‘It can easily be perceived as a cover-up:’ Long Beach’s ‘odd’ way of handling police shootings

Police shooting: Long Beach is the only city in Los Angeles County whose police department almost never interviews its officers after they’ve shot someone, according to an investigation by the Long Beach Post. Instead of facing questioning by investigators, Long Beach officers write reports that higher-ups in the homicide division review and suggest areas where the officer needs to add details or clarifications, according to people familiar with the process. Police officials acknowledge this method is unorthodox, but say it yields a more complete version of events. However, two sources who have been involved in the process say it’s also used to shield the department from embarrassment and liability when the report inevitably becomes public during a lawsuit. One Long Beach Police Department employee explained why supervisors review reports: "You've got to explain this to God and country, and this sounds like an idiot wrote it.” The employee asked not to be identified for fear of retribution.

“The question you’re asking me is can somebody see the process as coaching? Sure. Can somebody see it as not coaching? Absolutely.”

Long Beach Post News