D.A. Review of MacArthur Park
May Day Immigration Rally Completed

October 30, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
Shiara Dávila-Morales, Assistant PIO
(213) 974-3525

LOS ANGELES – The Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has completed its review of criminal allegations regarding Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers involved in the MacArthur Park immigration rally on May 1, 2007. No charges will be filed against the officers involved.

A thorough review of the evidence revealed an unfortunate and preventable situation prompted by lack of leadership, communication and training within the LAPD. The evidence also showed that the LAPD did not properly prepare, organize or plan for the immigration rally in MacArthur Park.

It is not the responsibility of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to determine if LAPD command staff or officers violated departmental policy. That is the job of the agency itself. Such determinations have been made, leading to discipline and transfers of several involved – both command staff and officers.

As we evaluated the evidence, we took into account that under California law, police officers have the right to use reasonable force and escalate that force if they determine the situation warrants.

Although the officers involved might have used questionable tactics, our investigation determined there is insufficient evidence to initiate criminal proceedings against the officers. We are closing our file and will take no further action in this matter.

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