Police Chief Charlie Beck Tuesday denied a suggestion by Justice Department investigators that racial profiling is still a part of Los Angeles police culture.
In a letter to city and police officials, the DOJ cited a recording of two officers dismissing complaints about racial profiling.
Whatever convinced the DOJ that the LAPD needed to step up its efforts occurred before guidelines were put in place last year to prevent racial profiling, Beck said.
"Constitutional policing is, and will be, the way the LAPD conducts business," Beck said. "Doing police work the right way is the only way the LAPD will do it."
Beck said that, while it is "difficult to evaluate" what goes on in an officer's mind in such cases, education and training are proven ways to ensure that only race-neutral policing decisions are made in the field.
The LAPD remains under federal oversight on the issue.
In instances of racial profiling, officers are accused of targeting someone because of race, ethnicity, religious garb or some other form of outward appearance.
