Joint Statement Regarding the Donation to LAPD’s Metropolitan Division Mounted Platoon
Statement of Chief Charlie Beck
“Yesterday, I stated that the paperwork for the donation of a horse originally owned by my daughter, LAPD Officer Brandi Scimone, and purchased with private funds 'steered completely around me.' Since that time, I reviewed the file and realized that I had signed the LA Police Foundation's Grant Request after the donation had been evaluated and approved by the Office of Special Operations and had also signed the Intradepartmental Correspondence to the Board of Police Commissioners to approve of the donation. Therefore, I now realize that my comments were mistaken.”
“After evaluating the circumstances of this donation, in retrospect, I should have ensured that the Department had formally transmitted to the Commission the additional documentation on file which identified the original owner of the horse. I will continue to work with the Commission to increase the Department's transparency.”
Statement of Commission President Steve Soboroff
“After reviewing the information provided to date by the Department, the Inspector General, and Chief Beck, I am comfortable that the Chief was not involved in the selection, evaluation or purchase of the horse (by the LAPD Foundation) that was previously owned by Chief Beck's daughter, LAPD Officer Brandi Scimone, and that he did not influence any decision to accept the donation by the Department." said Police Commission President Steve Soboroff.
Soboroff concluded, “Based on the Chief's statements today, I am now satisfied the Commission will have sufficient disclosure going forward.”
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