Investigation wrapping up

DOWNTOWN — A private investigator hired by the city to probe allegations of misconduct within the Burbank Police Department is expected to submit his final report in the coming week, officials said Tuesday.

City officials said they expect to spend the next several weeks poring over confidential information gathered by investigator James Gardiner, a retired police chief hired by the city as it grappled with a federal investigation into allegations of excessive force by officers and five lawsuits filed by eight current and former officers.

Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse will be the first to review the investigation, followed by a group that includes the city manager, city attorney, former U.S. Atty. Debra Wong Yang and Police Assessment Resource Center Director Merrick Bobb, officials said.

Terminations and other disciplinary measures that could come as a result of the internal investigation would remain confidential due to ethical concerns and privacy laws, said City Manager Mike Flad.

“Common sense tells you if it takes six months to review, there’s going to be some personnel actions that are going to result,” Flad said. “The other thing is, will there be any criminal outcomes? We’re still waiting on that.”

At the same time LaChasse said he is preparing a recommendation to recruit sergeants, lieutenants and captains from outside the department, marking the first time in recent memory that the top ranks could see a significant influx of new blood, city and police union officials said.

“Sometimes in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are called for,” LaChasse said.

Expected to go before the Civil Service Board as early as March 3, the proposal will look to end a months-long drought on internal promotions as officials brave budget cuts and sort out the civil rights lawsuits.

“At this moment in the department’s history, what we need to do is the right thing. If it’s going to take someone from the outside to do the right thing, then that’s what we’re going to do,” LaChasse said.