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NBC Investigations
Reporter for NBC Investigations, based in Los Angeles and focusing on police and courts; former crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times
PROFILE
Andrew Blankstein
Guest
FROM Andrew Blankstein
The Mixer
Who decides when cops open fire? The LAPD has shot and killed 2 innocent people in the past several weeks during police activity. The tragedies have prompted apologies from the Chief of Police and possible legal action. They have also spurred a broader conversation around when police officers should use their weapons, especially when there are a lot of people around.
The Mixer
When is it okay to talk about gun control? A lot of folks this week are wondering what can be done about the gun violence that plagues this country especially when people have access to weapons that can be enhanced.
The Mixer
New Rules for the LAPD? Two members of the LA Police Commission are calling on the LAPD to overhaul its use of force policy. Those changes include defining – clearly – when officers can use deadly force, and holding officers accountable when they do. The changes in policy – proposed by Commission President Matt Johnson and Commissioner Robert Saltzman – would reshape the way the Commission examines police shootings if they’re approved.
Which Way, L.A.?
San Bernardino Mass Shooting Fourteen people were shot to death this morning and 17 others were injured at a holiday party for state health workers at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. Three shooters escaped in a black SUV.
The Mixer
The City of LA Has Guns in Its Crosshairs This week, the LA City Council passed a measure requiring gun owners to store their weapons under lock and key at home. And earlier this year, Mayor Eric Garcetti signed an new ordinance that restricts the amount of ammunition in high-capacity magazines. Gun rights activists filed suit last week to overturn it – in an interesting way. We get to the bottom of why cities are tackling this issue – and why other governments are not. KCRW's Steve Chiotakis is joined by Emily Alpert Reyes, City Hall reporter for the LA Times, and Andrew Blankstein of NBC News.
The Mixer
LAPD Focuses on South LA The Los Angeles Police Department says it’ll send dozens of elite officers into South LA in response to an increase in crime and reported gang violence. The department is highlighting the fact that about half of the 39 killings that happened, in the city as a whole, in the month of August, took place in that area. Will the strategy work? And what’s going on with the crime rate in cities all across the country, and right here in Los Angeles?
Which Way, L.A.?
Murky Link between SoLA Violence and Social Media Chatter Threats that used to be spray-painted on the sides of buildings are now turning up on line. They might come from anywhere — but they're creating fears in some neighborhoods.
The Mixer
How Far Is Too Far for Police? Look at the term "law enforcement," and you’ll see two words at the center of a debate about policing in America. Law, and force. But how is that force being used?
To the Point
Possible End to Christopher Dorner Manhunt A week-long manhunt that became an international news event has finally ended in the mountains east of Los Angeles. Christopher Dorner, a former officer of the Los Angeles Police Department, appears to have died in a burning cabin after a shootout with Sheriff's Deputies from San Bernardino County. Andrew Blankstein reports for the LA Times .
Which Way, L.A.?
Study and Safety at USC Early yesterday morning, after a typical evening of library study, Ying Wu drove Ming Qu to her apartment in the West Adams District a mile from campus. While they were chatting in his double-parked BMW, both were shot. She died in the passenger seat, he on the steps of a building he tried to enter in search of help.
Which Way, L.A.?
What Does the LA Fire Department Have to Hide? The Los Angeles City Fire Chief Brian Cummings admits he issued misleading statistics on whether his department has been responding to emergency calls in time to save lives. Now he's announced that he's limiting public updates on emergency calls, saying he's acting on advice from City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.
Which Way, L.A.?
Stowaway Slips Past Security, Flies from NY to LA A Nigerian man named Olajide Oluwaseun Noibi got through the TSA checks in New York City, flew Virgin Airlines on an expired boarding pass in someone else's name and arrived in Los Angeles last Friday. He was arrested while trying to fly to Atlanta. Andrew Blankstein is covering the story for the Los Angeles Times .
Which Way, L.A.?
The Aftermath of Shooting at Local Schools El Camino High, eight other public schools and several private schools were shut down for several hours yesterday as police searched for a gunman. An El Camino High policeman had been shot off campus by a man who still hasn't been captured. He's described as white, in his late 40's, with a grayish pony tail, wearing a black jacket and jeans.
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The 805
One year later, the threat of more mudslides still exists One year ago, torrential rain pelted the hillside community of Montecito, which was scorched a month earlier by the Thomas Fire. It unleashed a flow of mud and boulders the size of cars and killed 23 people. We check in with the community one year later and talk about what’s being done to prevent another debris flow.