Los Angeles is on edge after police officers shot and killed a man. The incident happened when three officers responded to reports of an armed robbery nearby. Even though the Los Angeles Police Commission ruled that the shooting was unjustified; they have no power over the case because they lack jurisdiction. The Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes has filed a Federal Civil Rights case on behalf of the man and his family.
LAPD shot and killed a man in Los Angeles, sparking protests and outcry.
A video taken by a bystander shows two LAPD officers shooting a man in an altercation with police. The shooting sparked protests, and the Los Angeles Police Commission ruled that the actions of both officers were unjustified, though no penalty was given to them.
Police shootings have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, particularly those involving black and hispanic victims. In 2014, Black Lives Matter became a popular hashtag on Twitter after several cases of racial tension erupted across America due to police brutality against black people (including Michael Brown's death in Ferguson).
The LA Police Commission has ruled the shooting unjustified.
The Los Angeles Police Commission is an independent agency that oversees the L.A.P.D. and has authority over police officers in disciplinary matters, including shootings and other use-of-force incidents. The commission also conducts hearings on complaints from citizens about officer misconduct, as well as investigating citizen complaints itself.
The commission is made up of five civilian members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council, serving staggered five-year terms; one member who is a current or retired judge; one member who is a current or retired prosecutor; and four police officers (one sergeant and three lieutenants), all appointed by the chief of police for two year terms (the chief can reappoint them).
The man was Hispanic, adding racial tensions to the mix.
Racial tensions have been increasing in the United States. This is due to several factors, including a mistrust of law enforcement officers to do their job properly and an increase in violent crime rates.
The shooting was caught on video and shared with the public through social media, which caused outrage from officials who felt that police brutality was at play. The man's family has filed a lawsuit against the police department for wrongful death. They claim that their loved one was unarmed when he was shot by officers, although witnesses say otherwise. The police department has been accused of racial profiling and other misconducts by people who live in Los Angeles, especially those who identify as Hispanic or African-American (two groups that were disproportionately represented among those killed during 2016).
Police say they were responding to a robbery call, but that the man had no weapon.
According to police, they were responding to a robbery call. But the man had no weapon, and was unarmed when he was shot in the back by an officer. "It is an unreasonable and unjustified shooting," Attorney Scott Hughes said.
No penalty will be given to the officers because the police commission lacks authority.
It should be noted that the Police Commission has no authority to discipline officers. The Chief of Police does have this power, but he has not exercised it in these cases. The Chief is a civilian appointee and therefore cannot be disciplined by the Police Commission because it is an elected body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the police commission lacks authority and can only recommend disciplinary action. The officers will not be charged with any crimes because they were not working as individuals when they shot the man. The man's family has filed a lawsuit against the department, which is pending in Federal Court.