By Steve Neavling
The FBI and federal prosecutors are investigating a Los Angeles Police Department gang unit whose members are accused of turning off their body cams and failing to document their actions during traffic stops, The Los Angeles Times reports.
The bureau’s Civil Rights Division launched its own investigation after LAPD internal affairs detectives searched the lockers of officers accused of misconduct.
The LAPD is also conducting its own internal probe.
The case came to light after a traffic stop in which a man said officers pulled him over and searched his car without consent or probable cause earlier this year.
The officers are members of the Mission Division Gang Enforcement Detail, or GED.
“The Department’s expectations are that all traffic stops or detentions can be fully documented, and body-worn video devices will be used as required,” Chief Michel Moore said in a statement. “Consequences for any member who would purposely avoid our requirements will be certain and severe. Such misconduct undermines the public’s trust and tarnishes the badge of the vast majority of officers who conduct themselves with integrity and reverence for the law.”
Mayor Karen Bass made similar statements, saying misconduct “can erode confidence and trust in our police department.
“Under my administration, transparency and accountability is required,” Bass said. “I am encouraged by the leadership of LAPD taking an aggressive posture towards this investigation to ensure Angelenos are being served with fairness and integrity.”
Neither the FBI nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office would comment on the case.
