The Light

It often falls to local law enforcement to decide what use of force is reasonable and when officers cross the line. Acceptable conduct can differ depending on where you live. In California, much of the work of police accountability — from the internal investigations to details of the findings — is kept hidden from public view, some of it by state law. There are some who believe the public is not equipped to understand police behavior. But are these secretive laws protecting officers and their public employers from scrutiny? Reporter Annie Gilbertson takes what she’s learned about Deputy Gonzalo Inzunza to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials, who promise to review his conduct. Annie does her own review, looking for clues that may point to how officials have determined what level of force is acceptable.