Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher head ed an independent commission appointed to look into LAPD abuses in the wake of the Rodney King beating in 1991 The department also resisted the appointment of an Inspector General and, after losing this fight, has stonewalled the IG at every turn. In theory, the IG is supposed to have access to all information relevant to evaluating the department's handling of such critical matters as civilian complaints, officer-involved shootings and internal discipline. In practice, however, the chief either ignores his watchdog or kicks sand in its face. Ultimately the fate of police reform and the integrity of the system rests with the people of Los Angeles, who thus far have been remarkably quiescent as the integrity of their police force shattered before their eyes. The failure of attempts at self-policing This resistance to outside review is hard to justify, given recent history.
More recent events do nothing to build confidence in the idea of departmental self-policing.
Ultimately the fate of police reform and the integrity of the system rests with the people of Los Angeles, who thus far have been remarkably quiescent as the integrity of their police force shattered before their eyes. In large part, the answer lies at the door of the mayor, Richard Riordan, who appointed Parks, sees his legacy as intertwined with Parks' fate, and protects him to the hilt. Also, in an election year, many other city officials have shied away from taking a strong stand on such a potentially volatile issue. In recent weeks, Parks and Riordan have reluctantly agreed to accept some federal oversight of the department, in order to avoid being sued by the Department of Justice. In addition, a group of prominent attorneys and civic leaders who have been studying the department at the request of the Police Commission will soon be issuing a report.