Federal government finds improvements in
LAPD
The federal monitor overseeing police department reform said
improvements have been made in internal auditing procedures and
investigation techniques of officers accused of using deadly
force.
Michael Cherkasky’s latest quarterly report said that the
consent decree might have to be extended beyond 2006, because work
still needs to be done in an officer misconduct “˜”˜early
warning system” as well as creation of a stronger
civilian watchdog.
The monitor’s oversight is part of the consent decree the
city signed with the U.S. Justice Department three years ago
following the Rampart corruption scandal involving officers who
falsified evidence, framed suspects, and covered up unjustified
shootings.
The LAPD agreed to a series of reforms rather than fight federal
allegations that it systematically abused the rights of
citizens.
Judge: San Diego election results will
stand
SAN DIEGO “”mdash; A retired judge refused Monday to intervene in
the city’s mayoral election, where incumbent Mayor Dick
Murphy has claimed victory over a maverick city councilwoman who
mounted a surprising write-in bid.
Eric Helgesen, a retired Tulare County judge, said he was
unlikely to grant a request forcing the county registrar’s
office to count all write-in ballots, including those on which
voters failed to fill in the bubble next to Councilwoman Donna
Frye’s name. The judge also denied a request to block the
registrar’s office from certifying the results.
“˜”˜The court does not find that petitioners are
likely to prevail in this matter,” Helgesen said.
Murphy declared victory Friday night when the final tally by the
Registrar of Voters showed him with 2,205 more votes than Frye.
Compiled from Bruin wire services.