Function and Role of the Board of Police Commissioners

Los Angeles Police Commission
100 West First Street, Room 134
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-236-1400

Under the City Charter, the Board of Police Commissioners is the head of the Police Department. The Board sets overall policy while the Chief of Police manages the daily operations of the Department and implements the Board’s policies or policy direction and goals.

The Board of Police Commissioners, originally created in the 1920’s, is comprised of five civilians who donate their time to the City while maintaining their professional careers. They are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The Commissioners serve a maximum of two five-year terms. The Commissioners routinely spend 25-50 hours per week on Commission business, and serve as the citizens’ voice in police affairs and as a means of ensuring more responsive and effective City government.

The Commissioners’ concerns are reflective of the community-at-large, and their priorities include implementing recommended reforms, improving service to the public by the Department, reducing crime and the fear of crime, and initiating, implementing and supporting community policing programs.

The Board holds meetings every Tuesday, normally at 9:30 a.m. The meetings follow a published agenda consisting of various routine items of concern to the Department, as well as policy matters that may be of concern to the community. Each agenda includes a period for public comment, during which any member of the public may speak for up to two minutes on any topic within the Commission’s jurisdiction.

Watch Police Commission meetings every Tuesday at 2:00pm on Cityview, Channel 35, within the City of Los Angeles, or listen to the meetings live on Councilphone, 213-621-CITY, 310-471-CITY, 310-547-CITY, or 818-904-9450.

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