Police

Beck calls on Dorner to surrender, says will re-look at grievances

pat-harvey-grab.jpgLAPD Chief Charlie Beck called in CBS2 anchor Pat Harvey for an exclusive interview today in which Beck said he would take a look at some of the allegations of racism made by disgraced ex-cop Christopher Dorner. The interview ran at the top of the 5 p.m. news. Beck told Harvey that his motive in re-opening the case that led to Dorner's firing was to keep the department's trust among African-Americans. "I'm not doing this to appease Dorner," Beck said. He did say that Dorner could safely surrender just by calling 911 if he does not pose any deadly threat to officers.

When Harvey asked why Beck chose her for the sit-down, the chief cited the CBS2 anchor's respect in the African-American community. Harvey is black. Also, Beck said, "we have a good relationship."

Beck was contrite about the shootings of two LA Times news carriers in Torrance the other morning. He said there were young officers in the field facing extraordinary pressures from a gunman targeting police. "I thank god the women were not killed," Beck said. I publicly apologize for what happened."

Harvey said after the interview that Beck's daughter had gone to school with Monica Quan, the woman that police believe Dorner killed in Irvine in an act of revenge against the LAPD. Quan's father was a former commander who had represented Dorner in the Board of Rights process that led to his firing from the department.


More by Kevin Roderick:
'In on merit' at USC
Read the memo: LA Times hires again
Read the memo: LA Times losing big on search traffic
Google taking over LA's deadest shopping mall
Gustavo Arellano, many others join LA Times staff
Recent Police stories on LA Observed:
Chief Michel Moore
Garcetti urged to consider a Latino for police chief
Some data for Garcetti to know before selecting next LAPD chief
LA Times hires new sheriff's beat reporter
Steven Owen, Los Angeles Sheriff's sergeant, 53
Chief Charlie Beck
Silver Lake residents 'had faith in DWP's promises'
Code 7 in Sherman Oaks: A little bit of history