LOS ANGELES : Court Limits Diversion of Detectives to Patrols

A temporary restraining order preventing the Los Angeles Police Department from deploying detectives on uniformed, weekend patrol duty except in cases of “unusual occurrences” was issued Tuesday by a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge.

Judge Stephen E. O’Neil handed down the ruling sought by the Police Protective League after noting that such deployment had been specifically prohibited in non-emergency situations under an agreement worked out by the department and the league months ago.

Deputy City Atty. Molly Roff-Sheridan justified the assignment of 35 detectives to uniformed patrol last weekend, arguing that in the wake of the riots, the department needs maximum flexibility in deploying officers.

However, O’Neil said he was unaware of any continuing emergency situations.