Chief Charlie Beck Responds to Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners” Decision in the Matter of Mr. Ezell Ford NR15194jr

Los Angeles: “The men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department conduct over one million enforcement contacts every year. They do an incredible job in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Every day I see heroic and selfless actions that bring credit to this City and its Police Department. Occasionally officers are called upon to use force. When that happens those actions are exhaustively reviewed in order to enforce standards and improve training.

The LAPD is known throughout the country for its exceptional thoroughness and expertise in investigating officer involved shootings. Those investigations go through multiple levels of review culminating in a final decision by the Police Commission.

This afternoon the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners announced its decision in the use of force incident involving two Los Angeles Police Department officers and Mr. Ezell Ford.

The Department, with the oversight of the Commission’s Office of Inspector General, conducted an exhaustive investigation which included the analysis of forensic evidence, numerous witness interviews, and the collection of documents and electronic recording.

This investigation was then presented to me to make my recommendations to the Police Commission on the tactics, drawing and exhibiting of weapons, and use of force by the involved officers. In addition, the Office of Inspector General provided its independent assessment of the incident with recommendations to the Commission. The Commission then reviewed all of the evidence and recommendations to make the final determination in the case.

The Police Commission is an independent civilian review authority, appointed by the Mayor to represent the people of Los Angeles. I respect the process and the decision made in this matter.”

– Chief Charlie Beck

For further information regarding this incident, please refer to LAPDonline.org.