Under the City Charter, the Board of Police Commissioners is the head of the Police Department. The Board sets overall policy while the Chief of Police manages the daily operations of the Department and implements the Board’s policies or policy direction and goals.
The Board of Police Commissioners, originally created in the 1920’s, is comprised of five civilians who donate their time to the City while maintaining their professional careers. They are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The Commissioners serve a maximum of two five-year terms. The Commissioners routinely spend 25-50 hours per week on Commission business, and serve as the public's voice in police affairs and as a means of ensuring more responsive and effective City government.
The Office of the Inspector General's role within the City of Los Angeles is to support the Board of Police Commissioners and the public by providing information and analysis regarding the conduct and performance of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The OIG functions as the "eyes and ears" of the Board of Police Commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the LAPD.
The Commissioners’ concerns are reflective of the community at large, and their priorities include implementing recommended reforms, improving service to the public by the Department, reducing crime and the fear of crime, and initiating, implementing and supporting community policing programs.
The Board holds meetings every Tuesday, normally at 9:30 a.m. The meetings follow a published agenda consisting of various routine items of concern to the Department, as well as policy matters that may be of concern to the community. Each agenda includes a period for public comment, during which any member of the public may speak for up to two minutes on any topic within the Commission’s jurisdiction.