FULLERTON, Calif. -- Some big changes are coming to the Fullerton Police Department in the wake of the controversial beating death of mentally ill homeless man Kelly Thomas.
Two officers face second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the July beating death of Thomas.
Acting police Capt. Kevin Hamilton outlined the policy changes in a report to the Fullerton City Council on Tuesday night.
All employees are now undergoing training on how to deal with homeless and mentally ill people.
Additionally, more command officers and internal affairs investigators will be informed of complaints against officers.
The police supervisor who is the first to receive a complaint from a citizen will be required to forward it to the officer's division commander and watch commander, as well as the internal affairs bureau.
And officers will also be required to keep their digital audio recorders, called DARs, turned on at all times.
The devices record conversations between officers and suspects and can be used to prove or disprove allegations of police misconduct.
The recordings were used by the Orange County District Attorney's Office in deciding to bring charges against two of the six officers who confronted Kelly Thomas.
Cpl. Jay Cicinelli is charged with involuntary manslaughter, as well as use of excessive force, while Officer Manuel Ramos faces second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges.
Copyright 2011 - KTLA-TV, Los Angeles
