Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
AG’s Office Recommends LAPD More Mental Health Crisis Training After Investigating Fatal Shooting
A screen shot from the officer body cam footage of the fatal shooting of Matthew Sova.
(
LAPD
)
Attorney General Rob Bonta released the findings Thursday of his office’s first investigation into the law enforcement killing of an unarmed person as required by a 2020 law.
In 2021, Bonta’s office established police shooting investigation teams that independently probe fatal law enforcement shootings of unarmed people, as required by AB 1506.
The first case investigators looked into was that of Matthew James Sova. Last year, LAPD officers fatally shot the 48-year-old in Hollywood. The officers were responding to a call of a man who the 911 caller said was “acting crazy” and allegedly carrying what looked to the caller to be a pistol in his hand.
The “pistol” that Sova pointed at an officer turned out to be a small butane lighter with a grip roughly resembling a firearm.
Support for LAist comes from
While the DOJ investigation concluded that officers “reasonably believed that the use of deadly force was necessary,” Bonta pointed out recommendations his office is making to police during a press conference Thursday.
“LAPD should ensure personnel are informed and trained on policies, processes and procedures related to the engagement of LAPD’s Mental Evaluation Unit,” Bonta said.
Those specially trained Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU) teams -- made up of an armed officer and a mental health clinician -- were not called to the scene of the Sova shooting, even though the AG’s report said cops had 12 separate encounters with Sova related to his mental health in the space of four years.
“We agree with their findings regarding the officers actions and will examine the recommendations outlined in the report for any improvement in our policies, procedures and training,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore said in a statement.
Between Jan. 2021 and July 2022, the department's MEU teams only responded to about one-third of mental health calls.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist