Officer O’Callaghan was relieved of duty and recently charged with the crime of assault under color of authority. Representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office indicated there was not sufficient evidence to charge this officer with manslaughter for her actions.
LAPD Chief Charley Beck told the Los Angeles Times that the officer’s conduct “did not meet the expectations I have for officer’s in the field”. Chief Beck, I think it may be time for a new press consultant as maybe you could have come up with a better comment than that. LAPD officials went on to state that the conduct of officers was, “outside of department policy”. I look forward to the day that all LAPD cars are equipped with video and audio recording devices. Currently, most California Highway Patrol cars are equipped with such devices but the Los Angeles County Sheriff and LAPD are still not.
If you have questions about this or any other excessive force matter, please call me, Attorney Jeffrey Vallens (888) 764-4340 or (818) 783-5700 or visit our sites www.4criminaldefense.com or www.westlakecriminaldefense.com