LAPD Investigates Its Own For Brutality Against Protesters

LOS ANGELES, CA — Seven Los Angeles Police Department officers have been removed from field duty and dozens of others are under investigation for alleged misconduct for their handling of police brutality demonstrators, the department announced Wednesday.

The LAPD assigned 40 investigators to look into "allegations of misconduct, violations of department policy and excessive force" during demonstrations spurred by the May 25 in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, according to an LAPD statement. It's an unprecedented effort in response to 56 complaints lodged following the protests as well as a series of videos posted to social media showing police swinging batons at protesters and firing rubber bullets at close range.

Of the 56 complaints currently being investigated, 28 are for alleged use of force, LAPD officials said.

No details were released regarding the seven employees assigned to non- field duties.

The department last week acknowledged viral videos showing some protesters struck by officers with batons or shot with rubber bullets.

"We are aware of individuals who have posted videos online and on social media depicting encounters with the police, that they believe constitutes excessive force or misconduct during these demonstrations," the LAPD said in a statement last Thursday.

Three Los Angeles City Council members filed a motion Wednesday to increase the scope of a report regarding the police department's use of force and crowd control tactics during the protests.

Those wishing to file a protest-related complaint against an officer can email ProtestResponse2020@lapd.online or call the Office of the Inspector General at 213-893-6400 or email oigcompl@lapd.online.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.