CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
January 20, 2009 | Andrew Blankstein
When local protests broke out this month over the Israeli invasion of Gaza, Los Angeles Police Department officials decided that officers at the scene should not immediately wear their riot helmets out of concerns the gear might escalate passions among the demonstrators. But the decision has now generated controversy after a protester hit an officer with the wood post of a protest sign during a march in Westwood.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
March 5, 2008 | Myron Levin, Times Staff Writer
Authorities are weighing charges against four people after a drug raid uncovered a large cache of weapons, police equipment and literature about bomb-making, Torrance police said. Officers found small amounts of methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia when searching a home in the 19700 block of Tomlee Avenue last Thursday, according to Torrance Police Officer David Crespin. They also found 30 to 35 handguns and rifles, along with ammunition, strewed throughout the house.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
January 16, 2008 | Richard Winton, Times Staff Writer
Los Angeles police Capt. Dennis Kato stands in a rooftop parking lot, a device in hand resembling a clunky 1980s-era cellphone. He selects Korean from the device's menu, then speaks into the microphone: "Medical assistance." A speaker on his vehicle booms in Korean: "If you require medical assistance, please approach the nearest officer." Switching to Spanish, Kato says: "Welcome." The screen lights up: "Welcome to this event. We are here to facilitate your 1st Amendment rights."
WORLD
December 11, 2007 | Tina Susman, Times Staff Writer
The Iraqi government has ordered all policewomen to hand in their guns for redistribution to men or face having their pay withheld, thwarting a U.S. initiative to bring women into the nation's police force. The Interior Ministry, which oversees the police, issued the order late last month, according to ministry documents, U.S. officials and several of the women. It affects all officers who have earned the title "policewoman" by graduating from the police academy.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
September 18, 2007 | Richard Winton, Times Staff Writer
Charles "Sid" Heal stands excitedly in the parking lot of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's station in San Dimas, tinkering with a prototype for the ominously named "Active Denial System." With one zap from what looks like a satellite dish on a tripod, those within target range feel a burning sensation on their skin. Heal, a Sheriff's Department commander, tested the device on himself. "It is like stepping into a scalding shower. You are going to step back quickly," Heal said.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
September 9, 2007 | Richard Winton, Times Staff Writer
As part of an anti-terrorism effort, the Los Angeles Police Department is now equipping a helicopter and officers on the ground with devices capable of detecting potential radiological weapons or materials used in so-called dirty bombs. Police Chief William J. Bratton said a new suitcase-size device for one of the LAPD's helicopters can detect "radiation signatures" from up to 800 feet above ground. In addition, the LAPD bought six hand-held units that officers on the ground can use.