LOS ANGELES – The city Police Commission on Tuesday approved a proposal by Chief William Bratton to loosen the Police Department's review and punishment process for officers who violate use-of-force rules.

Previously, officers involved in shootings and violations of use-of-force policies automatically faced a formal review to determine what, if any, discipline should be imposed.

The new rules will let the chief forgo formal reviews and impose a less punitive result, such as requiring the officer to receive training.

The Police Commission, a civilian board that oversees the Police Department, unanimously approved the new rules, commission spokeswoman Tami Catania said.

“The revised adjudication process allows the department to use whatever means are reasoned to most likely ensure future compliance,” Bratton told commissioners.

Merrick Bobb, executive director of the nonprofit Police Assessment Resource Center, credited Bratton for implementing the new rules but cautioned that officers still need to be held accountable.

“Care must be taken ... not to diminish strict accountability for officer-involved shootings, and egregious incidents should continue to result in appropriate discipline or termination,” Bobb said.

Tim Sands, president of the LAPD's union, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, welcomed the changes and said he supported the new focus on officer retraining instead of punishment.