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Justice System Integrity Division Protocols
Restoring Public Confidence
LOS ANGELES -- District Attorney Steve Cooley, joined by Los Angeles County law enforcement officials, today announced historic protocols to insure consistent, professional and appropriate review of allegations of criminality by law enforcement employees. These protocols will help restore public confidence and accountability in the criminal justice system.
Triggered by the 1999 Rampart police scandal, the District Attorney’s Office drafted three protocols for handling suspected police corruption or criminal misconduct cases, Cooley said.
Never before in the 151-year history of the District Attorney’s Office has that office issued written protocols which outline how, when and under what circumstances prosecutors will investigate allegations of criminal misconduct by law enforcement employees.
Joining Cooley at a news conference were Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard J. Parks, Pasadena Police Chief Bernard Melekian, president of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association, and its incoming president, Alhambra Police Chief Larry Lewis. LACPCA represents chiefs from 46 municipal police agencies.
The three protocols are:
Outside Referrals
If probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed by a law enforcement employee -- regardless of whether the person was sworn or non-sworn, on duty or off-duty -- the allegation will be referred to the D.A.’s Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) to review and prosecute, if warranted.
Internal Referrals
If a deputy district attorney suspects criminal misconduct by any justice system official, the DDA will immediately notify a supervisor who, in turn, will notify JSID, prompting an investigation.
DART
The District Attorney Response Team (DART) will respond to any officer-involved shooting, regardless of whether the officer is on or off duty, and all in custody deaths.
Noting that there are nearly 23,000 sworn peace officers in Los Angeles County, Cooley said the "vast majority are dedicated men and women doing a very tough job professionally and honorably.’’
Thanking all the County’s police agencies for their assistance and cooperation in achieving the unprecedented protocols, Cooley added that the District Attorney’s Office has a unique role to play in assuring law enforcement is accountable to the public.
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Site updated: 01 Feb 2006
