LOS ANGELES : LAPD Has Made Strides Toward Reform, Panel Says

In the 2 1/2 years since a blue-ribbon commission made sweeping recommendations for reforming the Los Angeles Police Department, its leaders have made strides toward achieving some of the panel’s recommendations but others remain stalled by budgetary shortfalls and other obstacles, commission officials said Tuesday.

The Independent Commission--widely known as the Christopher Commission for its co-chairman, Warren Christopher--produced more than 100 proposals for reform. Among proposals yet to be enacted are creation of a computerized system for tracking problem officers, regular psychological testing and counseling for officers, and a new personnel evaluation system. But the LAPD has taken steps to improve background checks for incoming officers, among other reforms, officials said.