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LAPD officers in anti-gang units are choosing to work regular patrol shifts instead of keeping their anti-gang assignments because they don't want to reveal their personal financial information - a strict requirement under the anti-corruption rules set up in the wake of the Rampart scandal in the 90's, according to CBS News.Instead of filling in financial disclosure forms due at the end of March, officers are choosing other assignments now, which is leaving key gang areas such as Highland Park with less anti-gang officers than before, though the number of vacancies are "unspecified" and Assistant Chief Earl Payslinger insists that "the reassignments would not affect public safety."
The police officers' union has long railed against the financial requirements for anti-gang assignments, calling them "onerous" and adding that they sap morale. Payslinger believes the required financial forms are "less intrusive than credit card applications."
With ongoing "extremely, extremely" difficult budget cuts and Beck's assurance that his department can "balance safety and finances" it is unclear how these moves will impact the neighborhoods where anti-gang officers focus their attention.
