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Women’s History Month: Detective Karen Velasquez 1024 682 SIB Staff

Women’s History Month: Detective Karen Velasquez

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to honor Women’s History Month by highlighting strong and courageous women while celebrating their accomplishments. Today we recognize #LASD Special Operations Division, Transit Services Bureau, Detective Karen Velasquez.

“All my life I have been into Physical Fitness and Nutrition. After graduating from Cal State San Bernardino with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science, my interest in Law Enforcement started after I read an article about a female Deputy Sheriff. She was very small in stature like myself and it inspired me to apply for a position as a Deputy Sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “

Detective Velasquez has experienced a multitude of great assignments since graduating from the LASD Academy in 2000. Her Career started as a Module Deputy who oversaw male Felons at the Men’s Central Jail. That experience helped as she transitioned into a Patrol Deputy assignment at Cerritos Sheriff’s Station in 2007.

Detective Velasquez’s desire to become an Investigator stems from her selfless need to help people who are unable to help themselves. Detective Bureau Supervisor, Sgt. Edward O’Neil says, “Detective Velasquez is highly self-motivated in her desire to be the best detective she can be. On top of being kind and outgoing, her Leadership abilities can always be counted upon as a mentor to our newer Deputies.

In reflecting upon the strong role models in her own life, Detective Velasquez is most inspired by her Husband and Daughter. Her husband is also a Sworn Deputy Sheriff who has helped reinforce the notion that through fortitude and perseverance; anything she sets her mind to is possible.

“Women’s History Month is a time for all women to collectively come together,” said Detective Velasquez. “It’s a time to reflect upon how our collective cohesiveness positively impacts everyone around us in the workplace, and also to the victims we compassionately help daily.”

safer at home order 680 380 SIB Staff

safer at home order

Safer At Home Order

The safety and security of all LA Co residents has always been my top priority. Please view my videotaped message on my social media platforms, explaining how LASD will respond to the “Safer at Home” program implementation and enforcement measures. Together, as a community, we will get through these tough times.

'Safer at Home' Order

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Thursday, March 19, 2020
Microscopic image of the coronavirus.
Update to LASD Community Programs – East L.A. Station 747 749 SIB Staff

Update to LASD Community Programs – East L.A. Station

In a continuous effort to maintain ourselves and our community’s health and safety, we are strongly encouraging #socialdistancing.

We have canceled most of our community oriented program, one of them being the Youth Activity League (YAL). As of March 9, 2020, the YAL program will be canceled until further notice. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, but we have determined given the current times it is the best course of action.


To learn more about #socialdistancing and up-to-date information on the #coronavirus, please visit the @lacountypublichealth IG account.

Microscopic image of the coronavirus.
East L.A. Sheriff’s Station Adapting to “Coronavirus” 747 749 SIB Staff

East L.A. Sheriff’s Station Adapting to “Coronavirus”

East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station Adapting to “Coronavirus”

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Much like the entire world, the East Los Angeles Station is adapting to the challenges presented as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  It is paramount that during these harsh conditions, we strengthen the lines of communications with the communities we serve.  To this end, please know we have NOT curtailed our deployment and will continue to respond to ALL law enforcement related activities in our community.  This crisis is rapidly evolving, and the Sheriff’s Department is adapting in real time and working together with all of our partners in an effort to maintain the field staffing levels. We want it to be perfectly clear that our communities are our priority, and we will carry on our public safety mission.

We have begun the process of preparing this station for various scenarios by equipping our staff with personal protective gear and keeping them informed. Our station personnel has been fully briefed on the Coronavirus symptoms and potential issues which might arise as we continue to respond to calls for service.  We are committed to taking the necessary precautions when dealing with the public.  As previously mentioned, we will continue to respond to all calls and will assess the deployment of personnel on a day-to-day basis.   

It is our mission and goal to continue to provide the highest level of service, while preserving the safety and health of our communities.  Based on logical precautions, we have modified some procedures to limit exposure of the public and our employees by limiting unnecessary public contact.  Keeping in mind the health and safety of our communities, we are adhering to the following necessary precautions:
 

  • For limited non-emergency crime reporting, we may accept and document some crime reports via telephone rather than in person. 
  • Our station lobby will remain open for limited purposes, however, we encourage residents to call ahead at (323) 264-4151 in order to determine if we can serve your needs without requiring a visit to our station lobby. 
  • For the remainder of March and with the exception of mandatory and/or emergent situations, we are limiting the station’s lobby traffic in order to protect the health of the public and our station personnel.
  • The following restrictions do NOT apply to lobby traffic:
  • Regularly scheduled child-custody exchanges
  • Individuals who are required by law to check in with law enforcement for compliance to terms of release.
  • Situations in which a law enforcement presence is needed to immediately protect life, safety and/or property.
  • Mandatory visits for payment of fees or collection of property.

If you request a call for service to report criminal activity, to file a report, to obtain a copy of a report, and/or have questions of a law enforcement matter, please call our station at (323) 264-4151.  If you are experiencing an emergency please call 9-1-1.  When placing your call for service, if you are experiencing flu-like or Coronavirus symptoms, such as cough, fever and/or shortness of breath, please notify the operator when placing the call for service.  This will allow our first responders to take any needed personal safety precautions prior to our arrival, and further enhance your safety and health.

Limited police reports can be made online by visiting our LASD website at  http://shq.lasdnews.net/shq/SORTS/sorts_intro.aspx.  If applicable, we encourage our residents to take advantage of this service.  The following reports can be made with our online service:

  • Lost or stolen cell phones valued at $950 or less
  • Lost or stolen property valued at $950 or less
  • Vandalism, excluding graffiti, where damage is valued under $400
  • Theft of items from an unlocked vehicle valued at $950 or less
  • Theft of items from an open or unsecured area valued at $950 or less
  • Supplemental Loss Form to document items taken in a burglary or similar theft (must already have a LASD report number

For updates and resources regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019, please visit the California Department of Public Health website at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx.

While we apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, your East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station personnel are committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens and dedicated to maintaining the superior service everyone has come to expect from our personnel. Help us protect ourselves, so we can protect you! 

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Al igual que en todo el mundo, la Estación Este de Los Angeles se está adaptando a los desafíos presentados como resultado de la pandemia de Coronavirus (COVID-19). Es primordial que durante estas duras condiciones, fortalezcamos las líneas de comunicación con las comunidades a las que servimos.  Esta crisis está evolucionando rápidamente, y el Departamento del Sheriff se está adaptando en tiempo real y trabajando junto con todos nuestros socios en un esfuerzo por mantener los niveles de personal sobre el terreno. Queremos que quede perfectamente claro que nuestras comunidades son nuestra prioridad, y continuaremos con nuestra misión de seguridad pública.

Hemos comenzado el proceso de preparación de esta estación para diversos escenarios equipando a nuestro personal con equipo de protección personal y manteniéndolos informados. Nuestro personal de la estación ha sido completamente informado sobre los síntomas del coronavirus y los posibles problemas que podrían surgir a medida que continuamos respondiendo a las llamadas de servicio.  Nos comprometemos a tomar las precauciones necesarias al tratar con el público.  Como se mencionó anteriormente, seguiremos respondiendo a todas las llamadas y evaluaremos el despliegue de personal en el día a día.

Nuestra misión y objetivo es continuar proporcionando el más alto nivel de servicio, preservando al mismo tiempo la seguridad y la salud de nuestras comunidades.  Basándonos en precauciones lógicas, hemos modificado algunos procedimientos para limitar la exposición del público y nuestros empleados al limitar el contacto público innecesario.  Teniendo en cuenta la salud y la seguridad de nuestras comunidades, nos adherimos a las siguientes precauciones necesarias:

  • Para informes limitados de delitos que no sean de emergencia, podemos aceptar y documentar algunos informes de delitos por teléfono en lugar de en persona.
  • Nuestro vestíbulo de la estación permanecerá abierto para propósitos limitados, sin embargo, alentamos a los residentes a llamar con anticipación al (323) 264-4151 para determinar si podemos satisfacer sus necesidades sin necesidad de una visita al vestíbulo de nuestra estación.
  • Para el resto de marzo y con excepción de las situaciones obligatorias y/o emergentes, estamos limitando el tráfico del vestíbulo de la estación con el fin de proteger la salud del público y nuestros personal de la estación.
  • Las siguientes restricciones no se aplican al tráfico del vestíbulo:
  • Intercambios de custodia de niños programados regularmente
  • Individuos que están obligados por ley a verificar con las fuerzas del orden público el cumplimiento de los términos de la liberación.
  • Situaciones en las que es necesaria una presencia aplicación de la ley de protección a la vida de inmediato, la seguridad y / o propiedad.
  • Visitas obligatorias para el pago de tarifas o cobro de bienes.

Si solicita una llamada de servicio para denunciar actividades delictivas, presentar un informe, obtener una copia de un informe y / o si tiene preguntas sobre un asunto de aplicación de la ley, llame a nuestra estación al (323) 264-4151. Si tiene una emergencia, llame al 9-1-1. Al realizar una llamada de servicio, si experimenta síntomas similares a los de la gripe o el coronavirus, como tos, fiebre y / o falta de aire, notifique al operador cuando realice la llamada de servicio. Esto permitirá a nuestros socorristas tomar las precauciones de seguridad personal necesarias antes de nuestra llegada y mejorar aún más su seguridad y salud.

Los informes policiales limitados se pueden hacer en línea visitando nuestro sitio web LASD en http://shq.lasdnews.net/shq/SORTS/sorts_intro.aspx.  Si corresponde, alentamos a nuestros residentes a aprovechar este servicio. Los siguientes informes se pueden hacer con nuestro servicio en línea:

  • Celulares perdidos o robados valorados en $ 950 o menos
  • Propiedad perdida o robada valorada en $ 950 o menos
  • Vandalismo, excluyendo graffiti, donde el daño está valorado en menos de $ 400
  • Robo de artículos de un vehículo desbloqueado valorado en $ 950 o menos
  • Robo de artículos de un área abierta o no segura valorada en $ 950 o menos
  • Formulario de pérdida suplementaria para documentar artículos tomados en un robo o robo similar (ya debe tener un número de informe LASD)

Para obtener actualizaciones y recursos sobre la enfermedad de Coronavirus 2019, visite el sitio web del Departamento de Salud Pública de California en https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx.

Nos disculpamos de antemano por cualquier inconveniente que esto pueda causar, el personal de la estación del Sheriff de East Los Angeles está comprometido con la seguridad y el bienestar de nuestros ciudadanos y está dedicado a mantener el servicio superior que todos esperan de nuestro personal. ¡Ayúdanos a protegernos para que podamos protegerte!

Sheriff villanueva’s ktla interview on covid19 1024 573 SIB Staff

Sheriff villanueva’s ktla interview on covid19

Watch Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s interview with KTLA regarding Covid19 and it’s affect on #LASD.  We are working hard and bringing more people in to work to keep the communities we serve safe.

Watch Sheriff Alex Villanueva's interview with @KTLA regarding Covid19 and it’s affect on Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. We are working hard and bringing more people in to work to keep @CountyofLA residents safe.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday, March 17, 2020
ONLINE INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULING AND REGISTRATION SYSTEM reGARDING COVID-19 1024 682 SIB Staff

ONLINE INMATE VISITATION SCHEDULING AND REGISTRATION SYSTEM reGARDING COVID-19

Online Inmate Visitation Scheduling and Registration System REGARDING COVID-19

“Pursuant to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation, we are making efforts to ensure the health and welfare of all those who live, work, and visit the County jails and patrol stations.

At the recommendation of the Los Angeles County Correctional Health Services, all public visits have been cancelled as part of the County’s COVID-19 (Coronavirus) prevention efforts starting from Friday, March 13, 2020. Only attorney and professional visits will be allowed during this period. The inmate visiting at all Los Angeles County Jail facilities and the patrol stations’ jails will remain suspended until further notice.

As this Department values visitation as an essential part of rehabilitation, we will remain committed to providing public visiting once these unique circumstances allow for in the nearby future. We are committed to supporting you and loved ones in our care during this time of uncertainty. If you have any questions or concerns regarding visitation, please contact the Inmate Video Visitation System Help Desk at [email protected] or call (213) 680-IVVS (4887), Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 2:00pm.”

COVID-19 INFO 900 900 SIB Staff

COVID-19 INFO

SEVERAL LASD EMPLOYEES CAME IN CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.  WHAT’S THE LATEST?

  • WE HAVE PERSONNEL FROM WALNUT/DIAMOND BAR, SANTA CLARITA VALLEY AND MALIBU/LOST HILLS STATIONS, AND THE TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU, WHO WERE EITHER EXPOSED OR POTENTIALLY EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS WHILE ON-DUTY.  ALTHOUGH THEY WERE ASYMPTOMATIC, IT WAS OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION THEY WERE SENT HOME TO SELF-QUARANTINE AND SELF-MONITOR, AS OUTLINED BY THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. 
  • AS OF TODAY, TUESDAY, MARCH 17TH, 2020, THERE ARE 43 EMPLOYEES WHO ARE SELF-QUARANTINED; 21 OF THEM ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED ON-DUTY; SEVEN OF THE 21 TESTED RETURNED WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS AND WENT BACK TO WORK; 14 DID NOT FIT THE CRITERIA TO BE TESTED; THREE ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH A CONFIRMED COVID-19 PATIENT.  OF THE THREE DEPUTIES, TWO RETURNED TO WORK AFTER TESTING NEGATIVE AND ONE TEST IS PENDING. 
  • 22 OF THE 43 EMPLOYEES ARE SELF-QUARANTINED.  OF THESE 22 PEOPLE, 15 ARE SWORN AND SEVEN ARE NON-SWORN.
  • WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PARTNERS TO ASSESS IF COVID-19 TESTING OF DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL IS REQUIRED.  IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE MONITORING PERSONNEL FOR SYMPTOMS AND ENCOURAGING STAFF TO WEAR THE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WE ISSUED AND TO STAY HOME IF THEY FEEL ILL.
  • AS THE COVID-19 VIRUS PROGRESSES, THERE WILL CERTAINLY BE MORE AND MORE EXPOSURE, ON AND OFF DUTY.  MANY PERSONNEL ON OUR DEPARTMENT ARE MARRIED TO OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS, WHO ARE ALSO AT RISK OF EXPOSURE.  WHEN THEY COME HOME, THEY TAKE THEIR WORK WITH THEM, SO TO SPEAK. 
  • CERTAINLY, WE CARE ABOUT THE PUBLIC WE SERVE AND WANT TO PROVIDE THE MOST PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WE CAN.  PART OF THIS IS ENSURING THAT WE NOT ONLY REMAIN HEALTHY, BUT THAT WE DON’T PRESENT A RISK OF CARRYING AN EXPOSURE, FROM ONE SERVICE CALL TO THE NEXT, OR BRING IT HOME. 
  • WE ASK THAT IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A NON-EMERGENT POLICE REPORT, VISIT OUR LASD.ORG WEBSITE (http://shq.lasdnews.net/shq/SORTS/sorts_intro.aspx) AND FIRST DETERMINE IF YOUR INCIDENT IS ELIGIBLE FOR FILING ONLINE.  YOU CAN ALSO CALL YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO SEE IF THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS TO REPORTING NON-EMERGENT INCIDENTS, SUCH AS LOST OR STOLEN PROPERTIES, AND THEFTS OR VANDALISMS UNDER CERTAIN DOLLAR AMOUNTS.
  • IF YOU HAVE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CHILD CUSTODY EXCHANGES OR ARE OBLIGATED TO VISIT FOR A COMPLIANCE CHECK-IN, CALL AHEAD OF TIME, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS, FEVER OR RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, SO DEPUTIES CAN TAKE PRECAUTIONS.
  • AND OF COURSE, IF THERE IS A SITUATION IN WHICH A LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE IS NEEDED TO IMMEDIATELY PROTECT LIFE, SAFETY OR PROPERTY, CALL 9-1-1.  IF THERE IS SOMEONE AT THE LOCATION OR AN INVOLVED PARTY WHO IS EITHER DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 VIRUS OR DISPLAYING SIGNS OF IT, PLEASE TELL THE DISPATCHER AT THE TIME OF YOUR CALL.

WHAT IS BEING DONE TO CUT THE JAIL POPULATION TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS?

  • THE HEALTH OF OUR CUSTODY ENVIRONMENT IS CERTAINLY VULNERABLE TO WHAT COMES INTO IT, AND IS DEFINITELY ONE WE HAVE TO VIGILANTLY PROTECT.
  • LA SHERIFF ALEX VILLANUEVA RAISED THE AGGREGATE BAIL AMOUNT FOR BOOKING INMATES FROM $25,000 TO $50,000, WHICH ALLOWS MORE PEOPLE TO RECEIVE CITATIONS, RATHER THAN GET BOOKED INTO CUSTODY.  THIS REDUCES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENTERING OUR JAIL FACILITIES, THEREFORE REDUCING THE CHANCES OF VIRUS BEING INTRODUCED INTO THAT ENVIRONMENT.
  • OUT OF THE 16,459 INMATES IN YESTERDAY’S MORNING COUNT, THERE WERE ZERO CONFIRMED CASES OF CORONAVIRUS.  NINE INMATES ARE IN ISOLATION HOUSING, 21 INMATES ARE IN QUARANTINE AT MEN’S CENTRAL JAIL, AND FIVE INMATES ARE IN QUARANTINE AT TWIN TOWERS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
  • WE INCREASED THE STRINGENCY OF OUR SCREENING PROCEDURES AND ARE DOING TEMPERATURE SCANNING OF EVERYONE WHO ENTERS OUR CUSTODY FACILITIES TO HELP MAKE SURE THAT SOMEONE WHO IS POTENTIALLY INFECTED DOES NOT EXPOSE THE REST OF THE POPULATION.
  • PUBLIC VISITING WAS SUSPENDED, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT OUR JAIL FACILITIES, AND THEREFORE REDUCE THE NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES OF THE VIRUS TO BE INTRODUCED.

WHAT ABOUT PANIC-BUYING?  HOW IS THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT WORKING TO KEEP THINGS UNDER CONTROL AT LOCAL GROCERY STORES?

  • ALL PATROL STATIONS AND FRONT LINE COMMAND WILL REMAIN OPEN AND OPERATIONAL. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO MAINTAIN OUR PRIMARY MISSION OF PUBLIC SAFETY, RESPONDING TO CALLS FOR SERVICE MAINTAINING ORDER, AND ASSISTING THE PUBLIC, AS NEEDED.  THIS INCLUDES REMAINING OPEN FOR BUSINESS 24 HOURS A DAY.
  • STAFF VACATIONS WERE CANCELLED THROUGH THE END OF APRIL, TO ENSURE MORE PERSONNEL ARE ON-HAND, AND THOSE WORKING NON-ESSENTIAL ASSIGNMENTS CAN BE TEMPORARILY MOVED TO CUSTODY OR PATROL ASSIGNMENTS TO OFFSET AND AUGMENT MANPOWER SHORTAGES. 
  • WE INCREASED OUR PRESENCE IN THE FIELD BY DEPLOYING THOSE NON-ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL FROM OUR DETECTIVE BUREAU TO VARIOUS PATROL STATIONS.  THIS IS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE IN GROCERY STORES, COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSES AND SHOPPING CENTERS; THE MERE PRESENCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL SHOULD BE A DETERRENT OF CRIME, AND WE WANT STAFF THERE, JUST IN CASE THERE IS SOME SORT OF CONFLICT.
  • THESE TYPES OF SUPPLEMENTAL DEPLOYMENTS ASSIST WITH INCIDENTS RELATED TO PANIC-BUYING, WHILE ENSURING A STEADY COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND LOCAL BUSINESSES.   IT ALSO ENSURES THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF SERVICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY.  THESE DEPLOYMENTS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL I DEEM THEM UNNECESSARY.
  • IF EVERYONE REMAINS CIVIL, COMPOSED AND CALM, SHOPPING FOR EVERYDAY ITEMS CAN BE SUSTAINABLE.

HOW MANY INMATES WERE IN TODAY’S (TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020) COUNT?

  • 16,427

HOW MANY INMATES WERE CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19?

  • *ZERO.  LA COUNTY JAILS HAVE NO CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID- 19.

HOW MANY INMATES ARE IN ISOLATION HOUSING AND AT WHICH FACILITIES?

  • 10 HOUSED AT THE CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT CENTER (CTC) AT TWIN TOWERS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

Below are the LASD educational programs that are continuing.  Some of our programs have been cancelled at the direction of our educational providers

CTE stands for Career Technical Education. 

South – CTE, Life Skills, and College of the Canyons continuing– no high school classes

NCCF – CTE, Life Skills and College of the Canyons continuing – no high school classes

North – Life Skills continuing– no high school

MCJ – CTE only – no high school

CRDF – Gender Responsive classes continuing – no high school

TTCF – no classes

Sheriff reassures public amid covid-19 1024 512 SIB Staff

Sheriff reassures public amid covid-19

COVID-19 Sheriff Reassures Residents; “Let’s Be Prepared, Not Scared”

During a press conference on Monday, March 16, 2020, at the Hall of Justice, Sheriff Alex Villanueva stated his reassurance that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is working hard to ensure law enforcement services in the areas we serve remain uninterrupted by the coronavirus.

The County Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) remains open at a Level I status, fully-staffed with knowledgeable experts from other L.A. County departments.  Our Department continues to collaborate with local agencies, monitor world events and provide the most up-to-date information to the public.

Through innovative and creative measures, Sheriff Villanueva was adamant about keeping staff levels up and the inmate population count down.  Staff vacations were cancelled through the end of April to ensure more personnel are on-hand, and those working non-essential assignments can be temporarily moved to custody or patrol assignments to offset and augment manpower shortages.  This decision is particularly helpful for coverage, as a small number of personnel were self-quarantined over the weekend. 

The Sheriff raised the aggregate bail amount for booking inmates raised from $25,000 to $50,000, which allows more people to receive citations, rather than get booked into custody.  This reduces the number of people entering our jail facilities, therefore lowering chances of the virus being introduced into that environment.  Out of the 16,459 inmates in today’s morning count, there were zero confirmed cases of coronavirus.  Nine inmates are in isolation housing, 21 inmates are in quarantine at Men’s Central Jail, and five inmates are in quarantine at Twin Towers Correctional Facility. 

Personal protective equipment was issued to field personnel.  Inventory of these supplies was bulked-up, with a likely request to follow for the release of Service and Supply funds, to address the ongoing need for more items, such as masks, gloves, goggles, and sanitizer.  Patrol station and custody facility unit commanders were directed to sanitize their stations and jails as a preventative measure.  Personnel are reminded to be cognizant of hand-washing, don personal protective equipment, covering sneezes, not touching their faces, and practice social distancing while off-duty.

Despite all county buildings being ordered to close their doors to the public, Sheriff Villanueva directed all patrol stations to keep their lobbies open.  He encouraged the use of online reporting for non-emergent, qualifying incidents, as outlined here:  http://shq.lasdnews.net/shq/SORTS/sorts_intro.aspx or calling your local patrol station.  He also asked that those who must visit a patrol station for services, such as regularly-scheduled child custody exchanges or compliance check-ins, to notify deputies if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever or respiratory illness so they can take precautionary measures. 

Residents are reminded to follow protective protocols prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as found here:    and here:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

As events occur, information regarding public safety and other services will be provided by our agency and updated on several platforms.  Please monitor our social media sites, @LASDHQ on Twitter, @LosAngelesCountySheriffDepartment on Facebook, and our https://sheriff33.lasd.org/ website for up-to-date information.

Stay connected, remain composed and we will get through this together.

Downloadable Content:
Talking Points

Sheriff Alex Villanueva to discuss Safety Precautions regarding COVID-19

Sheriff Alex Villanueva to discuss Safety Precautions regarding COVID-19

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Monday, March 16, 2020

Academy class 445 graduation 640 480 SIB Staff

Academy class 445 graduation

On Friday March 13, 2020, a total of the 81 polished recruits lined up at the STARS Center Gymnasium, in what would be their final platoon formation as academy classmates.  After 22 weeks of rigorous academy training, the recruits pressed through an equally intense and meticulous formal class inspection by law enforcement executives just before the ceremony.
 
The ceremony was a formal transformation of academy recruits into sworn peace officers. Sheriff Alex Villanueva presided over the graduation ceremony, and delivered encouraging remarks to the 17 female and 64 male graduates and their guests.
 
Sheriff Alex Villanueva was joined on stage by Chief George Mueller, California Department of Insurance; Assistant Chief Ronald Iizuka, Culver City Police Department; Chief Mark Fronterotta, Inglewood Police Department; Deputy Chief Timothy Anderson, Los Angeles School Police Department; Region 7 Manager Matthew O’Deane, California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, in presenting the 81 graduates with their Peace Officer Standards and Training certificates.  The graduates were then officially sworn in as California Peace Officers
 
In a special segment of the ceremony, Nathaniel T. Hocking, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was named as the class Honor Recruit.  This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest numerical average based upon leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship, and physical performance throughout the training period.   Michael Guzman, California Department of Insurance, was honored as Academic Recruit.  This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest academic scores.
 
Each class of recruits processed through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department STARS Center Training Academy, brings together a collection of unique aspects, qualities and experiences. Academy Class #445 is a largely international collection of backgrounds, reflective of the vast array of cultures found within Los Angeles County.  Of the 81 graduating recruits, 10 were born outside the United States in the countries of Guatemala, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Serbia; 9 recruits lived abroad in the countries of Germany, Guatemala, India, Iraq, Japan, New Zealand (33 years), Peru (34 years), and Serbia (26 years); and 50 recruits speak a language other than English, including Arabic, Bosnian, Croatian, Hindi, Gujarati, Serbian, and Spanish.
 
These graduates bring with them a large source of higher education (32), service experience in the armed forces (12), and backgrounds in law enforcement (10), and many come from families with a tradition of serving in law enforcement (28).

 
Congratulations Academy Class 445!

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Sheriff elevates the response readiness level for County Emergency Operations Center
Sheriff elevates the response readiness level for County Emergency Operations Center in response for CoVid-19

As the Sheriff of Los Angeles County, the safety and security of all residents is Sheriff Villanueva's top priority. As the County's top law enforcement official, the Sheriff is designated as the Director of the Emergency Operation's Center for the County of Los Angeles. Today, Sheriff Villanueva, and Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, toured the County Emergency Operations Center to ensure the County was ready to manage the health and safety of its residents. The Operations Center, generally staffed by the Sheriff's Department and the County of Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management, houses the tools and resources needed for all County departments to coordinate their disaster and recovery efforts, ensuring continuity in response to county-wide emergencies. During these declared emergencies, County Departments send representatives to the Emergency Operations Center to begin planning efforts to support those county residents who are affected.Due to the emerging needs of the County and in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Sheriff elevated the response level from level 2 (minimal staffing by county department to provide for centralized emergency management) to a level 1, (Full staffing of the Emergency Operations Center to support centralized emergency management during a proclaimed local emergency). Since this COVID-19 is a health-driven event, the Office of Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management are the lead agencies. However, The Sheriff's Department will allocate management resources to garner all available resources better to support them. The Department is Staffing our Operation's Center 24 hours a day. It will provide a Division Chief for the County Emergency Operations Center to ensure proper management of resources and shared information across the County of Los Angeles. Sheriff Villanueva added, "It's not about being scared; it's about being prepared."LASD remains dedicated to working with all County of LA Leaders and Officials to combat and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Thursday, March 12, 2020

SHERIFF ELEVATES THE RESPONSE READINESS LEVEL FOR COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER For covid-19

As the Sheriff of Los Angeles County, the safety and security of all residents is Sheriff Villanueva’s top priority. As the County’s top law enforcement official, the Sheriff is designated as the Director of the Emergency Operation’s Center for the County of Los Angeles. Today, Sheriff Villanueva, and Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, toured the County Emergency Operations Center to ensure the County was ready to manage the health and safety of its residents.

The Operations Center, generally staffed by the Sheriff’s Department and the County of Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management, houses the tools and resources needed for all County departments to coordinate their disaster and recovery efforts, ensuring continuity in response to county-wide emergencies.

During these declared emergencies, County Departments send representatives to the Emergency Operations Center to begin planning efforts to support those county residents who are affected.
Due to the emerging needs of the County and in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Sheriff elevated the response level from level 2 (minimal staffing by county department to provide for centralized emergency management) to a level 1, (Full staffing of the Emergency Operations Center to support centralized emergency management during a proclaimed local emergency).

Since this COVID-19 is a health-driven event, the Office of Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management are the lead agencies.

However, The Sheriff’s Department will allocate management resources to garner all available resources better to support them. The Department is Staffing our Operation’s Center 24 hours a day. It will provide a Division Chief for the County Emergency Operations Center to ensure proper management of resources and shared information across the County of Los Angeles.

Sheriff Villanueva added, “It’s not about being scared; it’s about being prepared.”

LASD remains dedicated to working with all County of LA Leaders and Officials to combat and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.