Posts By :

SIB Staff

Graphic of Sheriff Villanueva next to Hall Of Justice
SB 1421 Compliance 1024 249 SIB Staff

SB 1421 Compliance

SB 1421 Compliance

Under my leadership, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is more transparent than ever before. With greater transparency comes greater accountability. One area this has been demonstrated is our cooperation with the Citizen Oversight Commission (COC) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

In anticipation of the colossal amount of requests for records prior to the bills enactment on January 1, 2019, we requested funding from the Board of Supervisors for additional personnel and computer software to address the added workload created by the SB 1421 mandate. To date, our requests have been ignored.

In November 2019, I reorganized the Audit and Accountability Bureau (AAB), on a temporary basis, in order to dedicate resources to the SB 1421 project. We also implemented a tracking system specifically for COC and OIG requests, to ensure a timely response.

In the calendar year of 2019, the Department responded to 43 known requests from the COC and OIG. From January 1, 2020 to May 1, 2020, the Department has responded to 59 of the 62 requests made by the COC and OIG.

Since November 2019, AAB has received a total of 2,848 requests for review. As of June 11, 2020, AAB has responded to 75% of the requests.

The true goals and values of government can be found in how the budget is allocated. If something is deemed important, the Board of Supervisors has the responsibility and obligation to fully fund it. Due to our limited staffing and our lack of SB 1421 specified funding, the fulfillment of SB 1421 compliance has been difficult. We will continue to do the best we can with what we have in place.

Please visit LASD.org to explore my transparency promise.

If you have concerns regarding the above, share your voice.  You may contact your Board of Supervisors at the below:
 County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
Phone: (213) 974-4111
[email protected]

Mark Ridley-Thomas
Supervisor, Second District
Phone: (213) 974-2222
[email protected]

Sheila Kuehl
Supervisor, Third District
Phone: (213) 974-3333
[email protected]

Janice Hahn
Supervisor, Fourth District
Phone: (213) 974-4444
[email protected]

Kathryn Barger – CHAIR
Supervisor, Fifth District
Phone: (213) 974-5555
[email protected]

Not sure who your Supervisor is?  Click Link to Find Out: http://bos.lacounty.gov/About-Us/Board-of-Supervisors

Lakewood Sheriff's Station
Lakewood Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at riot 1024 256 SIB Staff

Lakewood Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at riot

Lakewood Station Deputies Arrest Suspect for Failure to Disburse at the Scene of a Riot

A group of approximately 500 demonstrators gathered in front of Lakewood City Hall to protest the death of George Floyd on Friday, June 5, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. The crowd was peaceful, and at 3:00 p.m., they began to disburse and leave—most left southbound Clark Avenue. After the streets were reopened, Deputies returned to normal operations, answering routine calls for service and patrol.

Approximately thirty minutes later, a group of 100 protesters returned and occupied all lanes of traffic on Clark Avenue, which had been previously reopened. This caused a potential safety hazard for both protesters and vehicular commuter traffic.

Deputies responded, and dispersal orders were given after this gathering was determined to be an Unlawful Assembly. These protesters continued to occupy lanes of traffic and advance toward deputy personnel even after dispersal orders were given.

As this group of protesters approached the station area, deputies continued to give orders instructing this group of protesters to safely exit the street; however, they were much more aggressive and continued to refuse the deputies’ lawful orders. Among this group of protesters, there were approximately three to four agitators directing the group not to follow orders. Several minutes after dispersal orders were given, the group continued to occupy the roadway, causing a continued safety hazard to motorists and other pedestrians in the area.

Deputies on the scene identified the lead agitator of the group and formed an arrest team. Deputies approached the group to disperse them and arrest the primary agitator.

An individual in the group armed himself with a large steel piece of broken brake rotor and threw it directly at the deputies.

Deputies employed less than lethal pepper ball projectiles and launched them at the suspect who had thrown the brake rotor fragment. Pepper ball projectiles were also launched toward others in the group who were seen attempting to arm themselves with objects taken from a protester’s backpack.

Additionally, these pepper ball projectiles were launched against the ground and walls located near agitators as a dispersal tactic.

Smoke was also deployed rather than tear gas. Additionally, deputies advanced on the group to push them away southbound Clarke Avenue and out of the area.

One suspect was arrested and booked for Resisting an Executive Officer (69 PC) and Failure to Disperse at the Scene of a Riot (409 PC).

No Deputies were injured.

Lakewood Station personnel remain committed to our mission of protecting the public and property within the cities we proudly serve.

CURFEW ORDER AND PUBLIC TRUST June 3, 2020 680 380 SIB Staff

CURFEW ORDER AND PUBLIC TRUST June 3, 2020

CURFEW ORDER AND PUBLIC TRUST – June 3, 2020

The residents of Los Angeles County are unified in support of the family of George Floyd, and against criminal actions by law enforcement.  We stand together in this endeavor.  Unfortunately, small groups of individuals seeking to incite violence and looting have disrupted some of the peaceful protests with criminal behavior.  These actions forced the need for a curfew throughout Los Angeles County in order to protect life, protect property, and restore order.

Over the past 24 hours, protesters have not allowed criminal behavior to overshadow their message, and law enforcement has been able to isolate and apprehend many individuals involved in criminal behavior.

Consistent with the First Amendment Rights of all citizens, the Sheriff’s Department will be enforcing the curfew order from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. 

While law-enforcement has fully mobilized to protect the community, trust is a two-way street.  In doing so, I am signaling my trust in the public, so we can all work together in partnership during these troubling times.

Sheriff addresses Social Media videos 680 380 SIB Staff

Sheriff addresses Social Media videos

SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS – June 3, 2020

I am aware of two videos circulating on social media involving my deputies. As with all use of force incidents, these cases will be thoroughly investigated, and we will also examine the tactics, policies & procedures.

As I have stated before, this is another example of why we so desperately need the Board of Supervisors to fully fund the LASD body-worn camera project.  The public deserves full transparency.

Graphic of Sheriff Villanueva next to Hall Of Justice
Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s Message to the Troops 1024 249 SIB Staff

Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s Message to the Troops

Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s Message to the Troops

This is Sheriff Villanueva. We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all residents and businesses in Los Angeles County. As incidents of looting are reported anywhere in our county, we will respond and assist local police departments. We will also take proactive action and deploy anywhere in the county where violence is taking afoot, protect lawfully assembled protesters, and use your discretion in enforcing the law where needed.

Be safe out there, Car-1 signing off.

Sheriff Composing a message to the troops on a computer
Sheriff composing a message to the troops from the ops center.
LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
Los Angeles County Imposes Third Night of Curfew 600 128 SIB Staff

Los Angeles County Imposes Third Night of Curfew

Please visit this link for new curfew – Curfew Order – June 3, 2020

Los Angeles County Imposes Third Night of Curfew

Los Angeles County will be under a countywide curfew that runs from 6 p.m. today, June 2, 2020, through 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

The curfew does not apply to individuals voting in Special Elections occurring today in the City of Commerce and in El Rancho Unified School District in Pico Rivera. In both elections, all voters were mailed ballots and the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk has one mobile vote center in each jurisdiction that has been open daily since Saturday and will be open today until 8 p.m. Poll workers are also exempt from the order.

This is the third night of a countywide curfew ordered to protect public safety. 

The County curfew applies to every municipality in Los Angeles County, but cities can implement stricter curfews based on their local needs. Please check with your local city to determine if they have implemented stricter curfews.

In addition to voters and poll workers being exempt, the countywide curfew does not apply to the following: peace officers; firefighters; National Guard or other military personnel deployed to the area; emergency medical services personnel; individuals traveling to and from work; individuals working on a public work of improvement construction project; credentialed media representatives involved in news gathering; people experiencing homelessness and without access to a viable shelter; and individuals seeking medical treatment.

The following cities have already implemented stricter curfews:

Visit lacounty.gov/emergency for the most up-to-date information.

https://lacounty.gov/emergency/
LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
Sheriff extends County-wide curfew for LA County 600 128 SIB Staff

Sheriff extends County-wide curfew for LA County

Please visit this link for new curfew – Curfew Order – June 3, 2020

Sheriff Villanueva Extends County-Wide Curfew for Los Angeles County

At the direction of Sheriff Alex Villanueva, the county-wide curfew was renewed.  Effective at 6:00 P.M. on Monday, June 1, 2020, through 6:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County shall adhere to staying off public streets, avenues, boulevards, places, walkways, alleys, parks or any public areas or unimproved private realty within Los Angeles County, between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. the following day.  The county may renew, amend or extend this order, in accordance with California Government Code section 8634 and County Code section 2.68.150.

This order does not apply to peace officers, fire fighters, and National Guard or other military personnel deployed to the area, individuals traveling to and from work, people experiencing homelessness and without access to a viable shelter, and individuals seeking medical treatment.  On Monday, June 1, 2020, the order was amended to include credentialed members of the media involved in media gathering.

In the event the county curfew is more stringent than a resident’s local curfew order, the county curfew will supersede it.  In other words, if a resident’s local curfew order is 8:00 P.M., the 6:00 P.M. county curfew supersedes it; if the local order is 4:00 P.M., the local order still stands. 

Any violation of the order is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both, as provided by LACC section 2.68.320 or any applicable state or municipal law.

Because of the dangers which often occur under cover of darkness and the difficulty to preserve public safety during these hours, a curfew was ordered, as allowed by Government Code Section 8634, and signed by Chair Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

The order was transmitted not only through media and social media platforms, but through a wireless alert system called Wireless Emergency Alerts, also known as WEA.  In the event of a public safety emergency, authorized government authorities can broadcast pertinent information directly to the public through their wireless carriers. 

For more information about WEA, visit the Federal Communications Commission website at:  https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea

Executive Order of the Chair of The County of Los Angels Board of Supervisors – PDF

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
Sheriff orders County-wide Curfew for LA County 600 128 SIB Staff

Sheriff orders County-wide Curfew for LA County

Please visit this link for new curfew Curfew order – June 3, 2020

Sheriff Villanueva Orders County-Wide Curfew for Los Angeles County

In the midst of national chaos, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the existence of a local emergency:  Civil unrest.  The effects of public calamity caused disaster and extreme peril to the safety of people and property.  Because of the dangers which often occur under cover of darkness and the difficulty to preserve public safety during these hours, a curfew was ordered, as allowed by Government Code Section 8634, and signed by Chair Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

At the direction of Sheriff Alex Villanueva, and until further notification, a county-wide curfew was imposed.  Effective as of 6:00 P.M., Sunday, May 31, 2020, until Monday, June 1, 2020 at 6:00 A.M., all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County shall adhere to staying off public streets, avenues, boulevards, places, walkways, alleys, parks or any public areas or unimproved private realty within Los Angeles County, between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. the following day.  The county may renew, amend or extend this order, in accordance with California Government Code section 8634 and County Code section 2.68.150.

This order does not apply to peace officers, fire fighters, and National Guard or other military personnel deployed to the area, individuals traveling to and from work, people experiencing homelessness and without access to a viable shelter, and individuals seeking medical treatment.

In the event the county curfew is more stringent than a resident’s local curfew order, the county curfew will supersede it.  In other words, if a resident’s local curfew order is 8:00 P.M., the 6:00 P.M. county curfew supersedes it; if the local order is 4:00 P.M., the local order still stands.  

Any violation of the order is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both, as provided by LACC section 2.68.320 or any applicable state or municipal law.

Executive Order of the Chair of The County of Los Angels Board of Supervisors – PDF

Sheriff Discusses Underfunding, Understaffing 1024 809 SIB Staff

Sheriff Discusses Underfunding, Understaffing

Sheriff Villanueva Discusses Underfunding and Understaffing, Both Dangerous for L.A. County Residents

With overseeing the safety and security needs of more than ten million residents in Los Angeles County –the largest populated county in the nation- Sheriff Alex Villanueva made a startling comparison with the staffing at other policing agencies.

It was during his weekly virtual press conference on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, broadcast from the Hall of Justice that Sheriff Villanueva outlined why staffing levels matter and how being provided an inadequate budget affects it.

Agency                                           Police Officers per 1,000 Residents

Washington D.C. Police Department                        6

New York Police Department                                   4

Chicago Police Department                                     4

Los Angeles Police Department                               2

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department                1 (0.9 actual)

According to the United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information System Division, the average rate of sworn officers is 2.4 per 1,000 inhabitants in the nation, which means LASD is running at almost 63% behind the national average. With the largest population and in times of crisis, this could prove to be a risky and dangerous standard. Proper funding equals proper staffing, both necessary for keeping peace and order during challenging times. 

The Sheriff reiterated his invitation to members of the Board of Supervisors, to meet with him and discuss the LASD budget, concerning the entire Los Angeles County budget, to identify priorities and areas of savings. “How does public safety rate in the priorities of each member of the Board of Supervisors and the CEO’s office?” posed Sheriff Villanueva. “We’re going to work with the Board of Supervisors. We’re going to work with the CEO to make sure that we’re as effective and efficient as possible. However, we cannot perform miracles,” he said.

In response to the underfunding proposal and drastic measures necessary to accommodate it, Sheriff Villanueva announced a new attempt to reorganize the entire agency around a new budget, shrunk by 10% than the actual cost of running it. Despite impending alterations, the Sheriff has extended invitations to meet with the Supervisors and CEO to work together on behalf of the Los Angeles County Community.

The impact of COVID-19 on LASD operations, in direct comparison with the same 2019 time frame, shows a 6.57% drop in violent crimes, with a12.5% hike in criminal homicide and a 30.32% plunge in rape reporting. Property crimes had a 6.13% drop, comprised of -6.69% in burglary, -15-93% in larceny-theft, -4.4% in arson, and 25.05% increase in grand theft auto. 

The numbers of 73 total COVID-19-related arrests since Sunday, March 29, 2020, remained unchanged, as did the four total COVID-19-related arrests. Over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend, there were zero citations and zero arrests. The Sheriff attested not only to the credit of law enforcement personnel but also to members of our community, adhering to physical distancing protocols and compliance with health orders.

There are 380 sworn and 135 civilian staff in quarantine related to COVID-19, totaling 515 personnel. Since its inception, 178 sworn and 69 civilian staff tested positive for the virus. Of all those affected by COVID-19, there were 867 sworn and 414 civilian staff who returned to work.

Inmate COVID-19 statistics revealed a downward trend of 5,163 in current quarantine, 242 isolated, and 182 who tested positive for the virus.

How LA County’s Largest Women’s Facility Is Successfully Combating COVID-19 In the Jail 300 300 SIB Staff

How LA County’s Largest Women’s Facility Is Successfully Combating COVID-19 In the Jail

Century Regional Detention Facility is the largest women’s jail facility in Los Angeles County and has been able to keep the exposure of the COVID-19 virus to both inmates and staff to just below double digits. How are we able to do this? Watch the video below as CRDF Captain Angela Walton and Assistant Director Dr. Melissa Kelley explain to Spectrum News 1 the precautions and protocols they are taking daily to keep the inmates and staff safe, and the COVID-19 virus out of the jail.  #COVID-19