LAPD Oversight Report Finds Lack of Record-Keeping for Foreign Training

Report raises concerns about LAPD's international engagements, including trips to Israel, due to inadequate documentation and oversight.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A new report from the Los Angeles Police Department's Office of the Inspector General has revealed significant deficiencies in the department's record-keeping and oversight of foreign training programs, including at least nine trips to Israel over the past decade. The report found that LAPD personnel routinely failed to document what they learned or maintain records of who they met with during these international engagements, making it impossible to verify the department's claims about the value and practical applications of the training.

Why it matters

The findings come as the LAPD's relationship with Israeli security forces faces increased scrutiny, particularly in light of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza and the resulting allegations of genocide. The lack of detailed records raises questions about the purpose and outcomes of these international training programs, as well as potential conflicts of interest related to the funding sources, which are often external grants and police foundations.

The details

The report examined 117 'foreign training activities' involving 243 LAPD employees between January 1, 2014, and August 1, 2024. It found that while department officials are required to obtain permission for department-related travel, the documentation was often 'brief' and failed to capture 'key takeaways, practical applications, or potential benefits to the Department.' In one instance, a deputy chief and seven other employees traveled to Israel for a 'Command and Control Counter-Terrorism' event funded by a $52,470 federal grant, but police officials could not provide information on the trip's accomplishments or benefits to the department.

  • Over the past decade, at least nine trips to Israel have been undertaken by LAPD personnel.
  • The report examined foreign training activities between January 1, 2014, and August 1, 2024.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which has been the subject of this report regarding its lack of record-keeping and oversight for foreign training programs, including trips to Israel.

Police Commission's Office of the Inspector General

The oversight body that conducted the report and found significant deficiencies in the LAPD's documentation and tracking of international engagements.

Amr Shabaik

The legal director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations' greater Los Angeles chapter, who expressed concerns about the lack of documentation regarding the content of the training and the potential for conflicts of interest related to private funding.

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What they’re saying

“What are they learning, what are they bringing back home? All of that is not documented and is concerning.”

— Amr Shabaik, Legal Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations' Greater Los Angeles Chapter (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The report recommended that the LAPD maintain detailed records of all foreign training activities, including the location, category, and topics covered, as well as require participants to submit evaluation reports outlining lessons learned and potential applications for the department. LAPD officials acknowledged the need for improvement and stated they had begun creating a better tracking system.

The takeaway

This report highlights the lack of transparency and oversight surrounding the LAPD's international training programs, particularly those involving Israel. The absence of comprehensive records makes it difficult to assess the value and potential risks of these engagements, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the department's relationships with foreign security services accused of human rights violations.