As a result, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau (SVB) kicked off its annual Child Abuse Awareness Fundraising Drive on April 1st, the “999 For Kids” Program. Each Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Station or Unit is responsible for its own fundraising efforts. The proceeds collected go toward the program and is used to benefit children under the supervision of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Specialized Medical Placement and Deaf Services Units. These children are victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect, and/or domestic violence.
The men and women of Special Victims Bureau are committed to partnering with the community they serve. The primary hope is to protect the children of abuse. Special Victims Bureau shares a strong partnership with the community. The Bureau has a long history of involvement with public and private organizations. In the public arena, SVB works in concert with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, the Department of Mental Health, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, just to name a few.
SVB shares exceptional relationships with Stuart House (Santa Monica), the Rape Treatment Center (Santa Monica), internet service providers, Crime Survivors, Crime Stoppers, Project Sister, and several Children Advocacy Centers in Los Angeles County. It is through these committed partnerships that SVB has been able to increase their outreach to the communities we serve.
Endangering the health and welfare of a child, neglecting basic needs, physically assaulting, or sexually molesting a child are considered child abuse. If you see or suspect child abuse, call your local Sheriff’s Station or police department or the Department of Children and Family Services Child Protection Hotline 800-540-4000 (toll-free within California).
REMOVING THE SHERIFF BY ANY MEANS NECESSARYhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sheriff_Statment_Header_2021-1024x249.jpg1024249SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
OPTIONS FOR REMOVING THE SHERIFF… BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, INCLUDING ABUSE OF THE SUBPOENA PROCESS AND POLITICAL THEATER
April 4, 2022
On October 27, 2020, a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who has since been indicted on 20 counts of public corruption, ordered County Counsel, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Civilian Oversight Commission (COC), and “justice advocates” to pursue:
Options for removing or impeaching the Los Angeles County Sheriff, including any necessary changes to the County Charter or County Code.
Legislative changes required to authorize an appointed Sheriff, including the path and timeline required to amend the California Constitution and Los Angeles County Charter as needed.
Legislative changes required to potentially remove certain existing responsibilities of the Sheriff, such as municipal law enforcement services and court services, as well as the authority of the County Board of Supervisors to appoint a County Sheriff.
Any other mitigation measures that could be taken to curtail the Sheriff’s resistance to transparency, accountability, and the faithful performance of duties for the benefit of the residents of the County.
Since then, every move these entities have made involving the Sheriff’s Department has been part of a coordinated effort to achieve this goal. Today, the Court ruled on one of these coordinated efforts which has been weaponized regarding subpoena appearances. There are still many unanswered questions, and we will appeal this decision to the Court of Appeal.
It is important to realize the OIG and the COC receive regular updates as to their information requests and have received thousands upon thousands of documents to inform them regarding oversight. These subpoenas are political theater and if successful, I will be the first elected official subjected to this heavy-handed abuse of power, in the State of California. I seek a remedy in the appellate court to establish a fair process going forward where the rules and standards are clear for all sheriffs and Boards of Supervisors throughout the state in dealing with the new transparency laws should they find themselves in similar disagreement.
I remain committed to transparency and accountability, but under a process which is constitutionally sound, and not a political weapon to attack others, so I will appeal this to the court of appeal and await the outcome. In the meantime, I will be happy to engage in another public discussion on the issues, if the true motive is informing the public.
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach services Team Awardshttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HOST-Luncheon-1024x576.jpg1024576SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LASD Homeless outreach services Team and collaborators Receive Awards
On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) hosted a luncheon to recognize the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), and organizations that have partnered with them to make a difference in the homeless crisis in Los Angeles.
HOST received the Department’s Exemplary Service Award for their extraordinary efforts to assist individuals during the 2021 homeless crisis. Law enforcement personnel are often the first contact with those experiencing homelessness. HOST was created to exemplify the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts to combat homelessness and preserve public safety. The LASD HOST’s mission is to positively impact the homeless crisis in the county, while increasing public safety and preserving the rights and dignity of persons experiencing homelessness. Lieutenant Deedrick, your extraordinary leadership, commitment, and hard work are truly worthy of recognition!
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was presented with the LASD Humanitarian Award for their partnership as a co-response team with HOST. Since 2017, LAHSA has built and maintained strong working relationships with the homeless community. They connected this vulnerable population with services, while effectively improving the health and safety of our streets. Thank you to every member of LAHSA for your extraordinary efforts and dedication to make a difference in the homeless community of Los Angeles.
Ron Hooks, West Coast Care’s Executive Director, received the LASD Humanitarian Award for his outstanding efforts and dedication as part of the LASD HOST. West Coast’s mission is the reunification of homeless individuals with their families and close friends. They contact estranged family members or friends and act as mediators between them and the person living outside. They also provide bus tickets, car repairs, and other travel resources needed to get the person safely back home. Ron, you embody the true spirit of humanity and you’re an example to us all.
Jason Schneidman, founder of the Men’s Groomer Foundation, was also presented with the LASD Humanitarian Award for his devotion to the LASD HOST mission of addressing the homeless crisis with compassion and dignity. Jason strongly believes a haircut can change a person’s appearance, instill confidence, and allow them to reach for opportunities when they thought life had passed them by. Jason has found that those struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction are the ones he can help most. He can connect with them because he has been there himself.
Venice, CA, has always been a special place to Jason. June of 2021, he partnered with the HOST to address the homeless encampment at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. On multiple occasions, Jason brought volunteer barbers and held large-scale events to serve those who were homeless on the Venice Boardwalk and make a difference, “one haircut at a time.” Jason also sponsors individuals so they can enter rehabilitation programs to overcome their addiction.
Jason’s compassion, selflessness, and humbleness are simply admirable. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is honored to count on you in our mission to positively impact the homeless crisis in Los Angeles.
Three deputies from the LASD HOST were presented with the LASD Lifesaving Award. On September 23, 2021, while conducting outreach services at a homeless encampment, deputies from the LASD HOST observed an unconscious male. They quickly rendered assistance to him, assessed the severity of his medical situation and determined he was suffering from a narcotic overdose. They immediately administered NARCAN and monitored him until paramedics arrived. Their quick actions were essential in saving his life, and LASD recognizes the deputies’ heroism.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team will continue to provide help and house homeless individuals. If you would like to join this effort, please contact Lieutenant Deedrick by emailing him at [email protected].
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team Awards
Sheriff Villanueva discusses recent allegations of an alleged cover-up involving Department personnelhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/i-B2sHfH5-X4-1024x576.jpg1024576SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff Villanueva discussES the recent allegations of an alleged cover-up involving Department personnel
On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to discuss a series of events that occurred in recent days.
Sheriff Villanueva stated that on March 21, 2022, the Inspector General, Max Huntsman, announced that he had identified 41 deputies who allegedly belong to a “law enforcement gang” within the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The information had been known for approximately a year, yet it was decided that a good time to report it was before election time.
Following the announcement of the Inspector General, The Los Angeles Times published an article with the same year-old information. Subsequently, on March 24, the Civilian Oversight Commission, who was appointed by the Board of Supervisors, decided to launch a full-scale investigation into deputy gangs. Again, the Los Angeles Times reported that the civilian commission launched an independent investigation into “deputy gangs.”
Yet, more articles from Gustavo Arellano from the Los Angeles Times were published on March 24 and 25 with incendiary headlines such as: “Villanueva’s beef with firefighters, the L.A. Times, Gascón, ‘Latinx’, and more.” “L.A. County’s Sheriff has a strange obsession with how much media coverage Black people get.” “L.A. County’s Sheriff leans on his Latino identity. Does he exemplify our worst traits?” “Gustavo talks with Sheriff Villanueva: desmadre happens.”
On March 25, 2022, the L.A. Times published yet another article titled: “Fearing bad publicity, LASD covered up case of deputy who knelt on an inmate’s head.” It appears that the author of the article had the information for quite some time, and they were waiting for the right time to release it. Sheriff Villanueva shared that the author of the article sent a series of questions, but the article was published less than an hour after his office received the questions and gave the Department no time to answer them. The article included false information. The only accurate component of the article was an investigation on the use of force.
Lastly, on March 28, 2022, Spectrum News, who has an exclusive licensing cable with L.A. County by the Board of Supervisors, reported that the Oversight Commission launched a probe into deputy gangs within LASD.
Sheriff Villanueva discussed an incident that happened on March 10, 2021, at the San Fernando Courthouse in which a deputy knelt on an inmate’s head for approximately three minutes. A use of force investigation was initiated approximately during the time when it should have been investigated. However, a vetting of the case for a possible criminal investigation did not happen when it was supposed to have happened. Along the way, many people including senior executives saw the video and failed to act accordingly. The investigator reached a point where nothing else could be done except refer it for a criminal investigation, which required the approval of a division Chief. On November 18, 2021, Sheriff Villanueva was made aware of the incident and immediately ordered a criminal investigation into the deputy, who was relieved of duty. The department is waiting on the results of both the administrative and criminal investigations.
The Los Angeles Times claimed that Sheriff Villanueva saw the video shortly after it happened and that’s when an internal investigation was conducted by the Sheriff’s Chief of Staff. “My Chief of Staff reviewed information from the administrative investigation going all the way back to the start and came up with information that was very troubling to me. We took administrative action, and based on that, we’ve had a change in our senior command of the department,” said Sheriff Villanueva.
When he was asked by a reporter why the original incident wasn’t made public at the time, Sheriff Villanueva said it didn’t merit media coverage because no one involved was seriously injured.
Sheriff Villanueva concluded the press conference by stating that “we hold everyone accountable to the rule of law and to the policies of the Sheriff’s Department and I’m not going to sway regardless of who it is.”
COC announces another investigation in to Deputy Gangshttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sheriff_Statment_Header_2021-1024x249.jpg1024249SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Today, the Civilian Oversight Commission (COC) announced it was launching a “Full-Scale Investigation into Deputy Gangs.” The problem with their announcement is the COC and Office of the Inspector General (OIG) already launched that investigation, almost three-years ago. In all that time, not one deputy “gang member” has been identified.Then in October 2020, the Board of Supervisors (Board) voted (3-2) to explore “Options for Removing the Sheriff… or strip him of authority.”
The same Board who appointed both the OIG and COC (although former Board member Mark Ridley-Thomas has since been replaced and is now federally indicted for 20-counts of Public Corruption).Almost 6,000 pages were provided to the OIG on this subject almost a year ago, and LASD.org has an entire webpage dedicated to this topic. There is nothing new. Not ONE of my personnel has been named by the Board, OIG, or COC as violating 13670 PC, yet almost all continue to lie to the public and create a “straw man” argument, based on bias not facts or the law. There are no facts to present, just a “fishing expedition” and political theater.
The law clearly states, “”Law enforcement gang” means a group of peace officers within a law enforcement agency who may identify themselves by a name and may be associated with an identifying symbol, including, but not limited to, matching tattoos, and who engage in a pattern of on-duty behavior that intentionally violates the law or fundamental principles of professional policing” must exist. As I have previously stated, “I openly challenge every elected leader, or their appointees, to provide facts to me and name individuals who they can prove are “gang members,” as defined by California Penal Code section 13670” (a law I sponsored and was based on existing LASD policy). Not one elected official, or their political appointees, have provided me even one name.
I await whatever new FACTUAL information they can provide. I can see this for what it is, the weaponization of government in order to influence the outcome of an election, nothing more.
Help us Solve The Murder of Lentrail Hickshttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_8885-1024x768.jpeg1024768SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Detectives and Family Members Seek Help from the Public to Solve The Murder of LeNtrail Hicks; Detectives Announce $20K Reward
On Thursday, March 24, 2022, Homicide Bureau Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department held a press conference to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Lentrail Hicks. The reward was sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.
Shortly before noon on November 7, 2020, deputies from the Century Sheriff Station responded to a call at a residence in the area of 66th Street and Compton Avenue, in the Florence-Firestone area of Los Angeles County. Upon arriving at the location, they located Victim Lentrail Hicks suffering from a single stab wound to his abdomen. At that time, Hicks was unable to give deputies any information that would assist them to identify or locate the suspect(s). He was also unable to provide the location of the incident.
On Monday, November 9, 2020, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Investigators were notified that Victim Lentrail Hicks had died from the injuries he sustained on November 7, 2020.
Upon obtaining and viewing surveillance footage, Investigators observed an incident involving three male Hispanics walking southbound on the west sidewalk of Compton Ave. The male Hispanics included a young boy, approximately 10 to 12 years of age, a male approximately 18 years old wearing all black clothing; and a male approximately 35 years old wearing a black t-shirt with a large white logo on the front, khaki-colored pants and had a ball cap in his hands. The victim, wearing a white t-shirt, dark colored pants, and a ball cap, walked northbound on the west sidewalk of Compton Ave. The Hispanics and the victim crossed paths on the northwest corner of 68th St. and Compton Ave. It appeared there were words exchanged, but no physical altercation. The victim continued walking northbound on Compton Ave, possibly entering a local business on the block. The group of Hispanic males continued walking southbound on the west sidewalk of Compton Ave. and out of view. The entire contact took approximately 30 seconds.
Approximately two minutes later, Investigators observed the victim enter the camera view on the west sidewalk of Compton Ave, near the businesses in the 6700 block of Compton Ave. The victim looks southbound but starts walking northbound. All of a sudden, a dark colored Prius is seen driving at a high-rate speed northbound Compton Ave in the southbound lanes. The Prius stops in the number 2 southbound lane, just north of 68th Street, parallel to the victim. A male Hispanic, wearing the same black t-shirt with a large white logo on the front and khaki-colored pants from the earlier confrontation with the victim, exited the front passenger door of the Prius. He walked straight to the victim and began a physical altercation with him on the sidewalk. It appeared the driver also exited the Prius and confronted the victim. The altercation spilled out into the lanes of traffic. The two male Hispanics appear to be assaulting the victim, and at one point, the victim attempts to protect himself by kicking at them. During the altercation, the Hispanic male in khaki pants can be seen making a stabbing motion toward the victim. The victim stops and looks down at his shirt. The second Hispanic male takes a large swing at the victim, who avoids contact by spinning around. Suddenly, the three males stop fighting. The two male Hispanics get back into the Prius, while the victim is seen walking northbound. The Prius makes a u-turn on Compton Ave, then drives west on 68th Street at a high-rate speed and out of view.
According to the Victim’s mother, Paula Stringer, when Lentrail got home he yelled to her to call 911 because he had just been stabbed. Ms. Stringer called 911 and paramedics performed first aid and lifesaving measures and transported him to St. Francis Medical Center for further treatment. Despite advanced life-saving measures, Victim Hicks ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
“I’m not angry, I’m more hurt than anything. My anger has passed. My son was a lovely father, a devoted brother, a loving son, and he did not deserve this. Whatever was going on out there, please come forward and let us know that Lentrail’s death won’t go in vain,” said Lentrail’s mom.
If you have information about Lentrail’s murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.
On Monday, March 21, 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department held the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Pitchess Detention Center (PDC) Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (EVOC), located at 29310 The Old Road, Castaic, California. Sheriff Alex Villanueva was responsible for cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of the training facility.
On Tuesday, February 4, 2020, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved funding for the PDC-EVOC project. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works was responsible for construction of the project and utilized the design-build-contracting method to save time and money. The project was delivered three months ahead of schedule and on budget.
The project consists of a vehicle driving/training track, skid pan, new modular office/locker rooms, collision avoidance and pursuit track, track appurtenances, paved parking area, bioswales and landscaping. The project also involved relocation of Southern California Edison power lines and various facility power poles. The overall site area for the PDC-EVOC training area encompasses approximately 44.5 acres.
In addition to the new training facility, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) will continue operating the EVOC at the Pomona Fairgrounds. LASD has used the Pomona Fairgrounds property for more than 35 years to provide training in emergency vehicle operations to deputy sheriff trainees and police officers enrolled in LASD’s Academy, in addition to ongoing POST mandated emergency vehicle operations training for sworn personnel.
The current arrangement between LASD and the Pomona Fairplex Association requires the EVOC office to cease operations for approximately two to three months per year for major events, such as the LA County Fair, swap meets, drag races, etc. With the new facility at PDC, these disruptions to the EVOC training schedule will no longer be a challenge.
Sheriff Villanueva thanked the Board of Supervisors for making the project a reality and he also thanked everyone involved in the project who made today’s event possible.
Defunding has consequenceshttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/i-qW2w76B-X2-1024x683.jpg1024683SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Wednesday, March 9, 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to discuss the severe impacts of the department’s staff shortages and defunding amid a consistent rise in crime.
Sheriff Villanueva began the press conference by stating that throughout the Los Angeles County’s history, there was an agreement that public safety was a priority for the Board of Supervisors, but over the last couple of years, that has changed drastically.
Currently, there are 783 sworn vacancies in the department and the number is expected to grow to over 927 by April 1st due to personnel retiring. Deputies, Sergeants and Lieutenants are critical positions that staff patrol stations, courts and jail facilities. They’re first responders that maintain and improve public safety. Patrol stations are operating with as low as 70% of deputy personnel when 100% is needed. In other words, the 70% has to work overtime to cover the 100%.
The County budget has continued to steadily rise, but the Sheriff’s budget has not had the same relative growth. During 2018-2019, 11.85% of the County’s total budget was devoted to the Sheriff’s Department. Now it’s shrunk to 8.9% and falling. Net County cost continues to rise, but the Sheriff’s is decreasing. Sheriff Villanueva showed a graph to compare Net County Costs (NCC) of counties surrounding LA County; Riverside County is 38% of NCC, Orange County is 25%, Ventura County 32%, San Bernardino 22% and LA County 16%.
In 2019, the department had a total of 12 academy classes where 1100 Deputy Sheriff Trainees were hired, but the Board of Supervisors cut academy classes to 7 in 2020 and down again to 3 in 2021. It takes a minimum of 8 classes to maintain the staffing levels of the department.
Firearms-related arrests have almost doubled from 2017 to 2021, and in half of those arrests ghost guns were seized. “Every arrest we make is one less crime that’s going to occur. One less homicide, one less assault with a deadly weapon, one less robbery,” said Sheriff Villanueva.
A graph that separated murders by supervisorial districts showed the highest murder rate in Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s district. Ironically, Mitchell has said that she does not want any money going to the Sheriff’s Department.
The Scientific Services Bureau (Crime Lab) lost 22 positions during the October 2020 curtailment. As a result, there is a 4,200 firearm and ballistic submission backlog, there is a 3-month backlog for toxicology, and the homicide and evidence collection has increased significantly.
Amongst the many consequences of the defunding of the department are deputies working multiple shifts. Deputies used to only be allowed to work 12 days in a row, but now the number has increased to 30 days in a row because the department simply does not have the personnel to meet its needs.
Sheriff Villanueva did not shy away from stating that the Board of Supervisors is acting on retribution and political motives without legal or moral justification for doing so. Their motives are affecting the Sheriff’s Department and are taking away vital law enforcement services from everyone. Their actions are hurting and will continue to hurt public safety.
The Sheriff Discussed the Board of Supervisor’s Failed Act to Provide Counsel and a Pending Civil Claim which BWC Video will Dispute
On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to discuss the Board of Supervisor’s retaliatory act of failing to provide legal counsel regarding pending litigation with Fulgent Genetics, as well as a pending civil claim of harassment which Body Worn Camera video will dispute.
In his opening statement, Sheriff Villanueva talked about the pending litigation against Fulgent Genetics, in which he was wrongfully accused of making false claims about Fulgent. Sheriff Villanueva released an audio recording that took place on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. The caller identified himself as an agent with the FBI assigned to the Los Angeles Office. He expressed needing to speak to the Sheriff regarding an urgent matter that was time sensitive.
Following the audio clip, an email was published which confirmed a meeting would be taking place at the FBI Los Angeles main office specifically regarding “Fulgent Genetics Laboratory.” That email followed the initial phone call and was dated Wednesday, November 24, 2021.
In response to the meeting Sheriff Villanueva attended, in which he was notified of the concerns of Los Angeles County using Fulgent Genetics as a source for COVID testing of their employees, Sheriff Villanueva ultimately decided to stop using their system for LASD employees.
In retaliation for being sued for false claims against Fulgent Genetics, Sheriff Villanueva was denied legal defense by Los Angeles County Counsel. A portion of the letter he received in which he was denied legal counsel was released to the public.
In addition to the Fulgent Genetics subject being discussed, Sheriff Villanueva expressed his concern about the way the Board of Supervisors have highly supported the belief that families of those who have been involved in fatal deputy-involved shootings, are constantly intimidated and harassed by the very same deputies who shot them.
In closing, body worn camera footage was shown to help provide some clarity on a current civil harassment claim that was filed earlier this year. The claim indicated Deputies from East Los Angeles Station encountered and confronted the family of Paul Rea, who was shot by Deputies in East Los Angeles in June 2019, on purpose and taunted them. The footage clearly showed the Deputies did not harass any member of the public during the “so-called” confrontation, and the allegations made against the deputies are baseless.
Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force AnnouncesArrests and Rescues by California Law EnforcementDuring Operation Reclaim and Rebuild
During a press conference on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced details and results from the seventh annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild enforcement operation, conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force and more than 80 participating federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and task forces from across California. The week-long, statewide effort aimed at combatting human trafficking took place between Sunday, February 6, and Saturday, February 12, 2022, and was conducted in various mediums and met with positive results.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva was joined by executives and representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office, Santa Ana Police Department, United States Attorney’s Office, Saving Innocence, Zoe International and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
Operation Reclaim and Rebuild focused on rescuing victims of sexual slavery and human trafficking, providing victims with much-needed services, identifying and arresting their captors, seeking successful prosecutions, and disrupting the demand for vulnerable victims by targeting their customers. Police agencies and other trafficking task forces throughout our state joined in the enforcement operation to send the clear message that California law enforcement shares a unified mandate: Human trafficking must not be tolerated in our state!
In preparation for the event, an operational planning meeting took place in Los Angeles, with over 200 federal, state and municipal law enforcement detectives from all over California in attendance. Investigators focused enforcement operations wherever the trafficking of human beings took place, from confronting the reality of sidewalk prostitution by conducting demand operations, to challenging the virtual reality of the cyber world where traffickers believe they can operate anonymously using the internet.
The internet furnishes a vast variety of opportunities for traffickers, but with the experience of specially-trained cyber detectives who posed as vulnerable teenagers and interacted with suspects on social media, traffickers and customers who were anxious to exploit found their plans foiled.
Victims encountered during enforcement efforts were cared for by personnel from various Department of Children and Family Services Agencies and victim service providers in each county. In Los Angeles County, South Los Angeles Anti-Trafficking Committee, comprised of Saving Innocence, Zoe International, Journey Out and many other local service providers coordinated the emergency services response for victim care and collaborated with similar, non-governmental victim service organizations throughout the state.
Operation Reclaim and Rebuild was widely successful in its endeavor with 65 adult and 7 minor victims being recovered; 182 males arrested for the charge of Solicitation; and 30 suspected traffickers and exploiters were arrested. In total, 413 arrests were made.
Sheriff Villanueva relayed the mission, efforts and results of Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, he gave a firm direction to the Victims, he reiterated, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and our partners stand with each victim of this heinous crime. You are the focus of this endeavor. We are here for you. We are here to help you reclaim your freedom from the binds of sex trafficking, and to provide you the support and tools to rebuildyour lives.”
To the traffickers and solicitors: “We will not tolerate the enslavement and trafficking of others in any form. We will seek you out and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.
To the Johns: “Purchasing commercial sex is illegal and buying sex adds to the exploitation of those involved.”
The Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, which oversaw the coordinated effort, defined the undertaking, “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild is a state-wide operation which displays the mutual commitment of California law enforcement, social service agencies, and victim service providers in the fight to end sex trafficking. The L.A. Regional Human Trafficking Task Force is an example of how individual entities can be far more effective, when they join together in a shared mission. Today, 7 children have been rescued from their exploiters and 65 women have been connected with the services necessary to rebuild their lives, free from exploitation.”
The Executive Director, Alan Smyth from “Saving Innocence” challenged the media by stating “Human Trafficking happens all year long, every day. The big sporting event just left town but you know what? We haven’t left town and we are going to be here every single day in combating this incredible, brutal crime that has been perpetrated on our most vulnerable. So the biggest mistake we can make would be turning off our cameras and not writing anymore articles because somehow we think human trafficking is gone because the Super Bowl is not here anymore. I want to stand before you and tell you, it has not gone away.”
“From top to bottom, California is committed to the fight against human trafficking,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “We’re working all across the state to hold accountable those who use force, fraud, or coercion to exploit people for labor or sex, and provide services to those they victimize. Our teams — whether in San Diego, Fresno, or Sacramento — are on the ground day-in and day-out to secure justice, and protect and help heal those who are abused and exploited. We’re proud to continue to support our partners through Operation Reclaim and Rebuild. Together, we’re helping build safer communities for all.”
The following agencies and task forces participated:
L.A. Regional Human Trafficking Task Force
Operation Reclaim & Rebuild
2022 Participants
Human Trafficking Task Forces
Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force
Concord Police Department
Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Contra Costa County Probation Department
Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff
El Cerrito Police Department
FBI Safe Streets (Contra Costa County)
Homeland Security Investigations
Lafayette Police Department
Martinez Police Department
Pittsburg Police Department
Richmond Police Department
San Pablo Police Department
San Ramon Police Department
Walnut Creek Police Department
Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force
California Attorney General
California Highway Patrol
Federal Bureau of Investigations
Homeland Security Investigations
Inglewood Police Department
LA County District Attorney’s Office
LA County Probation Department
LA County Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles Airport Police
United States Attorney’s Office
Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force
Anaheim Police Department
California Highway Patrol
Irvine Police Department
Orange County District Attorney’s Office
Orange County Sheriff’s Department
Santa Ana Police Department
Placer Special Operation Unit
Lincoln Police Department
Placer County Sheriff’s Office
Rocklin Police Department
Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force
Homeland Security Investigations
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Riverside Police Department
San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force
California Highway Patrol
California State Parole
Homeland Security Investigations
San Bernardino County Probation Department
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
California Department of Justice – Attorney General’s Office
California Highway Patrol
Federal Bureau of Investigations
Homeland Security Investigations
National City Police Department
San Diego City Attorney’s Office
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego County Probation Department
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Police Department
United States Attorney’s Office
San Luis Obispo County Human Trafficking Task Force
California Department of Justice
California Highway Patrol – Coastal Division
Federal Bureau of Investigations
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office
San Luis Obispo County Probation Department
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office
San Luis Obispo Police Department
Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force
Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department
Santa Barbara Police Department
Santa Maria Police Department
Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force
California Department of Justice, Fresno SPAT Unit
Tulare County District Attorney’s Office
Tulare County Sheriff’s Department
Tulare Police Department
Visalia Police Department
Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force
California State University Channel Islands
Homeland Security Investigations
Simi Valley Police Department
Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
Agencies
Brentwood Police Department**
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole)
Chula Vista Police Department
Costa Mesa Police Department
Fresno Police Department
Huntington Beach Police Department
Laguna Beach Police Department
Long Beach Police Department
Merced Police Department
Modesto Police Department
Napa County Sheriff’s Department
Oakdale Police Department
Pittsburg Police Department**
Pomona Police Department
Sacramento Police Department
San Francisco Police Department
Santa Ana Police Department**
Solano County Sheriff’s Department
Stanislaus County Probation Department
Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department
Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office
Suisun City Police Department
Turlock Police Department
Vacaville Police Department
Vallejo Police Department
**Agency participated with task force and independently
