The Christopher Commission, appointed after the videotaped March 3 beating of Gates by Los Angeles policemen, has issued a report that paints a picture of brutality and racism in the police department, calls for the resignation of Chief Gates, and could prompt changes in law enforcement nationwide. Nearly one- quarter of 650 officers responding to a commission survey agreed that "racial bias on the part of officers toward minority citizens currently exists and contributes to a negative interaction between police and community." One of the commission members commented "As troubling as some of our findings are...they are not unique to Los Angeles."
The Christopher Commission, appointed after the videotaped March 3 beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles policemen, has issued a report that paints a picture of brutality and racism in the police department, calls for the resignation of Chief Gates, and could prompt changes in law enforcement nationwide. Nearly one- quarter of 650 officers responding to a commission survey agreed that "racial bias on the part of officers toward minority citizens currently exists and contributes to a negative interaction between police and community." One of the commission members commented "As troubling as some of our findings are...they are not unique to Los Angeles."