LAPD Detective Seeks Return of Missing Cameras

Three cameras are missing from a metal drawer in the detectives room at LAPD’s Van Nuys station, and Det. Mitch Robins has a sneaking suspicion he may know who took them.

The ease with which the Polaroid Spectra AF cameras were removed without notice has convinced Robins that his colleagues may be involved--specifically, fellow officers in the career criminals unit.

The detective has tried unsuccessfully to cajole the new 14-member unit into returning the cameras. First he asked nicely. Then he demanded.

Then he got fed up. To get his colleagues’ attention, he said he plans to file a a felony grand theft report about the missing cameras, worth about $300 each. According to police procedures, a preliminary investigation will follow, along with a personnel complaint against “unnamed officers.”

Robins said he plans to allow a 72-hour grace period, during which the cameras may be returned with no questions asked.

He and his major assault crimes unit at LAPD’s Van Nuys station use the cameras to take detailed pictures of tattoos on gang members and injuries on domestic violence victims. But the camera drawer has been empty since the birth in April of the career criminals unit, which uses the equipment to photograph suspects and evidence.

“We realize they’re doing police work, but we would like to have access to [the cameras] also,” Robins said.