Which Way, L.A.?

LAPD, the Feds and a Consent Decree

How tough is Washington going to get on reforming the LAPD? A meeting underway May 8 could determine just how far the U.S. Justice Department gets involved in reform efforts. Los Angeles officials spoke with acting assistant U.S. attorney general Bill Lann Lee about alleged civil rights violations uncovered in a federal investigation over the last four years. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Justice Department is threatening a lawsuit unless the city agrees to a so-called -consent decree,- which could give Washington significant oversight over the police department-s investigations.