Rina Palta Crime and Safety Reporter
Rina Palta is a Crime and Safety Reporter for KPCC.
Rina spent the past few years reporting on California's prisons, jails, and law enforcement agencies, focusing on how crime and the criminal justice system impact communities. She comes to Southern California from the Bay Area, where she launched the Informant, a digital collaboration between NPR and KALW. Her reporting there on juvenile justice earned a PASS Award from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.
Palta is a graduate of Haverford College and UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism. In her spare time, she's a world-class eater and aspiring surfer.
Stories by Rina Palta
LAPD looking to reduce its high rate of traffic collisions
Los Angeles paid out almost $24 million in traffic-related incidents involving LAPD officers over the past 9 years and the department is looking for change.
Countywide 9-day DUI crackdown wraps up
Since July 4 fell on a Wednesday, the classic DUI check run over the holiday weekend became a 9-day affair.
Jail violence commission interviews current sheriff's brass
Friday's meeting of the Los Angeles Citizens Commission on Jail Violence featured testimony from several current members of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.
500 DUI arrests counted so far in July 4 holiday period
The beginning of the summer brings more drivers to the road and increased traffic patrols looking for drunk drivers. So far this holiday week, police in L.A. County have counted nearly 500 DUI arrests.
Shooting in southwest LA leaves 1 dead
A shooting in Southwestern Los Angeles Wednesday night left one dead and others injured. There has been no word of arrests.
Memorial commemorates 10th anniversary of shooting at LAX
The memorial to Victoria Hen rests in a plot of grass outside LAX’s international terminal.
More details emerge in Cudahy officials FBI probe
Wiretap transcripts allegedly show Cudahy officials, currently under investigation by the FBI, apparently discussing tampering with local elections.
Suns' Steve Nash headed to Lakers
Nash's agent confirmed that the deal was finalized on Wednesday at about 6 p.m.
LA County ban on cannabis dispensaries against state law
A three judge panel at California's Second District Court of Appeals ruled Monday that L.A. County's blanket ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas is "preempted" by state law, which calls for the drug to be made available to those who need it for a legitimate medical purpose.
John Bryson will not face criminal charges
The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office will not charge former Commerce Secretary John Bryson in relation to string of car crashes in June.
Fireworks watch: Day 2, big bust in East LA
It's the day before the Fourth of July and police are at the climax of a crackdown on illegal fireworks in L.A. County.
John Bryson's case referred to Los Angeles District Attorney
The Los Angeles District Attorneys office confirmed they're looking at the case of former Commerce Secretary John Bryson to see if criminal charges should be filed.
Long Beach scores largest port security grant, $6.9 million
The Department of Homeland Security dolled out $97 million in port security grants Monday, with the most money going to Long Beach's Harbor Department ($6.9 million).
Fireworks watch: Day 1, big busts drain supplies
Yes, that time is upon us, when as soon as the sun goes down, shots ring out across LA's neighborhoods: not gunshots (for the most part), but fireworks.
Political battle over the death penalty centered on victims
A November ballot initiative that would end the death penalty is highlighting law enforcement and crime victims at the masthead of the media campaign.
