Review Group Criticizes SMPD Over De La Torre Probe

In a recently released report, the Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review questions a Santa Monica Police Department investigator's practices in last year's probe of School Board Member Oscar de la Torre.

"The OIR Group recognized that it was appropriate for SMPD to initiate the investigation, and the referral of the case to prosecutors was also appropriate," said a statement from the Santa Monica City Manager’s Office.

"However, the report also noted that the interviewing and report-writing techniques utilized by the SMPD investigator could raise concerns. The OIR Group made recommendations to address this issue. Those recommendations focus on best practices in investigative and interviewing techniques, report-writing, training and supervision."

On March 16, De la Torre—a board member of the —intervened in a fight between two 17-year-old students from . The fight occurred in an alley near the , which is run by De la Torre. 

The SMPD said that De la Torre did not break up the fight quickly enough, which led to his being investigated for child endangerment. De la Torre has said he did nothing wrong.

City Manager Rod Gould asked the OIR—a group that consists of civilians and primarily serves to monitor the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department—to look into the police probe.

Upon the release of the report, Police Chief Timothy Jackman said the SMPD would adopt the OIR's recommendations.

De la Torre has not responded to Santa Monica Patch's request for comment.

City News Service contributed to this report.