Burbank Police Department News Release: Investigation Update

The following statement supports a brief update by Burbank Police Chief Michael Albanese during the Burbank City Council meeting on August 27, 2024. To view the update, CLICK HERE.

Burbank, CA (August 28, 2024) - The Burbank Police Department has concluded an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transportation of an individual from the City of Burbank into North Hollywood on June 6, 2024. A video circulating at the time depicted Burbank Police officers releasing the man from their patrol vehicle on a sidewalk in the 5200 block of Lankershim Boulevard, near the office of Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian.

Following this incident, the Burbank Police Department released a statement informing the community that an investigation would be opened.

The investigation included a review of body worn camera and in-car camera footage as well as surveillance video footage, interviews with witnesses, a review of service calls and response logs for the Los Angeles Fire Department, and an interview of a person identified as the landlord of the individual transported by police officers.

The investigation has determined that the police officers' actions did not violate Department policy and there was no evidence of misconduct.

The police officers transported the man to North Hollywood based on his request, in an effort to assist him. Since he was not detained or in police custody, officers released him during transport when he asked to be let out of the police car.

In addition to the internal investigation by the Burbank Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) Civil Rights Division reviewed the circumstances surrounding this incident, as well as the internal investigation. The F.B.I. concluded their review and declined to take any further action.

The investigation also determined that the man involved in the incident was not homeless and has been renting a room in a house in the community of Sylmar for several years. This information was confirmed by his landlord, who spoke with investigators. Although the individual involved in this incident was not homeless, he was introduced to services to provide long-term, sustained care, if and when needed.

The City of Burbank is committed to addressing homelessness by providing comprehensive services and developing long-term solutions for its unhoused population. Key efforts include a dedicated social services worker stationed at the library and local parks to help patrons access vital services, and the Burbank Police Department's Mental Health Evaluation Team (MHET), which assists those experiencing a mental health crisis.

The StreetPlus Team offers on-the-ground support and outreach across the city. Additional services include the Homeless Solutions Fund, which helps transition individuals into shelters, motels, and long-term housing. The City also provides Permanent Supportive Housing vouchers for homeless individuals and families through the Burbank Housing Authority. Looking forward, the City is developing a potential Homeless Solutions Center, which would offer transitional shelter, overnight parking, and case management to better serve Burbank's unhoused residents. For more information and resources, visit: burbankca.gov/homelessness.

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Questions regarding this statement should be directed to Sergeant Stephen Turner at (818) 238-3240 or [email protected]