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Public Safety

Roundtable Reviews the SDPD, Baja Press Problems, Salton Sea Crisis

Roundtable Reviews the SDPD, Baja Press Problems, Salton Sea
Roundtable Reviews the SDPD, Baja Press Problems, Salton Sea Crisis
Feds Review SDPD, Mexican Press, Salton SeaHOST: Mark SauerGUESTS:Liam Dillon, Voice of San Diego Sandra Dibble, U-T San Diego Tony Perry, LA Times

Feds audit SDPD

The results of a year-long review of practices of the San Diego Police Department were released this week by the Department of Justice. The DOJ found gaps in SDPD supervision and lapses in discipline. These problem areas eventually led to officer misconduct, several lawsuits with large payouts, and criminal trials.

The DOJ noted that there was no particular failure of policy. Rather, supervisors failed to address small problems in the department, allowing them to balloon into larger issues.

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“...it was gaps in policies and practices, a lack of consistent supervision at many levels and a failure to hold personnel accountable that allowed misconduct to occur and go undetected for some time,” said the report.

The financial crisis and budget cuts of 10 percent played a starring role in the department's on-going drama. Supervisory positions such as sergeant went vacant or were filled by interim personnel without full authority.

These deficiencies led to costly misconduct nightmares, like that in 2011 involving a former officer; Anthony Arevelos,was arrested, tried and convicted for sexual battery and assault.

Baja press accused of extortion

The press in Mexico isn’t as “free” as it could be. In fact, it is often subsidized with funds from several levels within the Mexican government.

As government money flows to media outlets, journalists may feel pressure to overlook some government policies or actions.

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But does this situation work the other way? Last week, the governor of Baja California and mayors of several cities there accused a Baja newspaper chain of extortion, saying its papers were publishing unflattering stories to pressure them for more cash. It was also reported that political candidates were being hit up for funds in return for flattering articles.

Juan Fernando Healy, owner of Grupo Healy, which publishes newspapers in Tijuana, Mexicali and Ensenada, said he is considering suing the officials for libel.

Meanwhile, Carmen Aristegui, an award-winning Mexican journalist known for exposing corrupt officials, was fired from her popular radio show, some say because of pressure from the government.

The Salton Sea: Still shrinking, more dangerous

Ever since the Salton Sea was created in 1905 by a rampaging Colorado River, desert residents in Imperial and Riverside Counties have wondered what to do with it.

The inland sea has no outlet, which makes it extremely salty. It has collected a soupy run-off of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides for more than 100 years. These conditions have not deterred thousands of migratory birds who use sea as a refuge.

But the sea is shrinking, and the long-term health consequences of an exposed sea bed and its contaminated salts could be devastating to both birds and humans living nearby.

The California Water Board held a meeting this week to discuss — once again — what to do with the Salton Sea. An agreement will keep some water flowing into the sea, but only until 2017. After that, a real solution will be needed. Current estimated cost: $8.9 billion.

KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.