LAPD Domestic Abuse Unit Probes 22 Cases

The Los Angeles Police Department has investigated 22 complaints of domestic violence against its officers so far this year, bringing the total to 438 complaints since 1990, according to a new police department report.

The department’s domestic violence unit, created in September 1997, has mostly investigated complaints against patrol officers, along with six detectives and one sergeant, the report said. In 1997, the department investigated 95 domestic violence complaints, according to the report released at a special joint meeting of the City Council’s public safety and personnel committees.

“I want to put a spotlight on what the department has done and continues to do,” said Councilwoman Laura Chick, who chaired the meeting.

The committee raised concerns over the department’s lack of a full-time management analyst to keep track of a domestic violence computer database, a recommendation made by Inspector General Katherine Mader, who pushed for the creation of the unit.

“Without the database,” Mader said, “the unit doesn’t work.”

In a related move, Councilman Richard Alarcon proposed Wednesday that the city consider developing a support program for the spouses or partners of police officers who are either fired or at risk of being fired because of domestic violence.