LAPD's Foreign Training Activities: Focus on Israel and Documentation Gaps

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has engaged in foreign training activities, particularly in Israel, where officers have participated in counterterrorism training on at least nine occasions from 2014 to 2024. A report from the Police Commission’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) revealed that 18 LAPD employees traveled to Israel, incurring a total cost of approximately $87,000, primarily funded by external sources. The most significant trip occurred in 2014, costing $52,470, which was covered by a federal grant for a program titled “Command and Control Counter-Terrorism.”

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The OIG report highlighted a critical lack of documentation regarding the training received by LAPD officers during these trips. Officers routinely failed to record what they learned or whom they met, leading to an inability to assess the full nature and benefits of the training. The report noted that this documentation gap spans over a decade and affects not only the Israel training but also other international engagements. In total, the OIG identified 117 foreign training activities involving 243 LAPD personnel.

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In response to these findings, the OIG recommended several measures to enhance oversight and accountability. These include establishing procedures for maintaining communication with participants during training, requiring daily check-ins, and mandating post-training evaluation reports. Additionally, the OIG suggested that foreign contacts be vetted through federal agencies to mitigate potential security risks.

The Jerusalem Post

The LAPD's relationship with Israeli security forces has drawn scrutiny, particularly amid ongoing military actions in Gaza. Critics, including Amr Shabaik from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have expressed concerns about the implications of LAPD officers training in Israel without clear documentation of the lessons learned. Shabaik emphasized the need for transparency regarding what officers are taught and how it may influence policing practices in Los Angeles.

Commentary Magazine

LAPD officials acknowledged the need for improved record-keeping and stated that they are working on a better tracking system for international training. They emphasized that participation in foreign training is intended to enhance law enforcement capabilities through global knowledge exchange. However, they also admitted that no new tactics or policies had been adopted based on these training experiences.

LAPD Sent Officers to Israel for Counterterror Training, Watchdog Finds • Jewish Breaking News

While the OIG report did not identify any immediate security risks associated with the foreign training activities, the lack of detailed records raises questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of these programs. Critics argue that without proper documentation, it is challenging to evaluate the value of the training and its alignment with LAPD policies.

LAPD Sent Officers to Israel for Counterterror Training, Watchdog Finds • Jewish Breaking News

The LAPD is expected to address the OIG's recommendations in upcoming public meetings, where community advocates will continue to press for transparency regarding the funding and content of international training programs. The ongoing dialogue aims to ensure that the department's foreign training activities are conducted with accountability and oversight, ultimately benefiting public safety in Los Angeles.

LAPD Can't Account For Israel Training, OIG Finds