Beginning in December 2004, OIR's attorneys have taken turns posting a regular column that reports to the public in a new way. These essays are shorter and slightly less formal than other public reports OIR generates. Like the other reports, however, they are meant to offer independent insight into the workings of the Sheriff's Department.
In our three years of operation, the Office of Independent Review has reported on its work in several ways. Our web-site includes our first three annual reports, which are intended to be a year-end review of systemic issues that emanate from our oversight function. We also periodically post on our web-site a chart of each internal affairs investigation reviewed by us, our assessment of the investigation, our recommendations on case disposition and discipline, and LASD’s disciplinary decision. In order to further our goal of communication and promotion of transparency, we have initiated another feature: on an ongoing basis one of the OIR attorneys will post a short essay on our website that is intended to address issues that arise during our work as the oversight entity for LASD. We are hopeful that members of LASD and the public will find these essays helpful in furthering information and dialogue on matters of common interest. To that end, as always, we welcome any thoughts and reactions from you. |
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OIR hopes the following short essays will enhance its efforts
to provide greater transparency and heightened
understanding about LASD. |
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"The following article by OIR attorney Ray Jurado addresses the potential implications of the 'harm to public service' doctrine as it applies to discipline of police officers. As the article describes, courts have recognized that a range of misconduct -- even when occurring off-duty -- can reflect so poorly on the officer and his employing agency that discharge is warranted. The article appears in the July-August 2005 edition of Los Angeles Lawyer magazine, and OIR appreciates the opportunity to reprint it here." |
