What's Happening?
A report by the Los Angeles Police Commission's Office of the Inspector General has found that international training trips taken by LAPD personnel have shown little documented benefit. The report reviewed 117 foreign training activities attended by 243
LAPD employees since 2014, including trips to Israel, Italy, France, and other countries for counterterrorism and Olympics events training. The report criticized the lack of detailed documentation on what was learned and whether any of it was adopted by the department. It also highlighted potential conflicts of interest due to the funding of these trips by outside sources, such as police foundations and grants.
Why It's Important?
The findings raise questions about the effectiveness and accountability of LAPD's international training programs. The lack of documentation and transparency could undermine public trust in the department's use of resources. The report's recommendations for better record-keeping and evaluation of training benefits could lead to more effective use of training opportunities and improved policing practices. Additionally, the scrutiny over funding sources highlights the need for transparency to avoid perceptions of bias or conflicts of interest.
