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.
3 things to know about police bias and the LAPD
The Los Angeles Police Commission devoted an entire four-hour public hearing to the issue of bias and implicit bias in policing this week.
Commissioners called for the meeting in September after a series of controversial shootings of black and Latino men, and amid increasing pressure to address racial disparities in policing.
At the request of the commission, the LAPD produced a 143-page report on what it’s doing to root out bias and conducted a community survey that found African Americans are the least trusting that LAPD officers will treat racial and ethnic minorities fairly.
Here are three things that came out of Tuesday’s meeting:
1. Bias is hard to prove
The department has upheld virtually no bias complaint from a resident over the past three years. The report says the department has received more than 1,300 complaints of biased policing by officers over the past four years, but none were upheld by department investigators. It says proving such allegations is “very difficult.”
“Although engaging in biased policing is distinctly unconstitutional, if and when it does occur, it is likely to be hidden in the accused officer’s beliefs rather than conspicuous or overt,” the report stated.
2. Everyone is biased
Even if you eliminated any vestiges of overt racial animus, the LAPD would have its challenges, said UC Irvine Professor of Criminology L. Song Richardson.
One implicit bias in most Americans is one cops can ill afford, she says.
“Most of us, regardless of unconsciously and automatically, associate young black men with criminality and violence,” Richardson told the hearing. “It doesn’t matter whether you consciously believe that or not. Our unconscious minds teach us these associations because we live in this society.”
3. The LAPD is being challenged to do more
The police commission looks like it might hold Chief Charlie Beck’s feet to the fire on the issue of bias.
A moment of drama during the four-hour meeting came when Commissioner Cynthia McClain Hill, an attorney, quizzed Chief Beck about some of the ways the department seeks to build community trust. Programs include Days of Dialogue and the LAPD's intense Community Safety Partnership program, which assigns officers to five year stints often walking foot beats meeting residents.
Here's the exchange:
"Commissioner, it’s been expanded. It’s been, ya know, we’ve we started the," Beck begins.
“I understand. I am simply saying," said McClain-Hill. "Let me finish please."
“And the department is putting its money where its mouth is on this,” Beck continues.
“No I get it. Let me finish," said McClain-Hill. My point is simply that this is 2016.”
A few minutes later, the commissioner finished.
"Doing more of the same may not be enough," McClain-Hill told the chief.
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.

-
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure.
-
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter.
-
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500
-
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected.
-
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi.
-
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown.