right to carry firearms in public in some manner and since California has banned Open Carry, the Los Angeles County Sheriff must issue concealed carry permits.
NewsBlaze |
Pension crisis too big for markets to ignore
In late 2006, Aaron Krowne, a computer scientist and mathematician, started a website that documented the real-time destruction of the subprime mortgage lending industry. The Mortgage Lender Implode-O-Meter caught on like wildfire with financial market voyeurs, regularly reaching 100,000 visitors. West Coast lenders, some may recall, were the first to fall in what eventually totaled 388 casualties. A year earlier, to much less fanfare, Jack Dean launched another website in anticipation of the different kind of wave washing up on the California coastline.
Bloomberg View |
Will it be Gavin Newsom vs. little-known Republican for California governor?
A Republican newcomer now leads the pack of candidates trailing frontrunner Gavin Newsom in next year's race for California governor, according to a new statewide poll Wednesday. Among the five announced candidates, Newsom, who as lieutenant governor has been grooming himself for the top elected position, is out ahead with support from 28 percent of voters, the Berkeley IGS Poll found.
Sacramento Bee |
Got certain unpaid tickets? Amnesty may be available
A state program to reduce a whole slew of traffic and other types of fines that people have not been paying is coming to a stop on April 3. The Department of Motor Vehicles Traffic Amnesty Program allows those who have certain unpaid traffic or non-traffic tickets that were due on or before Jan. 1, 2013, to get their debt reduced or driver's license (if it was suspended) reinstated. These tickets can range from speeding or running a red light to jaywalking or hunting without a license.
Bakerfield.com |
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About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at:
www.LAPD.com |
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