Inglewood Police Department Faces Scrutiny Over Leverage of Force and Transparency Practices

The Inglewood Police Department (IPD) has arrive under increased public and legal scrutiny in recent months over its use of force policies, officer accountability and transparency in reporting critical incidents. As the city continues to grapple with community trust issues, local activists, civil rights organizations, and elected officials are calling for comprehensive reforms to address longstanding concerns about policing practices in the predominantly Black and Latino city.

Recent Incidents Spark Renewed Calls for Accountability

In early 2024, a series of officer-involved shootings and allegations of excessive force prompted renewed attention on the IPD. One incident in February involved the shooting of an unarmed man during a traffic stop, which the department initially described as a “threat to officer safety.” Although, body-worn camera footage released weeks later showed the suspect had his hands raised at the time of the shooting, contradicting the initial narrative.

The release of the video, obtained through a public records request by the ACLU of Southern California, led to protests outside City Hall and demands for the immediate suspension of the officers involved. While the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office ultimately declined to file criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence, the case intensified pressure on city leaders to overhaul the department’s use-of-force guidelines.

Use of Force Policies Under Review

According to data compiled by Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the Inglewood Police Department reported a use-of-force rate higher than the national average for municipalities of similar size in 2023. The department recorded 142 use-of-force incidents that year, including 18 involving firearms discharges.

In response, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. Announced in March 2024 that the city would partner with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a pattern-or-practice investigation into the IPD. The investigation, authorized under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, will examine whether the department engages in systemic violations of constitutional rights, particularly regarding racial bias and excessive force.

This marks the first time the DOJ has opened such an investigation into the Inglewood Police Department since a similar probe in 2002, which resulted in a consent decree requiring reforms in areas such as use of force, stops and searches, and early intervention systems. Although the city was released from federal oversight in 2006, critics argue that many of the recommended changes were not fully implemented or sustained.

Transparency and Data Reporting Gaps

Transparency remains a significant concern. While California law requires all law enforcement agencies to submit use-of-force data to the state via the California Department of Justice’s Use of Force Incident Reporting (UFIR) program, Inglewood has faced criticism for delayed and inconsistent reporting.

A 2023 audit by the California State Controller’s Office found that the IPD failed to submit timely reports for over 30% of required incidents in 2022, citing outdated internal systems and insufficient training. The audit recommended immediate upgrades to the department’s records management system and mandatory training for supervisors on state reporting requirements.

In response, the city council approved a $1.2 million budget allocation in April 2024 to modernize the IPD’s data infrastructure and hire a civilian compliance officer to oversee adherence to state and federal transparency mandates.

Community Response and Reform Efforts

Community leaders have welcomed the increased scrutiny but emphasize that lasting change requires more than investigations and audits.

“We’ve seen this cycle before: incident, outrage, investigation, promises, and then silence,” said Black Lives Matter Los Angeles organizer Alicia Torres. “Real reform means civilian oversight with subpoena power, independent investigations of officer-involved deaths, and a clear path to disband units with patterns of misconduct.”

The Inglewood Police Citizens’ Oversight Commission, established in 2018, has limited authority and cannot compel officer testimony or access disciplinary records. Activists are pushing for a ballot measure in November 2024 that would expand its powers and create a fully independent inspector general’s office.

Meanwhile, the IPD has announced plans to retrain all officers in de-escalation techniques and implicit bias by the end of 2024, using a curriculum developed by PERF and adapted from successful models in cities like Camden, NJ, and Seattle.

Looking Ahead

As the DOJ investigation progresses and community pressure mounts, the future of policing in Inglewood hangs in the balance. While department officials maintain they are committed to reform, many residents remain skeptical until they see measurable changes in officer behavior, accountability, and transparency.

For now, the city stands at a crossroads—one that could either redefine its relationship with law enforcement or repeat the patterns of the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the recent scrutiny of the Inglewood Police Department?

A series of officer-involved shootings in early 2024, particularly the February incident involving an unarmed man whose body-worn camera footage contradicted the department’s initial account, sparked renewed public outrage and demands for accountability.

Is the U.S. Department of Justice investigating the Inglewood Police Department?

Yes, in March 2024, the DOJ announced a pattern-or-practice investigation into the IPD to determine whether the department engages in systemic violations of constitutional rights, including excessive force and racial bias.

What reforms are being proposed or implemented?

Proposed reforms include expanding the authority of the civilian oversight commission, implementing a DOJ-recommended consent decree if warranted, upgrading data reporting systems, and mandating department-wide de-escalation and implicit bias training by the end of 2024.

How does Inglewood’s use-of-force rate compare to other cities?

According to PERF data, Inglewood’s use-of-force rate in 2023 was above the national average for similarly sized municipalities, with 142 incidents reported, including 18 firearm discharges.

Where can the public access Inglewood Police Department use-of-force data?

The public can access use-of-force statistics through the California Department of Justice’s Use of Force Incident Reporting (UFIR) program, although recent audits have noted delays and inconsistencies in Inglewood’s submissions.