At a hearing this morning, the Los Angeles Civil Court ruled against the City of Pasadena and its position that the release of officers’ names in critical incidents should be left to the discretion of the department.
“I am disappointed with the Court’s decision in this matter,” says Chief Bernard Melekian. “I believe that we have, in the spirit of transparency, made every effort to be open about the Barnes’ and all other cases we investigate in releasing information as long as it did not jeopardize the safety or well being of the officers and their families.”
Pusuant to the court’s orders the names of the officers will not be released. In the meantime the department will consult with the City Attorney to see what the next steps are pending the hearing date.