May, 2, 2026 Originally by Libor Jany, this story is a summary of LA Times article
This is the summary of the article by Libor Jany, Staff Writer of the LA Times on April 10, 2025. For the full version of the original article, please visit https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-02/lapd-officers-could-lose-certification-over-improper-shooting
LAPD Officers Face Potential State Decertification Over Out-of-Policy Shooting
By Justice for Yong Yang
A group of Los Angeles Police Department officers could be permanently barred from serving in law enforcement following a controversial shooting that state regulators have deemed a violation of professional standards.
The move toward “decertification” comes after a rigorous review by California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This state-level body has the authority to revoke the licenses of officers found guilty of serious misconduct, preventing them from simply moving to another department after being disciplined or terminated by their current employer.
The Incident in Question The case stems from an officer-involved shooting that the L.A. Police Commission previously ruled “out of policy.” While the LAPD’s internal review focused on department-specific tactics and administrative discipline, the state’s involvement elevates the consequences to a professional level.
According to reports, the state’s review determined that the officers’ actions during the encounter did not meet the legal threshold for the use of deadly force. Under California law, officers are permitted to use lethal force only when it is “objectively reasonable” to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious injury.
A New Era of Accountability This development is a direct result of recent California legislation (Senate Bill 2) designed to increase transparency and accountability within law enforcement. Prior to these laws, officers fired for misconduct in one city could often find employment in another jurisdiction because California lacked a centralized decertification process.
If the POST commission proceeds with decertification, these officers will be added to a public database of ineligible individuals, effectively ending their careers in California law enforcement.
What’s Next? The officers involved have the right to contest the decertification in a formal hearing. However, the move signals a shift in how police oversight is handled in Los Angeles and across the state, with state-level regulators taking a more active role in policing the police.
Representatives for the officers have expressed concern over the process, arguing that the state is overstepping in cases where local departments have already issued discipline. Meanwhile, civil rights advocates are hailing the move as a necessary step in ensuring that officers who misuse their authority face lasting consequences.