LAPD Training Trips Under Scrutiny: A Systemic Lack of Oversight
The Los Angeles Police Department’s practice of sending officers abroad for training, particularly to Israel, is facing increased scrutiny due to a lack of record-keeping and transparency. A recent report from the Police Commission’s Office of the Inspector General revealed that the LAPD lacks a system for tracking employees who train with foreign law enforcement agencies, raising concerns about accountability and potential conflicts of interest.
Nine Trips to Israel in a Decade, Minimal Documentation
Over the past decade, at least nine trips were made to Israel by LAPD personnel, costing a total of $87,000 since 2014. The stated purpose of these trips was to learn from Israeli counterterrorism experts. Though, the Inspector General’s report found that officers routinely failed to document what they learned or with whom they met during these and other overseas training activities. This lack of documentation makes it impossible to verify claims that the department hasn’t altered policies or developed new training programs based on these trips.
Beyond Israel: A Global Network of Training
The LAPD’s international training isn’t limited to Israel. Officers have also traveled to France and Italy in preparation for hosting the Olympics, and to countries including Mexico, Thailand, Canada, the U.K., Germany, Poland, Singapore, and Austria for various gatherings focused on investigative techniques and police tactics. A significant portion of these trips – roughly 80% – are funded by external sources like police foundations and grants, which further complicates record-keeping and transparency.
Funding Concerns and Potential Conflicts of Interest
The report highlights a concerning trend: when trips are funded by outside sources, even fewer detailed records are kept. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as there’s less accountability when the LAPD isn’t directly funding the training. The report suggests that the risks associated with accepting such funding may outweigh the benefits of anonymity.
Security Risks and Vetting Procedures
A critical finding of the report is the LAPD’s lack of a process to adequately assess security risks in host countries. There are failures to vet foreign contacts with U.S. National security agencies to ensure they aren’t affiliated with intelligence services or extremist groups. This oversight presents a potential vulnerability for the department.
Calls for Improved Tracking and Evaluation
The Inspector General’s office recommends that the LAPD implement a system to track key details of each training event, including location, category, and topics covered. They also suggest requiring participants to submit evaluation reports detailing lessons learned and practical applications for department operations. LAPD officials have acknowledged the need for improvement and stated they have begun creating a better tracking system, though records prior to 2021 were reportedly deleted due to data retention guidelines.
Human Rights Concerns and Public Perception
The LAPD’s relationship with Israeli security forces has drawn criticism amid the ongoing military campaign in Gaza and allegations of genocide. Concerns have also been raised about the appropriateness of training relationships with security services from countries accused of human rights violations, such as the United Arab Emirates. Groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) have called for a re-examination of these relationships, questioning what lessons are being learned and brought back to Los Angeles.
FAQ
Q: How many trips to Israel has the LAPD taken in the last decade?
A: At least nine trips to Israel were taken by LAPD personnel between 2014 and 2026.
Q: What did the Inspector General’s report find?
A: The report found that the LAPD lacks a system for tracking employees who train with foreign law enforcement agencies and that documentation of these trips is often minimal.
Q: Is the LAPD’s international training funded by taxpayers?
A: Approximately 80% of the LAPD’s international training trips are funded by outside sources, such as police foundations and grants.
Q: What is being done to address the issues raised in the report?
A: LAPD officials have acknowledged the need for improvement and have begun creating a better tracking system for overseas travel.
Did you realize? Nearly a quarter of all documented trips were to Canada, focused on investigating human trafficking and drug labs.
Pro Tip: Transparency and detailed record-keeping are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability in law enforcement training programs.
What are your thoughts on the LAPD’s international training programs? Share your opinions in the comments below. Explore our other articles on police accountability and international relations for more in-depth analysis.
