LAPD Union Requests Investigation of City Council President for Alleged Phone Call During Traffic Stop
Los Angeles City Council President Faces Investigation Over Alleged Misuse of Power
LOS ANGELES — Tensions escalated on Thursday between city leadership and law enforcement as the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) formally requested an investigation into City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. The union’s allegations suggest Harris-Dawson attempted to obstruct a peace officer during a traffic stop, claims he vehemently denies.
The LAPPL, which represents the rank-and-file officers of the Los Angeles Police Department, has approached District Attorney Nathan Hochman and City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto to probe a March 4 incident in which Harris-Dawson was stopped for a moving violation in a school zone. Reports indicate he called a friend, a member of the Board of Education, in an attempt to avoid the citation.
Harris-Dawson addressed the incident publicly during a committee meeting on unarmed crisis prevention on March 6, using the occasion to advocate against what he termed "unconstitutional" and "racially biased" pretextual traffic stops.
While the precise details concerning the phone call he allegedly made have not been disclosed, and the identity of the contacted school board member remains unknown, the situation raises questions about the intersection of politics and law enforcement.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed surprise at the investigation request, stating she was previously unaware of the ongoing situation.
LAPPL President Ricky Mendoza condemned the alleged actions, labeling them as "unethical and potentially illegal," and asserting that the public deserves transparency regarding the nature of the communication made during the traffic stop.
In contrast, Harris-Dawson’s spokesperson, Cerrina Tayag-Rivera, characterized the investigation as a distraction from urgent policy reforms. Harris-Dawson has previously remarked that such traffic stops can be "the most traumatic experiences that you have living in this country."
The LAPPL has indicated its intention to take further actions next week regarding what it describes as Harris-Dawson’s "lie of omission" about the incident. Meanwhile, the City Council is poised to vote on a significant proposal aimed at altering or abolishing the LAPD’s policy on pretextual vehicle stops once Harris-Dawson brings it to the agenda.
