LA County Releases Investigative Report Into Barnes Shooting

The Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review today released its investigative report into the Feb 19, 2009 shooting death of LeRoy Barnes Jr. by Pasadena Police in Northwest Pasadena.

That 38-page report summarizes the events leading up to and following the Barnes shooting. No police officers were accused of wrongdoing in this report.

Fourteen specific recommendations are made in the report, many of them administrative or procedural in nature. The department plans to review the report in detail and will prepare their own report to the city council that includes specific action steps that will be taken to address the issues raised by the OIR.

In a letter addressing the OIR report Chief Melekian notes, “The report commends the department in a number of areas and also expresses concern in others. What it clearly does not do is identify any additional facts or corrections from the department’s report of March 31st.”

Chief Melekian said in his letter that two of the issues are of specific concern to the community. The first one is the tactics employed by the officers at the time of the stop. While the choice they made was a problem because of the outcome and not because it was a poor option, the Chief feels that “more intensive training (is needed) that addresses different tactical options.”

The second issue Melekian noted is the number of shots fired by the officers.  Although the first round fired was fatal, the number of rounds fired exceeds the department’s training standards.  However, current training also stresses the reduction of the threat. The department plans to do an analysis of their range training with an increased emphasis on threat assessment and shoot-don’t shoot decision making.

Chief Melekian further adds that “the Pasadena Way demands that the department hold itself to the highest possible standards. In keeping with that philosophy, we are committed to learn from this event.”

To read a copy of the report click here. To read Chief Melekian’s letter click here.