Faulty Software Inflated LAFD Response Times, Report Says

Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighters have been taking some heat for response times slower than national averages.

Now, an outside expert brought in to monitor the data says it is not to be trusted.

Jeffrey Godown, a statistics expert who used to run LAPD’s COMPSTAT, recommends the LAFD stop using its current software and overhaul the unit that analyzes the resulting data.

The Los Angeles Times obtained a copy of Godown’s six-page report to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Monday.

Godown is expected to provide an oral report to the Fire Commission Tuesday.

Godown has been auditing LAFD’s data-gathering and analysis after numbers showing fast response times by firefighters were questioned. New statistics were generated that showed they were, in fact, slower than national averages.

Godown says they will now be run a third time.

Click through to read the full Los Angeles Times story.