After Vanessa Bryant Verdict, Board Approves Hahn Motion on First Responder Policies

San Pedro, CA (August 30.2022)  – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn regarding County policies to prevent the taking and sharing of photos of human remains by first responders.

Hahn’s motion comes days after a federal jury ordered Los Angeles County to pay $30 million to Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, and Chris Chester for the failure of the County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department to have adequate policies and practices in place to prevent the taking and sharing of photos of the remains of their spouses and daughters who were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in January, 2020.

 “In the aftermath of this public trial and massive verdict, it is important that the County strengthen Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department policies and training and take any steps necessary to prevent this type of conduct from ever occurring again,” said Supervisor Hahn.

The motion passed today directs County Counsel, in consultation with the Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Department, to provide a confidential report back in 45 days with an analysis of, and any recommendations for, policies and training procedures that address the proper conduct of first responders regarding photographs of human remains in the course of their duties as first responders.