The Latest: Los Angeles police union sues over discipline

LOS ANGELES – The Latest on a lawsuit against Los Angeles and its police chief by the union representing the department’s rank and file. (all times local):

10:45 a.m.

The union representing the Los Angeles Police Department’s rank and file is suing the city and police Chief Charlie Beck over what it says is the chief’s “corrupting influence” on the discipline process for officers.

The Police Protective League’s lawsuit was filed in federal court in Los Angeles on Thursday. The suit challenges the structure of the LAPD’s Board of Rights, a three-person panel charged with deciding discipline cases for officers facing long-term suspension or termination.

The lawsuit claims two senior officers on the board are beholden to the chief and unduly influenced by him. The third board member is a civilian.

Union President Craig Lally says the entire panel should be made up of civilians.

Capt. Andy Neiman, a department spokesman, did not immediately return a call for comment Thursday.

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7 a.m.

The union representing the Los Angeles Police Department’s rank and file says it will file a federal lawsuit against the LAPD and Chief Charlie Beck over what it says is Beck’s “corrupting influence” on the discipline process for officers.

The Police Protective League said in a statement Thursday that the suit will challenge the structure of the LAPD Board of Rights, a three-person panel charged with deciding discipline cases for officers facing long-term suspension or termination.

The statement claims two senior officers on the board are beholden to the chief and are unduly influenced by him. The third board member is a civilian.

Beck has not commented on the pending suit.

Union officials plan a late-morning press conference to discuss the filing.