MAYOR VOWS TRACKING SYSTEM FOR OFFICERS

Just a day before federal authorities arrive in Los Angeles for
meetings with city officials on the Rampart scandal, Mayor Richard
Riordan on Sunday said he is "committed" to making a computerized
officer tracking system operational within 12 months.

The computer system, known as TEAMS II, would address a long-standing
complaint by Los Angeles Police Department critics that the city does
not have an adequate way to track problem police officers.

City Council members Friday took steps to provide funding for the
computer system and earlier last week selected a contractor.

"This is yet another among many significant steps demonstrating that
the City Council and my office, along with the Police Commission and
police chief, are committed to strong oversight systems and procedures
for the Police Department," Riordan said in a written statement.

The timing of the announcement appeared at least in part to be related
to a visit today by U.S. Justice Department officials, including Civil
Rights Division Chief Bill Lann Lee. High-ranking city officials are
known to be concerned about the visit.

The Justice Department, which has concluded a four-year investigation
of the LAPD and the use of excessive force, has been pressing the city
and the Police Department to agree to a list of unspecified reforms.

The final stages of the Justice Department's investigation focused on
the LAPD's Rampart Division and allegations that officers within the
division engaged in beatings, unjustified shootings, false arrests,
evidence-planting and perjury.

With search warrants being served on the homes of more than a dozen
officers in recent days as part of an ongoing criminal corruption
probe, the Justice Department is threatening legal action against the
city unless it comes up with a strong program to counter what federal
authorities believe to be a pattern of alleged civil rights violations.

Just how far the proposed computer system deflects some of the
mounting pressure against the city remains to be seen. Acknowledging
that plans for the computerized officer tracking system are coming
late, city officials believe that it will address one of the major
reforms recommended by the Christopher Commission report nine years
ago after the beating of Rodney G. King.

Among other things, the Christopher Commission said the LAPD needed a
better system to track problem officers and the use of force.

"All of us would love to have this system already up and running,"
said Councilman Mike Feuer, who has been working with Riordan on
getting the system funded. "It should have been in place before."

Manuel Valencia, a spokesman for Riordan, said, "All parties are in
agreement that TEAMS II can and will be done in a year."

Along with other steps taken by the LAPD and the city, Valencia said,
"The mayor and City Council are very much looking forward to informing
the Justice Department on what progress the city has been making on
all fronts."