CALIFORNIA BRIEFING / MAYWOOD

The City Council has approved a stipulated court order to reform its Police Department after an investigation by the attorney general’s office found that abuse, sexual assaults and gross misconduct had occurred for years.

The court order “paves the way for real reform, enabling the Maywood Police Department to live up to its potential by truly serving and protecting,” Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown said Wednesday in a statement.

The order is expected to be filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Once it is approved, the city will be forced to install video cameras in the police station and police vehicles. Officers will also be required to carry digital recorders while on patrol.

An early intervention system will be established to track and monitor the activities of new officers, while others will undergo retraining. Maywood’s city manager will oversee the department. “The city is very committed to working with the attorney general to complete its commitment to community-based policing and the reforms outlined in the attorney general’s report,” said City Manager Paul Phillips.

Brown released a 30-page report in April that showed officers routinely used excessive force against civilians and failed to obtain probable cause to justify arrests and searches. It also showed inadequate oversight of its officers.

-- Ruben Vives