The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating four officers who allegedly made racist and sexist remarks while working with new recruits, officials confirmed Friday.
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The investigation prompted a swift response from Mayor Karen Bass, who called the accusations "outrageous and unacceptable." She added, "(Police Chief Jim McDonnell) and I are on the same page about the urgent need to fix the recruiting and hiring process and make sure that officers stuck in the past don't tarnish the badge for everyone else."
A representative for LAPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that a lieutenant, a sergeant and two officers assigned to the Recruiting Employment Division have been assigned to home pending the completion of an Internal Affairs probe, citing multiple law enforcement sources.
According to the Times, LAPD's decision to send an employee home is "reserved for the most serious of investigations."
McDonnell approved of the officers' removal after he was informed of the allegations, the Times reported.
The police chief does not have the power to outright fire the officers. Any consequences could be issued by the Board of Police Commissioners, a five-member body that oversees the department. The board works in conjunction with the police chief, who acts as a chief executive officer and reports to the board.
Mayor Bass and the chief have said publicly that their goal is to bolster the rank-and-file of sworn officers following concerns that membership has fallen below 9,000. Recruitment efforts have been slow and difficult.
Bass, the chief and City Council have taken steps to address issues with the hiring process and have offered incentives such as new bonuses and housing assistance for new recruits, among other things.
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