Youtube Videos Raise Questions Of LAPD Misconduct

Another video raising questions about LAPD conduct has surfaced on Youtube this week, prompting an internal affairs probe. The LA Times reports:

Los Angeles police have opened an investigation into a confrontation between a photographer and a Hollywood Division officer after video of the incident was posted this week on YouTube, sources familiar with the case said.

The sources told The Times that the investigation is unrelated to another internal affairs probe launched this week in connection with a clash between four Hollywood officers and bicyclists, also caught on video. They said the department opened an investigation Wednesday after being informed about the video. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing.

The release of this video comes on the heels of another controversial video involving the LAPD, which appears to show a confrontation between police and bike riders in a recent "critical mass" bike ride protesting BP's role in the Gulf Oil Spill. The officers involved in that incident have been "removed from the field" pending an investigation. LAist has a complete account of the subsequent meeting between bicyclists and police, in which even Chief Beck made a surprise appearance.