LAPD uses “ghost cars” to exaggerate the number of officers on patrol

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 27: A Los Angeles Police Department car with lights and sirens going rushes through the intersection at Florence and Normandy Avenues in South Los Angeles on April 27, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The intersection was the scene of the beating of truck driver Reginald Denny on April 29, 1992 during the early stages of the Los Angeles riots. It’s been 20 years since the Rodney King verdict that sparked the riots. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Los Angeles police intentionally over-reported the number of officers or patrol cars available to answer service calls, according to a report released Friday by the inspector general of the Police Commission.

Los Angeles police intentionally over-reported the number of officers or patrol cars available to answer service calls, according to a report released Friday by the inspector general of the Police Commission. The investigation found officers in at least five out of the LAPD's 21 patrol divisions to have engaged in the practice. Instead of patrolling the streets, they were at their stations performing a variety of tasks.

In addition, patrol cars that were supposed to be out responding to emergency calls were actually parked at the stations. LAPD requires that all service calls be addressed within seven minutes--a change put in place in reaction to criticism over the department's slow response time in the 1980s.

Guest:

Sharon McNary, KPCC’s Politics Reporter who’s been following the story

Tim Williams, founder of TT Williams Investigations, a private investigation firm in Los Angeles; Retired LAPD Senior Detective Supervisor (Robbery-Homicide Division), 1974-2003; Expert on police procedure and use-of-force for state and federal court