LAPD considering stronger body camera policy in light of recent scandals

The Los Angeles Police Department is considering changing department policy to increase random reviews of body camera recordings that don't involve arrests or the use of force, according to an email from Chief Michel Moore to his senior staff. Moore wrote that "it's in our best interest to strengthen and reinforce" the number of incidents involving patrol and gang officers that are reviewed roughly every 30 days, "which more closely aligns with other agencies." "Additionally, I support expanding the incidents that qualify beyond those in which no enforcement action was taken," Moore said in the Oct. 19 email, a copy of which was reviewed by The Times. Internal LAPD reports indicate the problem of police officers flouting department body camera policy is more widespread than officials have been telling the public. Moore's directive comes months after revelations that members of a scandal-ridden gang unit were routinely turning off their body-worn cameras in violation of department policy.