BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The FBI is investigating allegations of civil rights violations and excessive use of force by the Burbank (Calif.) Police Department, court documents show.
The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday federal investigators have ordered the department to turn over records on 12 current and former Burbank police officers. The newspaper said a federal grand jury subpoena specifically refers to information in connection with "use of force, defensive tactics, Tasers, pepper spray, or the rules and ramifications pertaining to the use of excessive force or a violation of civil/constitutional rights."
The investigators also told the police department to turn over records relating to departmental internal affairs investigations into us-of-force complaints against the officers dating back to 2003.
FBI officials confirmed the bureau is looking into whether Burbank police officers committed civil rights violations, the Times said. Sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper the investigation is unrelated to lawsuits brought by seven police officers alleging racial discrimination, the newspaper said.
Burbank Mayor Gary Bric told the Times "we can assure there's been no impact on public safety."
