LAPD Overseas Training Lacks Oversight, Report Finds

Lack of record-keeping raises concerns about accountability and potential conflicts of interest.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A recent report from the Los Angeles Police Commission's Office of the Inspector General revealed that the LAPD lacks a system for tracking employees who train with foreign law enforcement agencies, particularly in Israel. Over the past decade, at least nine trips were made to Israel by LAPD personnel, costing $87,000 since 2014, but officers routinely failed to document what they learned or who they met with during these and other overseas training activities.

Why it matters

The lack of documentation makes it impossible to verify claims that the department hasn't altered policies or developed new training programs based on these trips. The report also highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as a significant portion of these trips are funded by external sources like police foundations and grants, which further complicates record-keeping and transparency.

The details

The LAPD's international training isn't limited to Israel, as officers have also traveled to countries including France, Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Canada, the U.K., Germany, Poland, Singapore, and Austria for various gatherings focused on investigative techniques and police tactics. The report found that the LAPD lacks a process to adequately assess security risks in host countries and fails to vet foreign contacts with U.S. National security agencies to ensure they aren't affiliated with intelligence services or extremist groups.

  • Over the past decade, at least nine trips were made to Israel by LAPD personnel.
  • The trips to Israel have cost a total of $87,000 since 2014.

The players

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

The law enforcement agency for the city of Los Angeles, California.

Police Commission's Office of the Inspector General

The oversight body that conducted the report on the LAPD's international training practices.

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

A civil rights organization that has called for a re-examination of the LAPD's relationships with security services from countries accused of human rights violations.

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What’s next

LAPD officials have acknowledged the need for improvement and stated they have begun creating a better tracking system, though records prior to 2021 were reportedly deleted due to data retention guidelines.

The takeaway

Transparency and detailed record-keeping are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability in law enforcement training programs, especially when they involve international partnerships and external funding sources.