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District Attorney Steve Cooley's office announced today there was insufficient evidence of illegal actions by cops and commanders — merely "questionable tactics" — in the 2007 rampage by police in MacArthur Park. That was the incident where out-of-control LAPD officers pushed and clubbed journalists and peaceful protesters during an immigration rights rally. Earlier this year, the City Council agreed to pay nearly $13 million to settle claims against the city by injured victims, including media personnel. The embarrassment led to a number of reassignments and reforms at the LAPD. From the LAT blog story:
"The media had innocently and unwittingly positioned themselves in an area directly in the path of officers attempting to clear the park," the report noted. However, prosecutors noted, "not every push or shove amounts to excessive force We cannot establish that any particular officer's actions were unreasonable or without lawful necessity in light of the tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving circumstances."Prosecutors added that identity "is a factor which must be proven beyond reasonable doubt."
More coverage: KPCC
Previously on LA Observed:
LAPD blames itself, up to a point
Still affected by May 1
Police union makes suggestions