Statement On Mission Area Gang Enforcement Detail Internal Affairs Investigation

Los Angeles: At the direction of the Chief of Police, members of the Mission Area Gang Enforcement Detail have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an Internal Affairs Division complaint investigation.

Earlier this year, Internal Affairs Division began a complaint investigation in response to a community member’s complaint that they were stopped by two uniformed LAPD officers and his vehicle searched without consent. Allegedly, after the search, the officers released the community member without any further action. Through Internal Affairs Division’s investigative efforts, the involved officers were identified as being assigned to the Mission Area Gang Enforcement Detail. A review of their reports and other material determined the officers had not properly documented the detention, or their other actions, in violation of Department policy.

At the direction of the Chief of Police, Internal Affairs Division investigators continued their investigation and identified additional instances of the involved officers not properly documenting traffic stops or activating their body-worn video camera as required. The investigation identified similar undocumented incidents and suspected failures to activate their body- worn video cameras involving other members of the same unit.

The internal affairs investigation continues, and the Department is in consultation with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, this investigation has been referred to the Public Corruption Civil Rights Section of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Civil Rights Division has initiated an investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department will fully cooperate with all investigations surrounding this incident(s).

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore stated, “The Department’s expectations are that all traffic stops or detentions will be fully documented, and body-worn video devices will be used as required. Consequences for any member who would purposely avoid our requirements will be certain and severe. Such misconduct undermines the public’s trust and tarnishes the badge of the vast majority of officers who conduct themselves with integrity and reverence for the law.”