LAPD's 'best' anti-gang unit shut down, officers investigated for turning off body cams

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The LAPD has temporarily disbanded a South L.A.anti-gang unit whose members are accused of turning off their body-worn cameras during traffic stops.Police officials announced the move Tuesday as the department’s civilian watchdog requested a review of behavior by all gang enforcement units citywide.Members of the 77th Street Division’s specialized gang detail came under internal investigation in recent months for failing to activate their body-worn cameras and pulling people over without documenting the interactions.“We take this very very seriously, which is why the entire unit is stood down,” Assistant Chief Scott Harrelson told the Police Commission at its weekly meeting Tuesday.

California Members of an anti-gang detail in South L.A.are said to be under investigation for not properly using body cameras, a case that appears similar to a recent scandal.Several commissioners said they were troubled by the continued instances of officers flouting the department’s rules on the use of body cameras, and asked for a report back about whether the problem is more widespread.“As you know, we spent millions of dollars every year on body-worn cameras, but their effectiveness depends on” officers adhering to policies, Commissioner Jeff Skobin said.Commission President Rasha Gerges Shields said that while she was pleased that the department had uncovered and was investigating the alleged misconduct, she worried about underlying causes.“I have a greater concern that there is a culture problem [with] some leadership that this is allowing this to happen,” she said, while adding that she wants to ensure that “this is not just a tip of the iceberg, but also to make sure that other divisions are not having similar problems.” Some of the specialized details are “doing good work,” Gerges Shields said, but she asked LAPD officials to provide a “better analysis and unders...