CIVIL RIGHTS, EQUITY, IMMIGRATION AGING AND DISABILITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEES’ REPORT relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to maximize any fines and fees associated with impersonating a federal, state, or local law enforcement agent, to intimidate or harass, threaten individual persons or property, or any other method that could be used by an individual to coerce a person or persons under the false pretense of being a public safety officer.

Summary

This item proposes amendments to the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to increase fines and fees for individuals impersonating federal, state, or local law enforcement agents. The goal is to deter and penalize those who use such impersonation to intimidate, harass, threaten individuals or property, or coerce others under a false pretense of authority. The City Attorney is requested to report on options to maximize these fines and fees, and also to report on the city's ability to affirm residents' right to request verifiable identification and legal authority from individuals conducting detainment, search, or enforcement actions, particularly those who are non-uniformed or unmarked.

This initiative was recommended by the Civil Rights, Equity, Immigration, Aging and Disability Committee and concurred with by the Public Safety Committee. Several neighborhood councils, including NoHo, Westside, Reseda, and North Westwood, have submitted Community Impact Statements in support of this measure.

Citizen Impact

This measure aims to protect residents from fraud and intimidation by increasing penalties for those impersonating law enforcement. It also seeks to clarify residents' rights to verify the identity and authority of individuals conducting enforcement actions, enhancing public safety and trust.

Confidence

high