Officers inflated patrol numbers, LAPD watchdog finds

Los Angeles Times | October 10, 2014 | 11:53 AM

Los Angeles police deliberately inflated the number of officers on patrol, according to an investigation by the LAPD's independent watchdog.
In a report released today, the inspector general for the L.A. Police Commission found evidence that officers in at least five of the department’s 21 patrol divisions were said to be patrolling city streets in cars when they were actually at station desks.
The report's findings bolstered allegations made by union officials that patrol commanders were using the so-called ghost cars to mask the fact that they did not have enough officers to meet mandatory staffing levels.
LAPD officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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