Proposals for Changing the LAPD

These are some key recommendations issued Wednesday by the special panel charged with investigating police and city response to the riots:

PREVENTION

Adopt a proactive problem-solving model of policing in partnership with the community and affected city agencies.

Reduce the number of officers assigned to special units and staff positions, and redeploy officers to patrol assignments.

Make field command experience a primary criterion for advancement through the ranks.

Reassign to patrol duty as many as possible of the more than 1,600 unmarked sedans in its fleet.

Implement a training program to increase the level of understanding of Los Angeles’ diverse population.

PREPARATION

Calls on the mayor to direct the city’s Emergency Operations Board to put in place a master plan for emergency preparedness. Requires all city departments to develop detailed emergency plans for performing their specific assignments.

Places the city administrative officer in charge of making sure a master plan is completed by Feb. 15, 1993. The CAO will also be responsible for leading the Emergency Operations Board in an annual review of the plans.

Puts in place an emergency preparedness planning and training program for city and police leaders to enhance crisis management experience and skills.

Calls for the police chief to oversee and participate in developing citywide priorities, plans and training programs for emergency preparedness.

Suggests conducting an inventory review of emergency equipment available for the LAPD, such as gas masks, radios and cellular phones.

Calls for city leaders to ensure that city and LAPD budgets include enough funds for emergency activities and equipment.

Urges implementation of recommendations by the Christopher Commission that call for establishment of an independent staff to support the Police Commission.

RESPONSE

Improve the training, experience and leadership skills of the LAPD’s command staff.

Alter LAPD’s command environment to encourage discussion and initiative and acceptance of decision-making responsibility.

Move the Emergency Operations Center to a new above-ground facility with telephone capabilities, a computer network and televisions, and staff it with a permanent group of key employees on call 24 hours.

Separate the LAPD Command Post from the City’s Emergency Operations Center.

Supports passage of Proposition M on the November ballot, which would authorize $235 million in revenue bonds to upgrade the 911 system.