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Coronavirus Update 800 170 SIB Staff

Coronavirus Update

LASD CUSTODY OPERATIONS WORKING WITH DPH AND CHS TO PREPARE FOR 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

As 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the world and new cases are being reported throughout the United States, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Custody Services Division (LASD) has been working diligently with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services – Correctional Health Services (CHS) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) to prepare.

Although we do not currently have any inmates in our custody who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, LASD and CHS continue to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to assess and monitor inmates in our custody, as well as newly arriving inmates, for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and will arrange for quarantine as necessary. 

If an inmate meets the criteria of a suspected coronavirus patient, the inmate will be placed in isolation and staff will follow proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines. A surgical mask will be placed on the inmate patient who will be isolated in separate housing, away from general population housing.  If that inmate is confirmed to have COVID-19, they will be re-housed in the medical ward of the jail.  Proper PPE procedures for Department members and staff include safety eye goggles, an N-95 mask, disposable gloves, and a disposable gown.

Currently, Inmates who are scheduled to be released from custody will not be impacted; however, if the county jail system begins to see cases of COVID-19 within its housing locations, those housed in quarantined areas will go through a release protocol monitored by the Department of Public Health.  The Department of Public Health will additionally monitor them after their release from custody.  

The Department is working with the Superior Court of California-County of Los Angeles on a plan to minimize the impact on court proceedings for those who are quarantined if such need occurs.  Inmates will still have access to contact their attorneys.

Monitoring and potential quarantine procedures will remain in place until CHS and DPH officials determine it is safe to return to normal operations. 

To identify if your loved one is housed in a quarantined area, please visit the www.sheriff33.lasd.org and schedule a visit with your loved one.  If a pop-up message is displayed that your loved one is in an affected area, he/she is under observation (quarantine) until further notice. 

—— Information about COVID-19 ——

According to the Department of Public Health, COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by a virus.  Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets produced through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact with an infected person, and on rare occasions from infected objects or surfaces.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit:  http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/#

Sheriff’s Statement on Declared Local Health Emergency 680 380 SIB Staff

Sheriff’s Statement on Declared Local Health Emergency

Sheriff’s Statement on Declared Local Health Emergency

LASD Executive Coronavirus Briefing and Planning Meeting

On March 11, 2020, Sheriff Villanueva and the Department's executive team met at the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center to discuss the Department's response to, and plan for, the potential spread of Covid-19 through the County of Los Angeles. The executive team toured the Emergency Operations Center and was briefed by the Department's tactical planning experts which are assigned to the Emergency Operations Bureau. Response readiness plans as well as equipment and resource needs were discussed in an effort to better prepare the Sheriff's Department to respond to any request if needed. Currently the Sheriff's Department is working with the County of Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Health Services, the Correctional Health Services unit, and various other County/City agencies to ensure we are all ready for a county-wide response.To read more, please visit: https://sheriff33.lasd.org/sheriff-statement-corona-virus/ or https://sheriff33.lasd.org/coronavirus-update/, and http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/#

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Earlier today the Board of Supervisors declared a local public health emergency in the County of Los Angeles, in response to the novel coronavirus.  Although this declaration is precautionary, I want to assure the residents of this great county your Sheriff’s Department is prepared to keep residents safe.

The Sheriff’s Operation Center is staffed 24 hours a day with personnel continuously and vigilantly monitoring the needs for resources across Los Angeles County.  Our Emergency Operations Bureau is co-located and in constant communication with the County of Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management to ensure we are ready for a county-wide response, if needed. 

We are collaborating with personnel from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Correctional Health Services unit, to ensure adequate resources are available to respond to any potential outbreak, not only for the public, but for those incarcerated in our jail system, as well. 

I want to assure the public we will do everything in our power to keep our residents safe. But it doesn’t just stop there; I urge you to take precautionary measures, to help ensure your own safety.

The Department of Public Health recommends the following to protect ourselves against respiratory illnesses:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds at a time,with soap and water. Do this especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular, household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve, not your hands.
  • Face masks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and people who are sick.
  • Get immunized to prevent influenza, if you have not already done so this season.

As the Department of Public Health mentioned, please continue to offer welcoming environments for ALL members of our community.  Neither the California State Public Health Department nor Los Angeles County Public Health recommend that any regularly-scheduled events be canceled due to novel corona virus.  There is no community spread of the novel corona virus in the United States at this time, and the risk to the general public remains low. 

2020 Law Enforcement Torch Run benefitting the Special Olympics 1024 768 SIB Staff

2020 Law Enforcement Torch Run benefitting the Special Olympics

We are getting geared up for the 2020 Law Enforcement Torch Run benefitting #SpecialOlympics! It’s an immense awareness fundraiser in #SoCal, championing acceptance, and inclusion. Happy to provide opening remarks to volunteers, Special Olympics Southern California and LASD personnel.” – #SheriffV

Sheriff Speaks to NBC Today Show 1024 614 SIB Staff

Sheriff Speaks to NBC Today Show

“I am devastated and heartbroken by the conduct of those first responders who had the responsibility to protect the dignity and privacy of the victims who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas.” -Sheriff Alex Villanueva

See the attached video link from the NBC Today Show:

Sheriff Alex Villanueva speaks to NBC Today Show

"I am devastated and heartbroken by the conduct of those first responders who had the responsibility to protect the dignity and privacy of the victims who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas." -Sheriff Alex Villanueva See the attached video link from the NBC Today Show:

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Monday, March 2, 2020

L.A. Superhero 5K Run Walk Health & Safety Expo 1024 349 SIB Staff

L.A. Superhero 5K Run Walk Health & Safety Expo

CHECK OUT THIS COOL FINISHERS MEDAL!

It could be yours if you join the Los Angeles Superhero 5K Run Walk Health & Safety Expo in San Dimas, Saturday, April 25, 2020.

We had a blast last year and can’t wait to see you again this year. Don’t forget to bring your family, friends and neighbors for a fun filled day. Costumes are optional.

Get more information and registration details here:
https://runsignup.com/…/SanDim…/LosAngelesSuperhero5KRunWalk

sheriff attends the 1st annual black history celebration 400 286 SIB Staff

sheriff attends the 1st annual black history celebration

On Saturday, February 29, 2020, Sheriff Villanueva visited Agape Church of Los Angeles and the city of Compton to celebrate the Black History Month with the people we serve. He presented awards to the community leaders to appreciate their contributions to public safety and community service.

Through the month of February, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department shared the stories of deputies and personnel who led by examples and to this day made a positive impact to the communities we serve.

We celebrate Black History Monty, also take an opportunity to recognize the hardworking people with their extraordinary achievements, which has galvanized and united us to make our leadership accessible and ultimately more successful.

Captain Tonya P. Edwards 819 1024 SIB Staff

Captain Tonya P. Edwards

Captain Tonya P. Edwards is a 31-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, beginning her career in 1988. After graduating from the Academy, she worked at Sybil Brand Institute (SBI). Nine years of patrol began with training at Firestone Station, and later at Lynwood Station where she worked on bicycle patrol. She helped open Century Station in 1994, and later became a Field Training Officer. She transferred to Industry Station, where she worked patrol, Youth Activities League (YAL), and C.O.P.S. She left patrol in 1999 and worked as a Gang Enforcement Team (GET) deputy at Safe Streets Bureau, then she spent the next four years as a detective at Narcotics Bureau. In 2005, she promoted to sergeant and worked Custody at PDC – North/South. She transferred to Patrol at Norwalk Station and was later assigned to Safe Streets Bureau – OSS Detectives, where she was part of the Monrovia/Duarte Gang Task Force, and also worked as an OSS Detective at Compton and Carson Stations.


In 2010, she was promoted to lieutenant and worked watch commander at Men’s Central Jail, then Crescenta Valley/Altadena, and San Dimas Stations. She also worked at Century Station Patrol in Operations and at Custody Support Services (CSS) as the Division Compliance Lieutenant, then at Men’s Central Jail in Operations, and as an Executive Aide to the Custody Division Assistant Sheriff, Mr. Robert J. Olmsted and Bruce D. Chase.


In 2016, during Captain Edwards’ assignment at CSS, she was given the Custody Training Officer (CTO) and Probationary Employee training project, which sought bonus status and a 5.5% pay increase for custody training personnel. She also oversaw the revamp of the entire Custody Division training curriculum for newly assigned deputies, including the approval of a new database to assist with the probationary employees and their training.


Captain Edwards holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Long Beach State University in Occupational Studies, and a Master’s Degree from National University in Public Administration, and she is certified fluent in Spanish.


Captain Edwards will participate in the 2020 Police Unity Tour in Washington DC, and also enjoys snow skiing and weight lifting. Thank you for your years of dedication to our Department. #blackhistorymonth

LASD Department Statement 150 150 SIB Staff

LASD Department Statement

The Sheriff’s Department is aware of recent media reports alleging deputies shared images from the January 26th, 2020 helicopter crash, which tragically claimed the lives of nine people. The facts surrounding these allegations are currently under investigation, as are the effectiveness of existing policies and procedures. The Sheriff is deeply disturbed at the thought deputies could allegedly engage in such an insensitive act. A thorough investigation will be conducted by the Department, with the number one priority of protecting the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families.

-Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

The 4th Immigrant Community Leadership Summit 1024 768 SIB Staff

The 4th Immigrant Community Leadership Summit

Today marked the 4th Immigrant Community Leadership Summit, a joint partnership between the GRULAC consulates and law enforcement in Los Angeles.

Hosted jointly by Ambassador Marcela Celorio and Marcia Loureiro of the Consulates of Mexico and Brazil, respectively, the discussion topics were 1) the abuse of opioids and 2) recovery strategies following natural disasters.  Both topics are of importance to consular officers as their constituents live and travel through Los Angeles. 

The summit brought together Consuls General of Latin American Consulates with experts from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD)—including Sheriff Alex Villanueva.  

    Over the course of the morning, attendees heard presentations from the FBI and DEA on opioids.  Renowned seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones followed up with an informative session on earthquakes, damage mitigation, and the need for community resilience after a large disaster.

    On the topic of opioids, Sheriff Villanueva was clear in his message, advising that parents must learn to recognize the symptoms of opioid abuse, and to watch for those habits in their children.  He added that the Department diligently investigates dealers and practitioners suspected of over-prescribing opioids.  LASD subject matter experts from Narcotics Bureau contributed information on how the Department works with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to stop pharmacies operating illicitly.  The mission of the LASD Narcotics Bureau is to investigate and enforce the law as it pertains to the use, possession, sale, manufacturing, and transportation of controlled substances.

    Personnel from LASD’s Emergency Operations Bureau also participated in the roundtable discussion, and helpfully contributed the County of Los Angeles “Emergency Survival Guide,” which can also be downloaded in multiple languages: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/emergency-survival-guide/

    Though the topics discussed were very diverse, the summit will surely lead to future discussions on how consulates and law enforcement must work together for the benefit of all LA County residents. 

    In fact, as the event wrapped up, Sheriff Villanueva announced that LASD is slated to host the 5th edition of the Immigrant Community Leadership Summit later this year.      

    Sheriff Villanueva Hosts Monthly Media Briefing Event 1024 819 SIB Staff

    Sheriff Villanueva Hosts Monthly Media Briefing Event

    Sheriff Villanueva Hosts Monthly Media Briefing Event

    Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s monthly media briefing took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at the Hall of Justice.  He began by thanking representatives from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF), Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas (COFEM), and One Stop Immigration, for joining him at the conference.   

    The Sheriff began the conference by reminding everyone that one of his campaign promises was to remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from County jails, and he has followed through.  Last year, ICE transfers were lowered by 52% and serious crime decreased by 7%.  “These numbers show that SB-54 and similar laws have not led to an increase in violent crime,” said the Sheriff.

    Recently, the White House announced the deployment of SWAT-style agents to sanctuary cities like Los Angeles to enforce immigration laws. Sheriff Villanueva stated that such a move was unnecessary and it would only drive an already vulnerable population deeper into the shadows. He reiterated that, “As Sheriff of Los Angeles County, I’m responsible for everyone’s public safety, regardless of immigration status.”

    Before closing the event, Sheriff Villanueva reminded everyone about the importance of participating in the 2020 Census and clarified that the census itself is not related to immigration enforcement.  Again, he thanked the advocacy groups for reaching and educating all members of the community so that they can be counted. Every person in the United States must be counted regardless of their status.    

    Prepared by:

    Alba Ibarra

    Sheriff’s Information Bureau

    211 West Temple Street,

    Los Angeles, CA  90012

    213-229-1850

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    “If You See Something, Say Something”

    LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

    Alex Villanueva, Sheriff

    Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department