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2021 Year in Review Recap of LASD 1024 683 SIB Staff

2021 Year in Review Recap of LASD

Sheriff Alex Villanueva Provides A Year In Review Recap Of LASD, Crime Stats And Department Goals for 2022

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva provided a recap of 2021 during a press conference at the Hall of Justice on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. The Sheriff discussed the topics of crime, jail violence, personnel shortage, accountability, the Public Corruption Unit, accomplishments, homelessness and goals.

In general, violent crime went up, with a two-year increase in homicides by 94% and grand theft auto was up by 59%. Some crime went down due to the pandemic because people were home and businesses were closed.

Jail violence went down steadily for two years, but there was an uptick in 2021 and that was also as a result of the pandemic. Jail population in 2018 was 17,000, it was decompressed to 11,500 to prevent the spread of COVID in the jails, and now it is close to 13,000. The percentage of inmates suffering from diagnosed mental illnesses is up to 36%, and the lack of staffing due to budget cuts, has impacted violence in the jails.

Staffing levels in the department continue to create a challenge in daily operations. Patrol stations are operating at 71%. When deputies are either injured, relieved of duty, light duty, or retire, there is nobody to replace them. Deputies working at the stations have to cover absences and that impacts public safety. Positions continue to be filled in all other Los Angeles County departments, except for the Sheriff’s Department. 

The pandemic also affected the total volume of contact with the community. It decreased from 2.5 million to 2.1 million. However, statistically, the use of force was very small. Use of force involving a fatality was even smaller. Commendations from the public were greater than complaints and that shows the department is making progress.

Accountability is something Sheriff Villanueva takes great pride in. Under his leadership, a total of 949 personnel members have been disciplined, 132 have been discharged for offenses that include use of alcohol, false statements, sexual misconduct, domestic violence and excessive force. In addition, in 2021, Sheriff Villanueva ordered an organizational change in administrative investigations that allows for a concurrent administrative and criminal investigation for specific cases to speed up investigations. Currently, there is one case from 2016, one from 2017, two from 2018, 12 from 2019 (including the Ryan Twyman case), 19 from 2020 and eight deputy-involved shooting cases at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office that are still pending. Sheriff Villanueva expressed his frustration and said such investigations should take 90 days and not six years.

Sheriff Villanueva also discussed the Public Corruption Unit, a unit that has existed for decades but was never formalized. Since its formal inception during his administration, the unit has worked on 24 cases, 10 of them are open investigations, 14 of them are closed, three of them were presented to the DA and six of them have been presented to state and federal agencies. Sheriff Villanueva reiterated that the unit does not investigate individuals, it investigates complaints of criminal conduct.

One of the accomplishments Sheriff Villanueva is very proud of is the Special Alert System for 911 calls involving mental health crises. This program allows families to register a loved one who suffers from any impairment in our system so that deputies know ahead of time and use the best approach on the person involved. 

In 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva will start a pilot program in Men’s Central Jail. On February 1st, the Department will begin testing the use of 50 body-worn cameras inside of the jail. On February 13th, the Department will begin testing the use of the “live streaming” feature of the body-worn cameras in patrol for the benefit of the Mental Evaluation Teams. The Homeless Outreach Services Team will continue to provide help and house homeless individuals especially on tourist destinations like they did on Venice and Olvera Street. He will continue to put dents on illegal cannabis grows. Securement of rail corridors is in his immediate plans. Fighting crime and the safety of residents will continue to be a priority, but he urged the Board of Supervisors to support law enforcement.

Press Conference Video

Press Conference Material

Press Conference Slides – PDF

To view the video of the Ryan Twyman incident which occurred on Thursday, June 6, 2019, visit: https://youtu.be/pDDGCwucfto


To listen to the audio of Supervisor Janice Hahn from the Operations Safety & Customer Experience Committee Meeting, LA Metro -Thursday, November 18, 2021, visit: https://metro.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=2024 and refer to minute 30:31-30:40

Sheriff alex villanueva graphic. portrait of sheriff in tan shirt black tie. Sheriff's uniform, on greeen background with the hall of justice building behind him faded in the back ground.
IMMINENT THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY 1024 249 SIB Staff

IMMINENT THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY

IMMINENT THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY

October 28, 2021

As homicides continued to rise, the Board of Supervisors voted to require all Los Angeles County employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face discipline, up to and including termination. 

The Board’s vaccination mandate is causing a mass exodus within the Department, which is an absolutely absurd result.  I have repeatedly stated the dangers to public safety when 20%-30% of my workforce is no longer available to provide service, and those dangers are quickly becoming a reality.  We are experiencing an increase in unscheduled retirements, worker compensation claims, employees quitting, and a reduction in qualified applicants.  As a result, homicide rates will continue to rise, response times will increase, solve rates will diminish, arrests will decline, patrol services will significantly decline, and patrol stations will close. 

A large part of our workforce who is close to retirement finds it easier to simply retire, than be forced into a decision which should be a personal choice.  Other personnel who were called “heroes” for diligently working in service to the community during the pandemic, while other professions stayed home, have decided to finally get those surgeries they have been putting off for injuries sustained throughout their careers (knees, shoulders, back, etc.). 

This unintended consequence to public safety was predictable.  In the near future, unless something changes, the “defunded” and “de-staffed” Sheriff’s Department will no longer be able to sustain the staffing levels required to maintain public safety at the status quo.

My personnel already wear masks and would submit to routine COVID-19 testing, so termination makes no sense. 

Personally, I am vaccinated and believe the vaccine works, but the choice to receive the vaccine is a personal one, and an individual who served the community tirelessly before there was a vaccine should not now be fired because they made a decision about their own body.

If you have an opinion on this matter, please call the Board of Supervisors and voice it.  With the pandemic diminishing, there is no justification for the Board mandate; it is like putting up the storm windows after the storm has passed. 

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

See my Response letter regarding the matter here.

Voice your concerns with your district supervisor

Name and numbers of the Board of supervisors.
Picture of hand painted sheriff's badge, painted on a white wall in the C R D F Jail. The words above read, "Visiting Center".
Reopening of Jail Visitations at CRDF 1024 683 SIB Staff

Reopening of Jail Visitations at CRDF

Update: LASD has expanded visitation to all facilities starting Saturday, June 5, 2021. More information here.

LASD values the importance of visitation, and its role in family connectedness during this difficult time.

We are excited to announce the phased reopening of jail visitation commencing on Mother’s Day weekend (May 8th and 9th) at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF).

CRDF Detention Facility

All other facilities are expected to reopen by the first week of June. The Department will also be offering free vaccinations on Saturday, May 8th from 9am to 12pm at CRDF.

Visitation Requirements:

• All visits must be scheduled in advanced. There will be no walk-in appointment allowed or scheduled at facilities.
• Visitors will be screened for symptoms, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste. Visitors will be turned away if they have symptoms or are under quarantine or isolation orders.
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance, or they will be asked to leave.
• Only one adult visitor OR one adult with one child will be allowed. If more people show up, the entire visit will be canceled for everyone.
• Visitors subject to a quarantine or isolation order will have their appointment canceled.
• Visitors will have to show proof of a full COVID vaccination i, a negative COVID test within the last three days ii, or proof of previous infection iii. Otherwise, the visit will be canceled.

For more information on visitation requirements, please go to https://sheriff33.lasd.org/covid19updates/#inmate_visit.

150 ARRESTED at Massive Super-Spreader Event 960 768 SIB Staff

150 ARRESTED at Massive Super-Spreader Event

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arrests Over 150 People at a Massive “Super-Spreader” Event in Palmdale  

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced details and results from an operation at a super-spreader event on Saturday, December 5, 2020, in Palmdale. The operation was done with extensive coordination and meticulous planning from various bureaus and units, including the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, Human Trafficking Force, Operation Safe Streets Bureau, Aero Bureau, three patrol squads of the Mobile Field Force Personnel, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department obtained information that a massive underground party would occur at a vacant house in Palmdale. Previous incidents revealed parties like these often involve drugs, prostitution, underage drinking, and violence.  

During the well-executed operation on the 6300 blocks of West Avenue M8, 158 individuals were arrested; 116 of them were adults, and 35 were juveniles. Six firearms were confiscated. Most importantly, a girl that was categorized as a Commercially Sexually Exploited Child was rescued. The event was not only a violation of the Governor’s health order, but it was also criminal in nature. 

Sheriff Villanueva asked local and state politicians to reconsider allowing the restaurant industry to re-open and instead target super-spreader events, which account for most COVID-19 transmissions. 

“We will continue to apply common sense to our enforcement actions and weigh the letter of the law with the spirit of the law. It is my firm belief that this approach is a more efficient and effective means to manage the spread of this potentially deadly virus,” said Sheriff Villanueva. 

Press Conference: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arrests Over 150 People at a Massive “Super-spreader” Event in Palmdale

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arrests Over 150 People at a Massive “Super-Spreader” Event in Palmdale.On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced details and results from an operation at a super-spreader event on Saturday, December 5, 2020, in Palmdale. The operation was done with extensive coordination and meticulous planning from various bureaus and units, including the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, Human Trafficking Force, Operation Safe Streets Bureau, Aero Bureau, three patrol squads of the Mobile Field Force Personnel, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department obtained information that a massive underground party would occur at a vacant house in Palmdale. Previous incidents revealed parties like these often involve drugs, prostitution, underage drinking, and violence. During the well-executed operation on the 6300 blocks of West Avenue M8, 158 individuals were arrested; 116 of them were adults, and 35 were juveniles. Six firearms were confiscated. Most importantly, a girl that was categorized as a Commercially Sexually Exploited Child was rescued. The event was not only a violation of the Governor’s health order, but it was also criminal in nature. Sheriff Villanueva asked local and state politicians to reconsider allowing the restaurant industry to re-open and instead, target super-spreader events, which account for most COVID-19 transmissions. “We will continue to apply common sense to our enforcement actions and weigh the letter of the law with the spirit of the law. It is my firm belief that this approach is a more efficient and effective means to manage the spread of this potentially deadly virus,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday, December 8, 2020
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

Sheriff Villanueva’s Weekly Press Briefing 1024 819 SIB Staff

Sheriff Villanueva’s Weekly Press Briefing

As we continue working together through the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department staff continue striving to keep the public informed through weekly press conferences, and regularly updating statistics and data on our website, found at https://sheriff33.lasd.org/covid19updates/.

During his weekly virtual press conference on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, livestreamed from the Sherman Block Building, Sheriff Alex Villanueva thanked Los Angeles County residents for their efforts to help protect our personnel from potential COVID-19 exposure.  Because of the nature of law enforcement, there is always a risk of coming in contact with someone who is infected.  Advising desk staff during requests for service if anyone at the location is ill or displaying signs of the virus, filing applicable reports online, and wearing personal protective equipment gives deputies the opportunity to be aware of the circumstances, and helps keep them from becoming ill or transferring sickness to others.

Since inception of the current health crisis, a total of 1,697 personnel were affected by COVID-19, of whom 1,152 were sworn and 545 were civilian staff; there were 189 cases of personnel who tested positive for the virus, of whom 138 were sworn and 51 were civilian staff.  Currently, there are 585 personnel quarantined, of whom 433 are sworn and 152 are civilian staff; there are 51 employees identified as high-risk, of whom 14 are sworn and 37 are civilian staff.  On the positive side, there were 1,049 employees returned to work, 694 of them sworn and 355 civilian personnel. 

The Sheriff pointed out the numbers average one employee quarantined out of every 18, some of them being quarantined twice because of the large and constant risk of exposure in the patrol and custody environments.  He praised their work and willingness to return, despite the risks.  “We have this issue,” said the Sheriff, “that we’re going to be continually exposed to the COVID-19 virus, but that doesn’t mean the job stops.  We are going to continue working.”

Sworn, civilian and medical staff worked diligently to keep a lid on COVID-19 inside our jail facilities.  Correctional Health Services medical staff and/or Department of Public Health employees hold the authority to designate an isolation of an inmate or quarantine of a housing area.  There are 5,145 inmates currently quarantined, 252 current inmates who tested positive, and 337 inmates isolated.

Overall, violent crimes are down by 7%, as compared to the same time last year; criminal homicides are up by 7% and rape reporting dropped 30%.  Property crimes fell by 7%, and, since Sunday, March 29, 2020, there were four COVID-19 arrests made and 73 citations issued. 

Yesterday, Tuesday, May 19, 2020, Sheriff Villanueva testified on the introduction of Assembly Bill 2655, known as AB-2655 for short, and the amendment of California Penal Code 1524, or 1524 P.C.  The passing of AB-2655 would create new penal code section 647.9, which would make it misdemeanor-level crime for first responders to capture the image of a deceased person or portion of their body for any purpose, other than official law enforcement business or the welfare of the general public, by means such as a camera or mobile phone.  Whether the device is their personal equipment or it belongs to their employing agency, using it to capture the images with the intent to invade the person’s privacy, would be punishable by a fine not exceeding $5,000 per violation, imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or both. 

The already-existing 1524 P.C. would be amended to reflect authorization of a search warrant to be issued when the property or things to be seized consist of evidence which tend to show a violation of 647.9 P.C. occurred or is occurring.

Lastly, Sheriff Villanueva introduced Mr. Alexander Algar and presented him with the Department’s prestigious and well-deserved Humanitarian Award.  It was on Friday, May 1, 2020, that Alexander helped foil the kidnapping of a six-year-old boy in a Westlake Village Park.  Instead of deciding a situation was not his business or waiting for someone else to do something, Alexander took action when two total strangers needed help right away. 

The hero was enjoying an afternoon in the park when he heard the sound of voices arguing, and saw a man chase a woman and a little boy.  From hearing the yelling and seeing their demeanor, Alexander sensed it was a sinister situation.  The suspect wrenched the little boy out of his mother’s grasp, tucked him under his arm, and walked about 100 feet away with him.  The desperate woman fought against the kidnapper and struggled to get her boy back.  Neighborhood residents yelled for the suspect to let go, but it was Alexander who caused the boy’s release.  Despite the danger to his own safety, Alexander went to the defense of the woman and the little one.  He ran after the fleeing suspect and engaged him in a physical confrontation, in an attempt to gain control of the young victim.  The suspect released the boy and walked away; the neighborhood residents surrounded and detained him until Malibu/Lost Hills Station deputies arrived.  Because of Alexander’s actions, as well as the concerned neighbors, a very thankful woman got to take her son home that day.  Thank you for what you did together to keep our communities safe and safeguard our children!

View this story and watch the press conference below:

Sheriff outlines Challenges in Custody amid COVID 19 931 1024 SIB Staff

Sheriff outlines Challenges in Custody amid COVID 19

Sheriff Villanueva Outlines Challenges in Custody Environment Amid COVID-19

Sheriff Villanueva Outlines Challenges in Custody Environment Amid COVID-19

Since realizing COVID-19 was underway, headed into our lives, facilities, jails, and daily operations, Sheriff Alex Villanueva directed Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employees to take precautionary measures for everyone’s protection, including those in our custody environment.Today, Sheriff Villanueva spoke about a dangerous trend in our jail system: Inmates deliberately trying to catch COVID-19, in hopes of early release. Watch the news conference to see Sheriff Villanueva discuss this new plot, and see inmates pass around protective equipment and cups, all in hopes of catching this disease.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Monday, May 11, 2020

Since realizing COVID-19 was underway, headed into our lives, facilities, jails, and daily operations, Sheriff Alex Villanueva directed Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employees to take precautionary measures for everyone’s protection.
 
Custody is a particularly unique environment in which to take these kinds of measures.  Nevertheless, with a lot of consideration, new protocols, and collaboration with medical staff, we got it done.  On Monday, May 11, 2020, during one of his virtual weekly press conferences conducted at the Sherman Block Building in Monterey Park, Sheriff Alex Villanueva outlined measures used to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our jail system.

Unfortunately, through video surveillance, it was determined a group of inmates at the Pitchess Detention Center-North County Correctional Facility deliberately attempted to infect themselves with COVID-19.  Multiple men were seen sipping from a single bottle of hot water for two reasons:  To falsely elevate their oral temperature moments before having their temperature taken by a nurse, and to spread the potential of infection.  The bottle and a secondary cup of hot water were passed among the men inside of a day room, which is a common area next to a housing area with beds, akin to the living room of a house or apartment. There was plenty of space in which to observe physical distancing, however, the men chose to interact close to each other, making their intentions obvious.  

As a direct result of the behavior seen in the video, 21 men tested positive for COVID-19 within a week.  A gross misunderstanding among the inmate population led many to believe that those diagnosed with COVID-19 may be released, which is untrue.  Current numbers show there were a total of 4,590 inmates quarantined within the Los Angeles County jail system, 317 were isolated. Since the pandemic, we had a total of 222 positives inside the jail, 117 inmates recovered and 18 inmates released from custody after testing positive for COVID-19, but prior to meeting CDC standards for being considered fully recovered.

The Sheriff did everything possible to protect those entrusted to the care of the Department through modifying bail and booking dollar amounts, reducing our inmate population by more than 5,000 bodies, ordering COVID-19 screening at booking areas, having both staff and inmates educated about the dangers and preventative practices, directed custody personnel to implement and conduct quarantine and isolation measures, making personal protective equipment available to everyone inside our facilities, and, on Sunday, May 3, 2020, enacting a new procedure for the testing of COVID-19 for all inmates entering the jail system.  So far, 682 were tested, of which 16 met with positive results.  “We’ve done everything within our power to reduce or prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our jail system,” said Sheriff Villanueva.  

In addition, there were 320 LASD personnel quarantined, in total, comprised of 227 sworn and 93 professional staff throughout the Department. Of those quarantined, 107 tested positive; 71 of them sworn and 36 of them professional staff. Fortunately, 927 employees returned to work, 612 of them sworn, and 315 of them professional staff.  

The Sheriff outlined the decline of violent crimes, in general, by nine percent, with criminal homicides rising seven percent and rape reporting down by 29%. Property crime reduced by seven percent, and since Sunday, March 29, 2020, there were four COVID-19-related arrests and 65 citations.

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
FirstDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov

Mark Ridley-Thomas
Supervisor, Second District
Phone: (213) 974-2222
MarkRidley-Thomas@bos.lacounty.gov

Sheila Kuehl
Supervisor, Third District
Phone: (213) 974-3333
Sheila@bos.lacounty.gov

Janice Hahn
Supervisor, Fourth District
Phone: (213) 974-4444
FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov

Kathryn Barger – CHAIR
Supervisor, Fifth District
Phone: (213) 974-5555
kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov

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

Large sign that reads, : Covid-19 Regional Decontamination Center.
Innovation and Fiscal Responsibility, in the Face of COVID-19 900 643 SIB Staff

Innovation and Fiscal Responsibility, in the Face of COVID-19

Innovation and Fiscal Responsibility, in the Face of COVID-19

During a virtual press conference given Monday, April 27, 2020, Sheriff Alex Villanueva was joined by Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Service; Chief Daryl Osby, Los Angeles County Fire Department; Captain Chris Kovac, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department-Custody Support Services; and Director Wesley Grose, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department-Scientific Services Bureau. 

Sheriff Alex Villanueva Speaking at a podium infront of thousands of masks inside a decontamination Center.

The event was held at the COVID-19 Regional Decontamination Center, located at the first Los Angeles County custody facility built in 1963 specifically for women and named for philanthropist and women’s rights advocate, Sybil Brand.  The Sybil Brand Institute, located in East Los Angeles, was innovative for its time and continues to be so, in contemporary times, as well.

Front of the Regional Decontamination Center. Masks sit infront of a large window, viewable from the courtyard.

Sheriff Villanueva began the conference with a reminder to continue practicing physical distancing protocols, then outlined the reflection of lowered percentages in crime statistics calculated during the COVID-19 quarantine, as compared to last year.

Because medical and public safety personnel often find themselves in positions and situations with a greater potential for exposure to COVID-19, Sheriff Villanueva collaborated with some of our county partners to create a decontamination center, from which they spoke.  Captain Kovac recognized the need for such a place, in light of a world shortage of N95 masks and gowns, and counterfeit products.  He questioned if it were possible to sanitize and reuse the personal protective equipment we already have.  Research identified a process called Hydrogen Peroxide Vaporization, which could make cleaning and reuse of the equipment possible, and extend the life of our inventory, as well as our budget.  “Innovation and fiscal responsibility,” said the Sheriff, is what we must practice.

The four-step cleaning process is conducted inside of a decontamination chamber the size of a small dishwasher.  It dispenses a mist of vaporized hydrogen peroxide over the masks, eliminating 99.9% of all pathogens within a few hours, without removing any of its protective properties.  A system of conditioning, gassing, dwell time, and aeration give new life to used personal protective equipment, with water and oxygen as its only byproducts.

The process was vetted by numerous studies, cited by the Centers for Disease Control, and is in motion within Los Angeles County now.  It will take place around the clock and is expected to sanitize more than 30,000 masks per day.  The LASD will manage the program with our stakeholders and county partners, allowing front line workers across the board to reuse the same N95 mask up to 20 times.

Thousands of facemask haning on racks inside the decontamination center.

With prices for N95 masks fluctuating between $3.75 and $12.74 per piece, the economic impact of extending the value and life of our equipment, as opposed to additional purchasing, will certainly benefit all county agencies across the board, and ultimately save tens of millions of dollars.  Decontamination costs pennies on the dollar, as opposed to the cost of continuously replenishing stock.  For example, the cost of 250,000 masks at $3.75 per piece is $937,000; a $50,000 cost of putting them through 20 decontamination cycles makes their adjusted total purchase cost $987,5000.  In an estimation of five million masks needed to get us through the pandemic, the savings on decontamination versus purchasing five million more new pieces would lead to a $17,762,000 savings.  If the five million pieces went through 50 decontamination cycles, this would lead to a staggering $18,325,000 in savings.

The equipment used in the cleaning process was generously provided by the University of California-Los Angeles.  Their dedication to helping others was articulated in a statement:  “Just as others have supported UCLA’s front-line health care workers, UCLA is pleased to support the Sheriff’s Department in its important effort to establish a decontamination center for N95 masks used by first responders.  UCLA is honored to make available hydrogen peroxide fogging equipment used to clean many of our research labs now idled for safety reasons because of the pandemic. We are all in this together, helping our community in a time of need.  #TeamLA”

Sheriff Villanueva standing inside the center with staff among hanging masks.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “Our medical and public safety personnel place themselves in positions where the potential for catching COVID-19 is greater.  It is our role as public safety leaders to do everything we can to provide our personnel with the equipment they need to do their jobs.  This center will decontaminate masks around the clock.  It is our expectation the center will decontaminate over 30,000 masks per day, ensuring first responders have access to what they need to protect others.”

The Sheriff also addressed the decrease of crime in the county.  Violent crimes in general are down by 11%, criminal homicide by 24%, rape reporting by 33%, property crime by 9%, as well as calls for service.  There were three COVID -19-related arrests and 41 citations issued since Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Personnel, of course, are also part of the communities we serve and reflect the numbers of those physically affected by the COVID-19 crisis.  There were 167 sworn and 83 professional staff quarantined, 61 of whom tested positive for the affliction, and 754 who returned to work.

The inmate population is vulnerable to the daily movement and fluctuations within it, and it is under constant, protective supervision to preserve balance.  The quarantine of inmates is still taking place, always on the side of caution.  Whenever someone is identified as displaying symptoms, the entire dormitory is quarantined.  This may cause numbers to fluctuate, however, it is conducted simply as a preventative measure.  So far, 2,563 inmates were quarantined and 71 were isolated to prevent the perpetuation of disease further, among both population and staff.  Of the 123 who tested positive, 31 are fully recovered.

PRESS CONFERENCE: Sheriff Alex Villanueva Provides LASD Status Update in the Face of COVID-19. 04/27/2020

PRESS CONFERENCE: Sheriff Alex Villanueva Provides LASD Status Update in the Face of COVID-19.04/27/2020

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Monday, April 27, 2020
Woman filling out Police report on a tablet computer
File Police reports online 900 900 SIB Staff

File Police reports online

File Police reports online

In case you did not know, you can file a police report through our website.  The Sheriff’s Online Report Tracking System (SORTS) allows you to file a specific type of crime or incident report.

Once your report is reviewed and accepted, you will receive a free copy of the approved report via email for your records. All cases filed within this system will be reviewed.

If you are a victim of any of these incidents, you can file a police report using SORTS:

  • Lost or stolen cell phones valued $950 or less
  • Lost or stolen property valued $950 or less
  • Vandalism, excluding graffiti, where damage is valued under $400
  • Theft from an unlocked vehicle valued $950 or less
  • Theft from an open or unsecured area valued $950 or less
  • Supplemental Loss Form (Must already have a LASD report number)

Department policy will dictate the level of investigation needed for the incident you report to us. A Deputy Sheriff may need to follow-up by email, telephone, or in person, if the incident requires further investigation.

If you need to file a police report, click on the link File a Report to start the process today.  

In case you did not know, you can file a police report through our website. The Sheriff's Online Report Tracking System…

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Friday, April 24, 2020
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LASD HOST Hand out ppe to homeless community

Today, Leading by Lt. Deedrick, #LASD Homeless Outreach Service Team and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority visited the homeless community in the San Gabriel Valley area to hand out PPE and hygiene kits.

Lt. Deedrick stated that we will educate everyone we encounter the seriousness of the COVID19 virus and how we could do to prevent from getting it. Part of our role, as deputies, is to model compassion and caring for the community. We will make every effort to slow down the spread of the virus.

LASD wants to thank the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles for the donation of the masks.

Today, Leading by Lt. Deedrick, #LASD LASD Homeless Outreach Services Team and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Los Angeles Homeless Services Authorityvisited the homeless community in the San Gabriel Valley area to hand out PPE and hygiene kits. Lt. Deedrick stated that we will educate everyone we encounter the danger of the COVID19 virus and how we could do to prevent from getting it. Part of our role, as deputies, is to model compassion and caring for the community. We will make every effort to #FlattenTheCurve and slow down the spread of the virus. LASD wants to thank the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles for the donation of the masks.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Thursday, April 23, 2020