FBI investigating members of LAPD gang unit for allegedly turning off body cameras

The FBI is investigating members of the Los Angeles Police Department's Mission Area Gang Enforcement Detail after two members were suspended over accusations of turning their body cameras off.

The LAPD Public Information Office said that an internal investigation was launched earlier this year in response to a complaint from someone claiming that two uniformed LAPD officers had searched his vehicle without his consent. An ensuing investigation found that the two officers, assigned to the department's Gang Enforcement Detail, had not documented the search as required, even going so far as to turn their body cameras off.

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"The Department's expectations are that all traffic stops or detentions will be fully documented, and body-worn video devices will be used as required," Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said. "Consequences for any member who would purposely avoid our requirements will be certain and severe. Such misconduct undermines the public's trust and tarnishes the badge of the vast majority of officers who conduct themselves with integrity and reverence for the law."

The LAPD PIO added that the department had consulted the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office about the case. The investigation has been referred to the Public Corruption Civil Rights Section of the United States Attorney's Office, and the FBI Civil Rights Division has launched its own investigation.

LAPD News: Statement On Mission Area Gang Enforcement Detail Internal Affairs Investigation pic.twitter.com/xNqMrNgqLY

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Though not mandatory in California, police body cameras have become a common policy among large local agencies like the LAPD.

The LAPD PIO added that it is investigating other alleged incidents in which police officers turned off their body cameras.