$50,000 donation to LAPD accepted

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday accepted a $50,000 donation from Philip Morris USA to help pay for a police investigation into counterfeit cigarettes, but only after police officials promised to review the department’s gift policy.

Councilman Richard Alarcon was among those who raised concerns that such donations could foster a perception that wealthy corporations can buy extra police protection.

There are appropriate ways for private entities to help the city, Alarcon said, “but I think we need to be very, very cautious not to give any appearance that our Police Department is for sale to the highest bidder or that wealthy people get served differently than non-wealthy people.”

Alarcon cited a letter from Police Chief William J. Bratton asking the cigarette maker for a $50,000 donation to help cover the cost of an investigation into the sale and distribution of counterfeits of its products.

“That just struck me as the wrong way,” he said.

Police officials told the council the cigarette maker had indicated it would be receptive to picking up part of the tab before Bratton sent the letter. They added the money would help determine the scope of the counterfeiting.

“I think Philip Morris ... and others -- they are there to help their communities. They are not there to retrieve something unique for themselves,” said Gerald Chaleff, an LAPD administrator.

The Times reported earlier this week that corporations and business groups donated more than $417,000 in cash and equipment in the last year to the LAPD to help pay for investigations and services that benefited them directly, and that some ethics groups were troubled by the appearance of disparate police protection.

In some cities, including New York, police departments do not accept donations directly but require they be submitted through a police foundation to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Chaleff said the department would reexamine its protocols for accepting donations.

patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com