Council Urged to Reject Hiring Goals for LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department’s top brass and rank-and-file officers joined Mayor Richard Riordan on Thursday in asking the City Council not to approve a proposal that would establish aggressive hiring goals for women and minorities at the LAPD and strip the department of its power to investigate discrimination complaints.

The council and the Police Commission are scheduled to discuss in closed-door meetings today a consent decree that would end a long-running class-action lawsuit against the LAPD over alleged sexual harassment and gender and racial discrimination. Riordan, the Police Protective League and the Command Officers Assn. all criticized the proposal in letters to council members and urged a delay so they could contribute their ideas to the discussion.

“As managers and leaders of the department, [we have] not only a keen interest in these issues, but an obligation to offer our collective wisdom to ensure that the best interests of the city and indeed, the department’s future, are considered,” wrote the officers association, which represents LAPD captains, commanders, assistant chiefs and deputy chiefs.

The Police Protective League, which represents officers, sergeants and lieutenants, wrote that there were matters of “extreme concern” in the draft decree, including surveys of the group’s membership, external review of promotions and discipline, and goals of having the gender and racial breakdown of the police force reflect that of the civilian labor force.

“It is sad to note that once again the record indicates the city attorney failed to mount a vigorous defense of the allegations . . . before entering into settlement negotiations,” the police league’s letter states.

In his letter to council members, Riordan cites his administration’s initiatives to expand and diversify the Police Department, and suggests that a consent decree is not the best way to continue those efforts. He also raises the question of cost.

“There is no compelling reason I know of to act hastily,” the mayor wrote. “I believe this proposal has serious flaws.”

Assistant City Atty. Chuck Dickerson and LAPD Assistant Chief Frank Piersol, who negotiated the consent decree, both said they believe it should be approved. ACLU attorney Carol Sobel, who represents the plaintiffs, said there is no firm deadline for the decree, but noted that the lawsuit dates back 2 1/2 years and there is a status conference scheduled in federal court Dec. 9.

“We’re hopeful the council will act expeditiously,” Sobel said. “We believe it is a necessary and responsible way of dealing with a problem that has gone on too long.”