Secret recordings have surfaced, allegedly capturing Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers making racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks. According to a complaint filed with the LAPD, these recordings were made by an officer in the department’s recruitment office over several months. The recordings reportedly include derogatory comments about Black police applicants, female colleagues, and LGBTQ+ coworkers.
The complaint, reviewed by the Los Angeles Times, details about 90 recordings, highlighting a culture of discrimination among officers responsible for recruiting new members to the force. Some of the offensive comments include a Latina officer advising on how to fight African Americans and referring to a Latina janitor with a racial slur.
The recordings have prompted an investigation by the LAPD’s Professional Standards Bureau and the inspector general’s office. Several officers, including a lieutenant and a sergeant, have been placed on leave during the investigation. The complaint also alleges that time cards were falsified and confidential information was improperly shared.
Mayor Karen Bass expressed her outrage, stating that the allegations are “especially outrageous and unacceptable.” The LAPD has prioritized the investigation, with a team of investigators examining the recordings and interviewing officers involved. The city’s personnel department is also conducting a parallel probe to assess the impact on recruitment efforts.
The LAPD has a history of dealing with similar issues, as highlighted by past incidents of officers making inappropriate remarks. The department, which now reflects the diversity of the city it serves, continues to face challenges in recruiting new officers, especially in the wake of the George Floyd protests. The ongoing investigation seeks to address these recent allegations and restore public trust in the LAPD.
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