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LA mayor vetoes police discipline ballot measure
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
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Getty Images North America
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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.
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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.
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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.
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