Monitoring LAPD

Bill Robertson and Ronald DiNicola have the right idea when they say (“LAPD Furor Calls for Broad, Special Probe,” Commentary, March 20) we need to find long-term solutions to the problem of police brutality. However, there is no need to appoint an outside commission.

On March 19, I introduced a measure that will allow the Los Angeles City Council to utilize our existing merit pay system for general managers to give the council a larger role in refocusing the “corporate culture” within the Police Department. Specifically, we can require the police chief to give top priority to changing policies, tactics and training in the use of force, and to review management and control in the department.

We’ve all seen too many occasions when a “blue ribbon committee” is created to “study” a problem. The resulting report ends up on a shelf collecting dust. The City Council--elected by and responsible to the public--has the power, the authority and the responsibility to make the institutional changes that are clearly necessary.

JOY PICUS, Councilwoman, Third District