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Los Angeles DUI and the LAPD
Los Angeles DUI and the LAPD
Alcohol abuse is a persistent issue in the LAPD, with many officers investigated each year for drunk driving or other alcohol-related incidents. The problem has received scrutiny in the past as members of the Police Commission, which oversees the department, raised concerns about what they saw as the department’s lenient handling of such cases…. The result of the vote, which was taken after members of the commission conferred with officials from the union that represents LAPD’s rank-and-file officers, hasn’t been made public. The commission revisited the issue of off-duty drinking in response to a 2021 Times report suggesting that the department has failed to develop clear policies despite multiple cases in recent years in which officers who were off the clock and armed allegedly caused trouble, broke laws and shot people after drinking…. Another incident was highlighted in a report by the department’s independent inspector general. In it, an off-duty LAPD officer was alleged to have driven drunk and gotten into an altercation with security staff at a bar in July 2021. The officer was found to have violated department policy, but the chief only ordered a reprimand, the lowest form of discipline.
Here are some key facts and statistics on DUI and the LAPD:
- In 2022, 7 LAPD officers were arrested in a 2 week period on suspicion of DUI, leading the department to issue a reminder to officers to celebrate the holidays responsibly[5]
- Between 2010-2020, LAPD officers were involved in at least 248 alcohol-related incidents while off duty, including driving under the influence, public intoxication, and drunk and disorderly conduct[1]
- A 2021 LAPD manual shows only a 4 hour prohibition on drinking before driving a department vehicle, and no prohibition on armed off-duty drinking prior to driving a personal vehicle[6]
- In August 2022, an LA County Sheriff’s deputy was charged with felony conspiracy to obstruct justice after allegedly attempting to cover up a DUI crash by another deputy[3]
The LAPD conducts frequent DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to catch drunk drivers. However, some feel they fail to hold their own officers to the same standard. There are concerns about favoritism and lenient discipline for officers arrested for DUI or other alcohol incidents:
Another incident was highlighted in a report by the department’s independent inspector general. In it, an off-duty LAPD officer was alleged to have driven drunk and gotten into an altercation with security staff at a bar in July 2021. The officer was found to have violated department policy, but the chief only ordered a reprimand, the lowest form of discipline.[1]
Critics argue the LAPD needs stronger policies restricting off-duty drinking prior to driving, especially while armed. Some officers themselves have advocated for reforms:
“If you’re going to go out and have a couple drinks after work, that’s fine. But you have to make arrangements to get home safely and not carry your gun,” said Robert Harris, a director for the Los Angeles Police Protective League union.
However, the police union has resisted strict prohibitions on off-duty drinking, arguing it would infringe on officers’ rights during their personal time. Many officers also feel they can responsibly have a few drinks without endangering the public.
But multiple high-profile incidents have shown the risks of combining guns and alcohol:
One case highlighted in the records provided to The Times involves an off-duty LAPD officer who shot and wounded a fellow officer at a bar in April 2018 after he had been drinking…In February 2021, an LAPD officer was charged with second-degree murder after shooting a man in a movie theater while intoxicated. [1]
These cases undermine public trust in the LAPD. Many citizens feel there is a double standard allowing officers to avoid serious punishment for alcohol abuse. Stronger policies and enforcement could help improve community relations.
In summary, alcohol abuse and DUIs remain a persistent issue within the LAPD ranks. While progress has been made, there is room for improvement. The department should continue working to develop clear restrictions on off-duty drinking prior to driving or carrying firearms. And when officers are arrested for DUI or other alcohol incidents, the disciplinary process should be fair and consistent, without any appearance of favoritism. With sensible policies and even-handed enforcement, the LAPD can help curb alcohol abuse and rebuild trust with the citizens it serves.
References
[2] LAPD Press Release – LAPD to Conduct DUI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols
[3] LA Times – L.A. County deputy charged with trying to cover up fellow deputy’s DUI crash
[4] NBC LA – LAPD Reminds Officers Not to Drink and Drive After 7 Arrests
[5] LA Times – LAPD tells officers to celebrate responsibly after 7 DUI arrests