Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell has recently made a significant change to his staff, removing Lizabeth Rhodes, the head of the department’s constitutional policing office. Rhodes, the LAPD’s highest-ranking civilian employee, was ousted as a result of her role in the controversial release of thousands of mugshot-style photos of officers. This move has sparked a heated debate, drawing criticism from the police union and raising questions about the future direction of the department.
A Seasoned Journalist Delves Into the LAPD Union Dispute
Behind the Headlines: The Controversial Photo Release
Rhodes, a former federal prosecutor appointed by Chief Michel Moore in 2019, has been at the center of a storm of controversy surrounding the release of officer photos under the state’s public records law in 2022. The images, along with officer pay and rank information, were shared with journalist Ben Camacho and the activist group Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, leading to the creation of the Watch the Watchers database. This searchable online platform allows users to look up an officer’s photo using their name or badge number, a move hailed as a step towards greater police transparency.
However, the powerful Los Angeles Police Protective League has strongly criticized Rhodes and Moore for the release of this information, arguing that it put officers at risk, particularly those working undercover. More than 300 officers filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming that their families had been endangered by the disclosure. While the city attempted to retrieve the photos from Camacho and Stop LAPD Spying, the case was ultimately dismissed in court, and the city was ordered to pay $300,000 in legal fees. Despite this setback, department lobbyists are advocating for changes to state law to prevent similar disclosures in the future.
The Fallout and Legal Battles
Following the release of the photos, Mayor Karen Bass labeled it “an unacceptable breach” that endangered the lives of officers and their families. The situation escalated when officers filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that the disclosure had placed them in harm’s way. The city countersued Camacho and Stop LAPD Spying, but the legal challenge against them was ultimately unsuccessful. The contentious legal battle underscored the divide between law enforcement agencies and advocates for police transparency, highlighting the complex and often conflicting interests at play.
Rhodes’ removal from her position suggests a larger shift within the LAPD, with signs indicating that she had fallen out of favor with Chief McDonnell. Despite her years of service and leadership within the department, Rhodes’ departure marks a turning point in the ongoing debate over police transparency and accountability. As the LAPD grapples with internal strife and external pressures, the future of constitutional policing in Los Angeles remains uncertain.
As the dust settles on this turbulent chapter in the LAPD’s history, the ramifications of Rhodes’ removal are sure to reverberate throughout the department and beyond. The clash between law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and city officials underscores the complex dynamics at play in shaping police practices and policies. While the specifics of Rhodes’ departure may remain shrouded in controversy, the broader implications for the LAPD and its relationship with the community are clear: transparency, accountability, and trust are essential elements in building a safer and more just society.
