Chief Invites Inspector General to Review Shooting

Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard C. Parks on Thursday invited the Police Commission’s civilian watchdog to review all aspects of the police shooting of a mentally ill homeless woman.

“I am committed to providing the inspector general with complete access to all of the related investigative material,” Parks said in prepared statement.

Some commission officials found the chief’s invitation puzzling considering that Inspector General Jeffrey Eglash has been overseeing the inquiry into the shooting of Margaret Mitchell, 55, for months as part of his normal duties.

“An invitation is not necessary,” said one commission source.

Commission President Gerald L. Chaleff said “the inspector general is already performing that function.”

As part of his duties, Eglash is reviewing the chief’s findings on the shooting, which were forwarded to the commission last week. In his report, sources say, the chief finds that the officer who shot Mitchell used such bad tactics that he faces possible discipline. But, sources add, Parks still considers the shooting to have been “in policy.”

The chief’s invitation to the inspector general comes amid a long-running controversy between the LAPD and the commission over the roles and authority of the inspector general position.

Earlier this week, the commission formed a subcommittee to definitively set the watchdog’s role and establish work rules for how the office interacts with LAPD employees. Also this week, City Council members roundly criticized the chief for what they perceive as his reluctance to embrace civilian oversight.

Lt. Sharyn Buck, a spokeswoman for the LAPD, said the chief offered the invitation to the inspector general to publicly convey his support for the position.

“The intent was for the public to see that the chief recognizes the importance of the inspector general,” Buck said.

Parks added in his statement: “The department remains committed to maintaining the trust, respect and confidence of the community.”

The chief said the Mitchell shooting “was a tragic incident for all those involved, and I share the community’s desire to fully examine all of the facts.”

Eglash said he appreciated the chief’s invitation.

“The office of the inspector general will continue its review of this matter in order to advise and assist the commission,” he said.

Mitchell was shot May 21 as she pushed her shopping cart down a sidewalk at 4th Street and La Brea Avenue. Patrolling the area on their bikes, Officers Edward Larrigan and Kathy Clark stopped Mitchell to determine whether the shopping cart was stolen.

According to police, Mitchell immediately became hostile, threatening to kill the two officers.

A passing motorist stopped and tried to intervene, unsuccessfully urging Mitchell to heed the officers’ commands. But Mitchell continued to walk away.

At some point, sources said, Mitchell put the screwdriver back in her cart and shoved it at Larrigan, who pushed it back at her in an attempt to keep the cart between them. The chief reportedly found that to be among the bad tactics used during the incident.

When the officers attempted to stop Mitchell again, she allegedly lunged at them with the screwdriver. Larrigan lost his balance. Reportedly feeling threatened by the screwdriver-wielding Mitchell, the officer shot her once in the chest. Mitchell died about 30 minutes later.

Police officials said the chief plans to hold a news conference today to more fully discuss the Mitchell investigation.