Council Seeks Access to Secret Police Commission Actions

In an attempt to reassure themselves and the public that civilians are, in fact, overseeing the Los Angeles Police Department, some City Council members said Friday that they want to be informed whenever the Police Commission makes a closed-door decision involving the inspector general.

The lawmakers, who held a special meeting Friday to discuss the inspector general’s authority, said they are still concerned about potential tensions between the civilian watchdog and the LAPD.

By receiving notice of the commission’s confidential decisions regarding the inspector general, council members said, they could intervene if they believed an action was inappropriate. The lawmakers expressed particular concern that a future Police Commission could go behind closed doors and order the watchdog to terminate an investigation into police misconduct.

Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg said her proposal is aimed at protecting the public’s confidence in the civilian oversight of the Police Department, particularly in misconduct complaints.

“I just think it’s necessary to reassure people that the police can investigate themselves with a strong, independent inspector general,” Goldberg said after the meeting. “To me, the next step would be the complete civilian oversight of misconduct.”

Several council members agreed with Goldberg’s proposal, which would apply to all city commissions. Under the plan, the council president and one other member would receive a record of confidential actions taken by commissioners in closed-door meetings.

Deputy Mayor Noelia Rodriguez bristled at the suggestion, which would need to be approved by the full council. The mayor nominates commissioners, who are then confirmed by the council.

“This brings a new definition to the word ‘micro-management,’ ” Rodriguez said. “The question needs to be asked: How does this benefit the people of Los Angeles? Or does it only benefit 15 Angelenos?”

The suggestion that the 15 council members need to be made aware of confidential actions by the commissions arose after lawmakers questioned city attorneys, Inspector General Jeffrey Eglash and others about the possibility that future civilian panels might acquiesce to a police chief’s demand that an investigation be terminated.

Councilman Mike Feuer asked how it could be determined if the inspector general believed he should continue a misconduct investigation but the Police Commission sought to end it at the chief’s behest?

Fred Merkin, the special assistant city attorney who has written numerous legal opinions on the role and authority of the inspector general and the Police Commission, said the council could possibly intervene under its so-called Proposition 5 ability. That measure, which won voter approval in 1991, has allowed lawmakers to essentially act as commissioners, overturning commissions’ decisions and making their own. The new City Charter, which becomes effective next summer, will limit that power somewhat.

Council members also said Friday that they would support helping the inspector general expand his office, both in staff and resources. Goldberg suggested that he consider moving out of Parker Center, the downtown police headquarters, to give him greater autonomy.