Ruling may force police to drop in-house stings
A recent court decision may force the Police Department to abandon or change its use of sting operations in which officers disguised as civilians file complaints to see whether the complaint-takers respond properly.
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge reversed a sergeant’s five-day suspension for failing to initiate a complaint “face sheet” after the sergeant contended that he knew that the complaint was part of a sting and therefore was not real.
Inspector General Andre Birotte recommended that the department work with the city attorney to find a way to continue sting operations because they are an effective way to determine whether officers are following department regulations.
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