Standing Up for Reform : Police Commission acts in support of the Christopher revisions in LAPD

The members of the Los Angeles Police Commission have taken their most important action since Mayor Richard Riordan appointed them last year. Specifically, the commission on Tuesday wisely set aside $39,000 of its funds to buy a computer system to track public complaints about police officers. But more broadly, and more significantly, the commission’s action clearly states that it supports the reforms recommended more than two years ago by the Christopher Commission.

The Christopher panel, created in response to the outcry over the 1991 Rodney King beating and headed by now-Secretary of State Warren Christopher, set forth a blueprint for reform. Of course, change comes slowly to any large institution, and can be scary. But given the procedural and attitude problems found in the Police Department after the King beating, to not change was an even more frightening proposition.

One key reform recommended by the Christopher Commission has taken place: The police chief is now accountable to the Police Commission, the mayor and the City Council, thanks to voter passage of Charter Amendment F. But another key reform--the implementation of community-based policing--remains a vague notion.

The Police Commission, recognizing that the Christopher reforms need stronger support, came through Tuesday with cash from its own budget to purchase the computer tracking system. It was not the amount but the political will demonstrated that was impressive. The commission was telling the LAPD, city officials and residents that it intends to push forward on reform. The Police Commission, led by its president, Gary Greenebaum, has its work cut out. It’s a difficult challenge but the right thing to do.