Criminal Justice

Can a program that diverts mental health crisis calls away from police expand in LA?

City officials and community organizers came together for a summit Thursday to strategize how to expand the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response citywide by the 2028 Olympics.

Crisis workers Alice Barber and Katie Ortiz sit in a white Penny Lane Centers crisis response vehicle. Both wear blue tops. Decals on the car read: "Penny Lane Centers: Transforming Lives."

CSU faculty member pleads not guilty to assaulting immigration agents with their own tear gas

Jonathan Caravello was detained while protesting mass raids at cannabis facilities this summer.

Two people stand behind a portable mic stand, one is clad in a suit and tie, the other has lifted their pant leg to reveal an ankle monitor. Behind them, about a dozen people hold up red, black, and white signs that read: "Drop All Charges Against John"

How much crime was there during the Palisades Fire? New report has numbers

An LAPD after-action report lists arrests and reports of crime, and also documents and makes recommendations on the department’s challenges in responding to the disaster.

A police car driving past a building that's been burned. It's daytime. There's an American flag in the foreground.

Trump is leaning into his crackdown on city crime. The GOP sees it as a winning issue

While previous deployments to Democratic-led cities have largely led to protests and lawsuits, Trump is banking on the moves helping him and Republicans, especially in next year's midterms.

California’s failure to take repeat drunk drivers off the road

As alcohol-related roadway deaths spike across the state, a CalMatters investigation finds California has some of the weakest DUI laws in the country.

Black and white photo of a smashed vehicle on a road median

LAPD mental health teams should take lead at crisis events, city controller says

An assessment by City Controller Kenneth Mejia’s office makes several recommendations meant to reduce the number of incidents that end in violence.

An LAPD car with its emblem on the side of the driver's door with the phrase to protect and to serve.

LA County approves another $828 million to settle sex abuse claims

Almost half of the $828 million payout will be paid in just a few weeks. That means the county will shell out close to $5 billion between this and an historic settlement approved earlier this year.

A large building with an entrance sign that reads "Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration."

Wildlife officials uncover "extensive evidence" of ivory, rhino trafficking in LA County

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife seized what they say appears to be at least nine rhino horns and thousands of pieces of elephant ivory from an L.A. County business.

Various carved decorative items, including a carved horse figurine, various bowls, and what appears to be a large, intricately carved tusk. The items are sitting in USPS receptacles and on the floor of a parking lot. A law enforcement car is visible in the background.

Attorney for man accused of causing Palisades Fire says client has 'frustration and anxiety' over charges

Jonathan Rinderknecht pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday afternoon in L.A..

A man with long brown hair and a beard and mustache stands against a block wall in a hooded sweatshirt.

LA County to pay an additional $828 million for second sex abuse settlement

The settlement isn’t final yet, but it’s for a second batch of civil claims from people who said they were abused as children while under the county’s care.

LAPD wants judge to lift an order restricting use of force against the press

The police department filed an emergency order ahead of this Saturday's No Kings protest.

Law enforcement officers stand in formation in an intersection. Some are holding guns. It's dark outside.

Suspect charged in connection to Palisades Fire faces new charges

Jonathan Rinderknecht was indicted Wednesday with two additional felonies by a federal grand jury.

Hey, LA listener!

Criminal Justice

Support your source for local news!