With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
LA mayor vetoes police discipline ballot measure
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
(
Jerod Harris/Getty Images
/
Getty Images North America
)
Topline:
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has vetoed a measure headed for the November ballot that would have given the police chief the power to terminate problem officers and restructured the way officers are disciplined.
How it works now: Right now, the power to fire an officer rests with a three-member disciplinary panel known as a board of rights.
The proposal: The proposal would have given the police chief the power to terminate an officer accused of serious misconduct, with the officer having the ability to appeal to binding arbitration.
Support for LAist comes from
The proposal also would have changed the composition of disciplinary panels. Right now, they are composed of three civilians. The change would have swapped out one civilian for a command officer from the department. Studies have shown civilians tend to be more lenient with officers than superior officers.
The mayor’s objection: In her veto letter to the City Council, the mayor said the proposed initiative “risks creating bureaucratic confusion.” The mayor said she made the decision after consulting with hundreds of officers and top brass, who argued the measure would have created a two-tier system of discipline with only some cases adjudicated by the chief.
What’s next: The City Council can override the mayor’s veto with a two-thirds vote. Its next meeting is July 30.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist