New push for LAPD oversight and firing problem cops moves toward November ballot

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A series of proposed changes to the city’s charter — essentially its constitution — could give elected leaders in Los Angeles more oversight of the police department and enable the chief to fire problematic officers, reforms long sought by advocates that are likely to once again face fierce opposition.Among the recommendations approved last week by the city’s Charter Reform Commission was a proposal that would require any LAPD accountability-related motion or ordinance passed by the City Council to automatically become law if not acted on by the Police Commission within 60 days.Once the language is finalized, the proposals must clear the City Council and its committees before they can be put to voters on November’s ballot.Another proposal would give city leaders the ability to override the policy decisions by the Police Commission, a board appointed by the mayor that sets the LAPD policies, oversees its budget and serves as a civilian watchdog.With the police chief taking criticism for a recent rise in shootings by officers, several proposals sought to strengthen accountability for the use deadly force.One recommendation could require the LAPD to purchase “no less than” $1 million of liability insurance for its roughly 8,700 officers.

The insurance would be used to cover legal fees if an officer is found liable for a wrongful injury or death, instead of tapping into the city’s General Fund budget.Another potential change would “clarify and strengthen” the police chief’s ability to “to initiate and pursue the removal of officers with documented, repeated histories of harm or misconduct.” Under city rules, the chief of police does not have the authority to fire an officer.

Instead, they must send officers whose misconduct they deem severe to disciplinary panels, which occasionally lead to lighter penalties.The new proposal would give the City Council the...