Possible Hazing Incident May Have Crossed Criminal Lines

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding an alleged pattern of hazing activities involving members of a boy’s sports team at Los Angeles Unified School District’s Taft High School. 
On January 30, 2009, the LAPD was made aware of the hazing incident at Taft High.  Based on the initial description of the incident, the Los Angeles Unified School Police Department was permitted to retain primary investigative responsibility.
On February 20, 2009, additional information was provided to the LAPD which indicated that the scope of the possible criminal activity extended beyond an isolated incident.  With the full cooperation of Los Angeles Unified School District Administrators, Topanga Area Detectives assumed full investigative responsibility of the case. 
  
Based on preliminary information, it is believed that no school administrators, teachers, or coaches actively participated in the alleged hazing activities.  The focus of the investigation involves only male students at Taft High School. 
Anyone with information regarding these incidents are requested to call the 24 hour tip line at
1-877 LAPD 24-7  (1-877-527-3247).   Those wishing to remain anonymous may use their cellular phones and text to “CRIMES” or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on “webtips.”  When using a cell phone always begin the text portion of the message with the letters LAPD.  Texting or internet tips provided in this manner are anonymous.