LA Police Reassigns 7 Officers As It Investigates Complaints Of Excessive Force

The Los Angeles Police Department has reassigned seven officers to nonfield duties as it investigates dozens of complaints of excessive force during recent protests against police brutality.

[W]e will look into every complaint thoroughly and hold every officer accountable for their actions," Los Angeles police said in a statement.

A Los Angeles Times review of dozens of instances found that "demonstrators suffered a range of injuries at the hands of the LAPD, from minor bruising from baton strikes and falls as police skirmish lines advanced, to serious injuries to their genitals and heads from foam and sponge bullets and beanbags being launched into crowds, sometimes from close range."

Other KPCC/LAist reporters reporting in the region said they were "baton-checked," sprayed with tear gas, and fleeing from rubber bullets fired at peaceful crowds by police officers.

As NPR has reported, many police departments have used weapons dubbed "less lethal," but such weapons can cause serious injuries and occasionally death, especially when used at close range.