LAPD Officers Face Charges in May 2007 Beatings

During the May 2007 immigration rallies in Los Angeles' MacArthur Park, LAPD officers attacked a crowd of protesters, injuring an estimated 200 people. Among those assaulted were local television journalists, whose cameras were damaged in an apparent attempt to destroy video evidence of the beatings. I have discussed the incident, and the followup investigation, here:

• LAPD Attacks Protesters, Reporters, Cameras (May 2, 2007)
• LAPD Attacks Prompt Investigation, Shakeup, Public Hearings (May 9, 2007)
• LAPD Report Raises More Questions Than Answers (June 1, 2007)

Yesterday, the LAPD charged 17 officers and two sergeants in connection with the beatings. But as the L.A. Times notes, the most culpable offenders seem to be getting off scot-free:

Police Chief William J. Bratton has already conceded that bad decisions by some of his top commanders contributed to the chaos on May 1, 2007. The deputy chief who served as the incident commander promptly retired after Bratton said he was going to demote him.

Tim Sands, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, said he hoped the breakdown in command would be taken into account when the accused officers' cases are considered ...

"That is something the commission is going to be taking a good, hard look at," said Commission Vice President John Mack. "Why are these lieutenants and captains not being held accountable?"

The officers will issue a formal response within 30 days. Possible sentences include a reprimand, demotion, suspension, and termination. No criminal charges are pending.