[LBPD text] The following is the latest information available for release related to the June 3, 2017 incident involving Councilmember Jeannine Pearce (Pearce) and her former Chief of Staff Devin Cotter (Cotter):

The Long Beach Police Department's criminal investigation into the allegations of domestic violence between Pearce and Cotter was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for consideration on June 29, 2017. The District Attorney's Office has referred the case to the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office, where it is currently being reviewed.

In addition to the above investigations, the Long Beach Police Department was made aware of additional information regarding events not related to the June 3rd incident. Pearce and Cotter have both made statements accusing each other of participating in inappropriate activity. Based on this information, the Police Department initiated an investigation into these allegations, which include inappropriate behavior and potential conflicts of interest. This investigation, along with the information related to the June 3, 2017 investigation, was presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office for filing consideration. The case is currently under independent review with the LADA Public Integrity Division.

Immediately following the incidents that occurred on June 3, there were some publicly expressed concerns that police employees may have provided preferential treatment to the involved parties. The Chief of Police subsequently initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to address those concerns.

Twenty-two separate interviews were conducted to determine whether or not the actions taken by Police Department employees were appropriate. These interviews included Long Beach Police personnel connected to the incident; California Highway Patrol personnel connected with the incident; as well as civilian witnesses. Additionally, investigators reviewed documents, reports, computer data, recordings and other relevant data. In total, more than 300 hours of work were spent to determine if the actions of the employees were consistent with department policies and procedures.

A final Internal Affairs case briefing was presented to the Chief of Police and the Department's Executive Command Team. After thoroughly reviewing the facts and evidence presented during the final briefing, it was determined that the allegations of misconduct were unfounded, which means that the alleged misconduct did not occur. A single training issue related to the review of criminal histories was identified and addressed.

The department takes all allegations of potential misconduct very seriously and consistently applies a multi-step review process to both administrative and citizen complaints.

A formal complaint related to the handling of the June 3rd incident was also filed with the Citizen Police Complaint Commission, who will conduct a separate investigation into the allegations.

Further information on this incident is not currently available. This remains an ongoing investigation through both the City Prosecutor's Office and the District Attorney's Public Integrity Division. Additionally, State law (California Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act) prevents disclosure of employee personnel files and information related to internal affairs investigations. The men and women of the Long Beach Police Department are committed to policing in an ethical, respectful and professional manner. We would like to thank our community for continuing to support the investigative review process and not making assumptions based on the dissemination of unverified information.

Further to follow on LBREPORT.com.

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