August 16, 2018 

City News Service 

 

Los Angeles police officers who shoot someone will have to wait at least two weeks before returning to the field under a policy approved by the five-member civilian panel that oversees the department.

 

Until now, officers could resume their regular duties with the police chief’s approval after a briefing that is done within 72 hours of a shooting. Time away from the field typically ranged from one to two weeks.

 

The new policy adopted unanimously by the Police Commission also strengthens training and psychological counseling requirements, the Los Angeles Times reported. It applies to officers who injure or kill someone in a shooting.

 

The expanded wait brings L.A. more in line with cities such as San Francisco, Chicago and New York, said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.

 

“Given what we know about officer-involved shootings, there’s just a period of time they need —mental health days — to deal with one of the most traumatic situations they’ll ever face,” Wexler said.

 

The changes had been in the works since 2016, when a report by the Police Commission's inspector general compared the LAPD's use-of-force policies with those of several other police agencies, according to The Times.

 

Las Vegas police officers, for example, attend two counseling sessions before department officials decide whether they can resume their regular duties — typically in two or three months.

Category: Community