LAPD officer investigated for using photo of disgraced detective as phone lock screen

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The LAPD has opened an internal investigation into a San Fernando Valley gang unit officer who used a photo of Rafael Perez — the face of the Rampart police scandal of the late 1990s — as the lock screen on his cellphone, according to four sources familiar with the case.Perez went to prison in 2000 after confessing that he and fellow LAPD officers shot and beat suspects without provocation, planted and stole evidence, gave false testimony and framed innocent people for crimes.When confronted by a supervisor about having the photo of Perez visible on his phone, the current LAPD officer expressed admiration for Perez, according to the four sources, who requested anonymity in order to discuss a confidential personnel matter.The officer’s name has not been revealed.The case has dredged up memories from one the darkest chapters in LAPD history, while also sparking a debate within the department about about when officers should be disciplined for sharing or displaying images of divisive figures.

California The Los Angeles Police Commission tabled a vote on proposed changes to the department’s data retention policy, expressing concern useful videos could be lost in a purge of old records.With the Perez photo, the sources familiar with the matter said, LAPD officials contacted the district attorney’s office to determine whether the officer under investigation had been involved in any problematic cases.A spokesperson for D.A.’s office declined to comment.LAPD officials discovered the Perez image, the sources told The Times, while reviewing footage from a vehicle pursuit that began in the West Valley patrol area.When a supervisor watched body camera footage from the chase, which ended when the motorist crashed in a neighboring police division, the officer could be seen texting on his personal cellphone while driving, according to the sources.The image of Perez, the sources sai...