Pasadena Police Department Cleared of Systemic Excessive Use of ForceIn a recent report released by the City's Independent Police Auditor (IPA), Richard Rosenthal, the Pasadena Police Department was cleared of any evidence of systemic excessive use of force. The review, which covered 30 use-of-force cases investigated between June 2021 and November 2022, found no evidence of a pattern or practice of excessive force by Pasadena officers.
The IPA's report is a significant development for the Pasadena Police Department, which has faced criticism in the past for its use-of-force policies. The report highlights the department's dedication to practical and Constitutional policing and its commitment to improving its policies and procedures. Rosenthal's report found that the types of force used by officers in the cases reviewed varied from verbal commands to using a Taser or pepper spray. Most of the issues reviewed resulted in no injuries to the officers or the subjects involved. Rosenthal's recommendations for improving the department's use-of-force policies include updating the Body-Worn Camera policy and training to ensure consistency, updating the taser policy to comply with federal law, monitoring and reducing the use of close-handed fist strikes as a force technique, creating a Force Review Board (FRB) checklist, and implementing specific deadlines for supervisors to complete use-of-force investigations. Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris responded to the report by agreeing with all of Rosenthal's recommendations. He emphasized that the department is committed to working with the IPA and the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) to improve its policies and procedures. The IPA's report is an essential step for the Pasadena Police Department's ongoing efforts to improve its use-of-force policies. The recommendations put forth by Rosenthal provide a roadmap for the department to follow in order to continue to provide practical and Constitutional policing to the community. It cannot overstate how important this report is, as excessive use of force by law enforcement has become a significant issue in recent years. The Pasadena Police Department's commitment to improving its policies and procedures is a positive step in the right direction. It is a model for other law enforcement agencies across the country. As the department continues to monitor and review its use-of-force investigations, it will be essential to ensure that the recommendations put forth by Rosenthal take effect in a timely and effective manner. By doing so, the department can continue to build trust and confidence in the community and provide practical and Constitutional policing to all. |
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