City To Initiate Independent Review Of Police Department’s Use Of Messaging App
The City of Long Beach plans to implement an independent review of the police department’s use of the messaging application Tiger Connect. The review will examine city procedures related to mobile messaging, how the app was used, and policies related to record retention and documenting of evidence. The department began using the app when it transitioned to iPhones. This week, an Al Jazeera report uncovered the department’s use of the app, which permanently deletes messages. “I applaud the chief’s decision to immediately discontinue use of the messaging application and strongly support the initiation of this independent review to understand how the system was used and ensure that the city is complying with all applicable laws,” Mayor Robert Garcia stated. Click here for more information.
Long Beach Unemployment Rate Up Slightly From July
Long Beach’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 5.4% in August, up from July’s rate of 5.2%, according to the California Employment Development Department. At 4.5%, countywide unemployment remained unchanged from the previous month. Both are higher than the statewide rate of 4.2%, which also remained unchanged since July. In L.A. County, total employment, not including farming, increased by 23,500 jobs, with professional and business services leading all employment sectors. Click here for more information.
Governor Signs Bill Protecting Consumer Product Manufactures From Lawsuits
Gov. Jerry Brown today signed a bill that protects consumer product and food manufacturers from lawsuits regarding “slack fill.” This is the difference between a container’s capacity and the amount of product inside. Introduced by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, AB 2632 establishes that manufacturers have not violated the state’s “slack fill” law if their product’s exterior packaging contains information that clearly communicates the amount inside. Click here for more information.
New Law Allows Consumers To Freeze Credit Or Place Fraud Alerts Free Of Charge
Because of a new federal law, consumers who are concerned about identity theft and data breaches have the option of freezing their credit or placing one-year fraud alerts free of charge, starting today. A credit freeze limits access to a consumer’s credit file, which makes it harder for thieves to open new accounts under a false identity. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act also allows parents to freeze the credit of their children who are under the age of 16. In addition, the law extends the interval of a fraud alert on a credit report from 90 days to one year. Click here for more information.
Economy Grows As A Result Of Trump Tax Overhaul, U.S. Chamber Reports
Nine months after President Trump signed a tax overhaul into law, businesses are investing more and Americans are paying less for electricity, according to the United States Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber found that more than 600 companies are improving wages and benefits as well as hiring more employees. The Global Energy Institute also found that residents in 12 states will save millions on their utility bills. According to U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue, the economy grew faster than 4% in the most recent quarter. Click here for more information.