LAPD Sued for Abusing News Reporters During Protests

The city of Los Angeles has been sued over LAPD’s treatment of news reporters at protests and demonstrations.

The suit came after an incident in November 2011 involving a local Los Angeles reporter, Calvin Milam, who was covering the Occupy L.A. movement.  According to Milam, he had concluded reporting on the demonstrations and attempted to leave the area.  He presented his press credentials at the police line and tried to pass.  At that point, police wrestled him to the ground, handcuffed him tight enough to slash his wrists, and dragged him away.  Milam was held for six hours in the handcuffs before he was released, with no charges filed.

Representatives for the LAPD claimed the reporter was drunk and belligerent, but a video caught the incident and shows Milam presenting his press badge to police officers, then attempting to pass the police line.  The LAPD wrestle him to the ground and hold him there until two other officers wearing hazmat suits dragged him away.  According to the lawsuit, the LAPD uses a tactic of controlling the points of entrance and exit to the demonstration space, allowing people in, but preventing demonstrators and journalists from leaving.  The LAPD will then move in to make arrests, while preventing people from leaving.

Similar tactics have been used by the LAPD against reporters previously, leading to similar cases. A 2007 lawsuit was filed after the May Day demonstration in MacArthur Park broke down into violence.  LAPD officers swept through the park using their batons against reporters and camera operators.  The suit was filed by a camerawoman who was knocked to the ground after police hit her camera with a baton.  She received a jury award of $1.7 million.

If you or a loved one feels you have been unjustly abused or mistreated by police, please contact Khorrami, LLP for a confidential evaluation of your rights.