Episode 901: Bad Cops Are Expensive

Enlarge this image toggle caption Irfan Khan/LA Times via Getty Images Irfan Khan/LA Times via Getty Images

What happens when a police department can no longer afford its bad behavior?

In 2013, Tony Miranda was brought in to lead a police department in crisis. Bad behavior by a handful of officers had led to investigations and lawsuits with costs in the millions of dollars. That was more than the city could cover.

Planet Money #901: Bad Cops Are Expensive Bad Cops Are Expensive Listen · 20:23 20:23

He knew change would be difficult. But he also knew he had a powerful ally on his side: insurance coverage.

On today's show, the overlooked force motivating police departments to reform bad behavior — not protests and picket signs, but spreadsheets and actuaries. This is the story of how Irwindale, California turned its police department around.

Music: "The Duchess," "Lock It Down" and "Sunburn."

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