September 19, 2024
Media Contact:
Sharmaine Moseley, Executive Director, Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.
Phone: 213-253-5678
Email: smoseley@coc.lacounty.gov
L.A. County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission
Email cocnotify@coc.lacounty.gov
Phone: (213) 253-5678
Oversight Commission Seeks Access to Confidential Information relating to Allegations of Deputy Misconduct
Revisions to Oversight Commission’s Governing Ordinance are Essential to More Effective Oversight of the Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles, CA – Today at its monthly meeting, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission (Commission) unanimously recommended revisions to its governing ordinance (Section 3.79 of the County Code) to the Board of Supervisors; revisions it said are needed to permit it to effectively oversee the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The three key changes to the Commission’s governing ordinance are:
- Allowing the Commission access to confidential information relating to allegations of Deputy misconduct.
- Making it clear that the Commission is independent and is expected to act independently in the best interest of the residents of Los Angeles County.
- If the Sheriff does not adopt a recommendation of the Commission, he would be required to state his reasons for not doing so in writing within 60 days of the Commission’s recommendation.
The Chair of the Commission, Robert C. Bonner stated:
“The Civilian Oversight Commission cannot perform its oversight role without access to confidential information, which is currently denied to the Commission. To be truly effective, the independence of the Civilian Oversight Commission needs to be made clear, and we must have access to confidential information.”
The Commission’s proposed revisions will bring the Commission in line with best principles and practices of civilian oversight of law enforcement organizations nationally.
In addition to the above, the proposed revisions would permit the Commission to go into closed sessions to receive privileged or confidential information. Also, the revisions clarify that the Commission may review and comment on the adequacy of internal investigations as well as the levels of discipline imposed for misconduct.
The Board of Supervisors (Board) established the Commission eight years ago. Since then, there have been countless high-profile interactions between the community and law enforcement, most notably the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in May 2020. Civilian oversight of law enforcement has proliferated and evolved across the country, as a result, to more effectively hold law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions and reestablish the community’s trust in law enforcement.
Communities around the country are demanding that civilian oversight entities be given broader powers than those given to the Commission back in 2016 to promote reform and provide greater transparency into law enforcement agencies. The citizens of the Los Angeles County did the same in 2020 when they voted overwhelmingly in support of Measure R, granting the Commission the authority to issue subpoenas and independently investigate the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The LASD is the largest Sheriff’s Department in the United States, with nearly 18,000 sworn and professional staff. Besides its patrol function, it operates the largest jail system in the country. The Commission is requesting that the Board of Supervisors approve its proposed revisions to the Section 3.79 of the County Code to incorporate its authorities under Measure R and include additional language to strengthen and make the Commission effective.
Ultimately, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors must decide whether to approve the Commission’s recommended amendments to its governing ordinance and reestablish Los Angeles County as a leader in civilian oversight of law enforcement. The Commission’s vote today is an important first step.
The Commission’s proposed revisions, with a Preamble explaining them, are attached (or available on request.)
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