The Christopher Commission reported a "siege mentality" within the department and recommended scores of changes in structure and procedure.

In its initial report last July, the Christopher Commission found problems in several areas including training, the handling of citizen complaints, the use of excessive force and relations with the community.

The decree, administered by a federal judge, has the potential to bring about many of the changes proposed by the Christopher Commission after the beating of Rodney King.

The Christopher Commission avoided placing the blame for racism and brutality personally on Mr. Gates.

And, three years after the fact, the proposals of the Christopher Commission are still alive and kicking.

Another central finding of the Christopher Commission was that such public complaints, also known as 1.81's, were ineffectively handled.

Immediately following the King incident, the Christopher Commission was formed in July 1991.

She asserted in a telephone interview that her organization was making steady progress in carrying out changes recommended by the Christopher Commission.

The Christopher Commission found that only forty-two of 2,152 allegations of excessive force from 1986 to 1990 were sustained - or less than 2 percent.

Other leaders and civil rights advocates believe that an outside commission - similar to the Christopher Commission convened in the wake of the Rodney King beating - should be appointed.