By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Los Angeles Police Department opened an internal investigation into a gang unit officer after a photo of ex-LAPD detective Rafael Perez was found as the officer’s cellphone lock screen.
• Perez was involved in the Rampart Division corruption scandal of the late 1990s and later served prison time after admitting to misconduct.
• The image surfaced during a review of body-worn camera footage from a vehicle pursuit, prompting concern among supervisors.
• Department officials referred the matter to Internal Affairs, and the investigation is ongoing.
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department has launched an internal investigation into an officer with a gang unit after supervisors discovered a photo of former detective Rafael Perez — a central figure in the Rampart Division corruption scandal — used as the officer’s cellphone lock screen.
Perez was a LAPD detective in the late 1990s who later pleaded guilty to criminal misconduct, including planting evidence and giving false testimony, and served prison time.
Department sources said the photo appeared during a review of body-worn camera footage from a vehicle pursuit in the West Valley patrol area, when a supervisor observed the officer using a personal cellphone with the image visible.
When confronted about the image, the officer reportedly expressed admiration for Perez, according to sources familiar with the personnel matter.
LAPD leadership referred the issue to Internal Affairs for further review; the officer’s name and specifics of any alleged policy violations have not been released.
Internal investigations are typically confidential, and the outcome of the review, including any discipline or findings, is not expected to be publicly disclosed.