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Sheriff Alex Villanueva

Sheriff Comments BOS Motion 57H 680 380 SIB Staff

Sheriff Comments BOS Motion 57H

SHERIFF’S COMMENTS – BOS Motion 57-H

10/27/2020

Good Morning and thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share my voice with you and the community.

Regarding this motion, I can agree with two things; accountability and transparency are of the utmost importance. The facts show, I have been more transparent, more accountable, and have offered greater access to the members of our communities than any prior LA County Sheriff.

As you recall, SB 1421 now requires police agencies across the state to release documents that were once considered confidential. As a result, these requests have skyrocketed and the previous administration did not leave any infrastructure in place to meet the avalanche of requests. We requested funding for required compliance staffing and software on six separate occasions from the previous CEO, but were denied each time. Providing this funding will greatly increase the speed and efficiency of these requests.

Transparency and accountability do not come cheap, they are expensive. This is why I have fought so hard regarding budgetary issues. My vision for changing the organizational culture is much more difficult when we are forced to eliminate non-essential positions due to a lack of funding.

The vast majority of problems which have been raised regarding transparency and accountability can be easily solved with a new Memorandum of Agreement between the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of the Inspector General. I whole-heartedly commit to work with you in good faith to achieve this goal.

I request the Board direct the Inspector General to report back on all of the deputy involved shootings that he has participated in since 2014, at the inception of his office. His office has been in each walk-through with the homicide investigators. They’ve attended each Critical Incident Review. Every single Executive Force Review Committee. And, have received the entire deputy involved shooting packet that is provided to the Justice System Integrity Division of the District Attorney’s office. But we have never ever heard back from the Inspector General on a single one of these incidents. Which is important for us, because in case we’re doing something wrong, we need a different perspective, how we can improve, either our service to the community or the quality of our investigations, and to date, we have never received that. All that being said, we are a County family and when there is collaboration we can do great things. Case in point… Body Worn Cameras!

Before the Board votes on this motion, I urge each supervisor to meet with me privately. Let’s set aside the past and work out our differences. This is what good leaders do in trying times like these, because elected office is not about our own likes and dislikes, it is about the people we were elected to serve. I look forward to finding common ground we can all stand together on in the interest of public safety and fiscal responsibility.

Thank you for your time.

Truth about LASD 680 380 SIB Staff

Truth about LASD

THE TRUTH ABOUT LASD
October 16, 2020

On December 3, 2018, I was sworn into office on a promise to Reform, Rebuild, and Restore the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  After twenty-two months, one pandemic, civil unrest, and an unsupportive political establishment, I can report that we have done exactly that: reform a massive operation where previous sheriffs failed.

ICE has been removed from the jails, patrol stations, and courthouses.  There is a permanent moratorium on all transfers of undocumented inmates to ICE custody.  Federal SCAAP grant funds, previously taken in exchange for selling out the undocumented inmate database, have been summarily rejected.  These milestones alone set me apart from my predecessors, but we didn’t stop there.

Body-worn cameras are now here to stay.  We created a financially feasible program, lobbied hard for its funding, and are now deploying the cameras in the field.  This was my commitment during the campaign and a cornerstone of the LASD’s transparency promise, which now puts all legally permissible information directly in the hands of the community.  The department’s website, sheriff33.lasd.org, now has all information previously hidden from the public’s view, including data on deputy-involved shootings, discipline, conditions of confinement in the jail system, and the impact of COVID-19, along with the entire organization’s rules and regulations.

In a bold departure from past practice, all deputy-involved shootings are thoroughly debriefed and made public at the earliest possible stage of the investigation, including video and physical evidence.  Even during these tragic events, the department reaches out and engages the families involved, along with local civic and religious leaders.  In an effort to ensure the department is a reflection of the community, I banned all out of state recruitment, focusing instead on recruiting and hiring from our own communities.

My efforts at diversity did not end at the entry-level, that was just the beginning.  We’ve redone the entire process to select station commanders, giving civic leaders a major role in the selection process.   All deputies are now required to serve a minimum of four years in their first patrol assignment before being eligible to promote or transfer, cementing my commitment to community policing and changing the culture of the LASD from an enforcement model to an engagement model.  This is a major shift in law enforcement thinking, where the old warrior mindset is now giving way to a focus on community engagement and collaborative problem-solving.

The LASD’s good ole’ boys network is officially DEAD.  I promoted the first two Latinas to the position of Assistant Sheriff and had both serving at the same time.  There are now four female division chiefs, another first, and for the first time in the history of the department, the leadership ranks are now a truly accurate reflection of the rich diversity of our community.  In 2019 alone, I hired over 1,100 deputy sheriff trainees, a huge turnaround for a recruitment and hiring effort that was dead in the water under my predecessor’s administration.  On January 1, 2021, the minimum education standard to apply to become a deputy sheriff will be raised to an Associate’s Degree, the first time this standard has ever been raised.

Before the pandemic struck in March, we took the initiative in February and started a deliberate effort to decompress the nation’s largest jail system.  Working in collaboration with all the criminal justice partners, we released five thousand inmates over the span of the next three months, and in the process established a template for the entire nation to follow.  As a direct result of our aggressive efforts in fighting the COVID-19 threat, we saw only a handful of fatalities and a small positivity rate, all the more remarkable considering the sheer size of our system.

The issue of deputy cliques has long befuddled my predecessors, with reports of misconduct by members of these subgroups stretching back fifty years.  As the first and only sheriff to hold employees accountable for participating in these harmful groups, I implemented a policy that bans their formation and participation in activities that harm the public or their fellow employees.  After transferring dozens of employees, I completed both criminal and administrative investigations that led to the suspension or termination of twenty-six department members.  To date, 68 employees have been terminated, and another 60 internal criminal investigations have resulted in 15 employees being charged by the District Attorney’s Office, based on our own investigations – accountability at its core.

There have been unprecedented challenges, from the tragedy of the helicopter crash that took the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others in Calabasas.  I created a new policy that protects the dignity of the deceased at crash sites, and sponsored AB 2655, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom last month.  This legislation makes it a crime to take photos of the deceased from accident sites without an authorized purpose. 

We have experienced the tragic Saugus High School shooting, several controversial deputy-involved shootings, and the horrific ambush of our two deputies at the Compton Pax, which captured the attention of the nation due to the heroic efforts of our deputies in overcoming adversity.  In all of these challenges, we rose to the occasion as a team.

The civil unrest that followed the senseless murder of George Floyd resulted in widespread arson, looting, and vandalism across Los Angeles County, but damage was conspicuously absent from all areas patrolled by deputy sheriffs.  This was not by chance.  While protecting the rights of peaceful protestors to assemble and march, we were able to identify and detain those who were using the protests as a cover for riotous actions.

In closing, I will say to those members of the political establishment who wish to lead the charge and demand my resignation, let’s start working together to build a brighter future for all.  To that end, I will continue to maintain laser-focused on serving the community and would love to be joined by the Board of Supervisors in better serving our communities.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COC CALLS FOR SHERIFF RESIGNATION 800 170 SIB Staff

COC CALLS FOR SHERIFF RESIGNATION

COC CALLS FOR SHERIFF’S RESIGNATION… AGAIN!

OCTOBER 15, 2020

Sheriff Villanueva has lawfully responded to all subpoenas from the COC, and has just recently met with the COC Chair to discuss building a better working relationship. A LASD captain, and a subject matter expert when requested, has attended every COC meeting. This meritless politically motivated attack is unsupported by real facts and remains a shameless repeat of the same spectacle played out on September 17, 2020. Despite this political theater, Sheriff Villanueva will continue being the most accessible and transparent sheriff in the history of Los Angeles County.

MAX HUNTSMAN OMITS THE FACTS ONCE AGAIN 680 380 SIB Staff

MAX HUNTSMAN OMITS THE FACTS ONCE AGAIN

MAX HUNTSMAN OMITS THE FACTS ONCE AGAIN

October 5, 2020

Today, I learned of the latest Office of Inspector General (OIG) report.  Conspicuously absent from the report is the fact the OIG had multiple opportunities to address the “Banditos” issue during the four years under my predecessor but chose to remain silent.  This is because his job as a political appointee is to do whatever the Board instructs him to do.  Mr. Huntsman now claims the past is the present, while willfully omitting all of the progress which has been made.  His actions are purely politically driven and an attempt to undermine the reputation of the Department.

The report alleges investigators did not conduct a thorough investigation into the Kennedy Hall deputy on deputy fight.  This is false.  Both criminal and administrative investigations were conducted where investigators interviewed over 70 involved parties and witnesses in the case.  In addition, this case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) for their review and their office concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The facts are that immediately after taking office, I relieved the East Los Angeles Station captain of his command, overhauled the entire leadership of the station, and transferred 36 personnel.  In February of 2020, I became the first and only sheriff to successfully implement a policy specifically addressing employee groups which violate the rights of other employees or members of the public.

On August 13, 2020, at the conclusion of the Kennedy Hall fight between deputies investigation, I held a press conference to publish the results of the investigation for the public.  Twenty-six deputies involved in that early morning fight were either suspended or terminated.  As has become his pattern, Mr. Huntsman seems to have once again intentionally omitted facts which do not further his political agenda. 

Please view our August 13, 2020, press conference: 

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff Announces arrest in Compton Ambush 1024 683 SIB Staff

Sheriff Announces arrest in Compton Ambush

Sheriff Villanueva Announces Arrest of Suspect in Compton Deputy Ambush

Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference today, Wednesday, September 30, 2020, to announce the arrest of the suspect who deliberately attempted to kill two deputies in an ambush-style shooting, while they sat in their patrol car. 

Sheriff Villanueva noted the cowardly act was followed with bystanders celebrating and cheering the despicable act.  He relayed how he saw the worst in humanity when a crowd made its way to the hospital and chanted for the deputies to die while they fought for their lives.  In juxtaposition, he saw the best of humanity when the entire Sheriff’s Department worked together to bring justice to the deputies.  The outpouring of support from the community, the nation, both presidential candidates, people from all walks of life, including children, was a source of support, not only for the injured deputies, but for all law enforcement personnel.

Homicide Bureau unit commander, Captain Kent Wegener, gave a summary of the ambush and events which led to the arrest of the suspect.  The shooting occurred Saturday evening, September 12, 2020, north of the Metro Blue Line Station, located at 101 East Palmer Street, in Compton, as two deputies sat in a marked patrol car. The suspect surreptitiously approached the passenger side of the patrol car and fired multiple rounds through the open window.  Both deputies suffered gunshot wounds to their heads and extremities. The suspect fled the scene in a black sedan, and a monetary reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

Through review of video and witness statements, investigators determined the armed suspect drove from the scene of the attack in a black Mercedes Benz.  In the following hours, investigators learned that on September 1, 2020 -eleven days prior to the attempted murder of the deputies- a carjacking occurred on Bradfield Avenue, in Compton.  The suspect shot the carjacking victim in the leg with a high-powered rifle and stole a black Mercedes Benz. The suspect was a male Black adult.  The carjacking case was investigated and an arrest warrant was obtained for Deonte Lee Murray, 36, of Compton.

On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 11:30 A.M., units from the Major Crimes Bureau – Surveillance Apprehension Team located the suspect and attempted to stop him in a vehicle.  The suspect fled in a 2006 Toyota Solara and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.  During the pursuit, the suspect threw a pistol from his car, which was recovered and held as evidence.  The pursuit lasted until the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot near the 3100 block of Carlin Avenue in Lynwood. 

Around 9:50 P.M., the suspect was located, hiding in the bushes; he was detained and arrested for the carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon warrant.  The stolen Mercedes Benz was recovered a short distance from the containment and impounded as evidence.

In the days following, a forensic firearms report was published by the crime laboratory, which compared ballistic evidence from the scene of the ambush to the pistol discarded by the suspect during the pursuit.  It was determined through ballistic comparison that the pistol recovered was the same gun used to shoot the deputies.  The gun in evidence was a .40 caliber, 80% non-serialized pistol, loaded with eight rounds, five rounds short of its 12-round capacity. The number of missing rounds coincides with the five rounds fired at deputies during the ambush attack.  Murray has a criminal history to include multiple felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Dozens of video clips were collected, and witnesses are still being identified and interviewed.  As a part of the interviews, photographic lineups may be conducted, involving the suspect’s image.  In consideration of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid any compromise of the case, photographs of the suspect are not yet being released to the public.  Investigators believe Murray acted alone in the attempted murder of the deputies and are not looking for any other suspects at this time.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that, earlier this morning, her office charged Murray with two felony counts of Willful, Deliberate and Premeditated Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer.  Murray also faces charges of Attempted Murder, Carjacking, Robbery, and Assault in relation to the carjacking.  If convicted as charged, he faces life in state prison.  His bail was set at $6,155,000.   

Press Conference: Sheriff Villanueva to Provide Update on Compton Ambush Shooting Investigation

Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, to announce the arrest of the suspect who deliberately attempted to kill two deputies in an ambush-style shooting, while they sat in their patrol car. Sheriff Villanueva noted the cowardly act was followed with bystanders celebrating and cheering the despicable act. He relayed how he saw the worst in humanity when a crowd made its way to the hospital and chanted for the deputies to die while they fought for their lives. In juxtaposition, he saw the best of humanity when the entire Sheriff’s Department worked together to bring justice to the deputies. The outpouring of support from the community, the nation, both presidential candidates, people from all walks of life, including children, was a source of support, not only for the injured deputies, but for all law enforcement personnel.Homicide Bureau unit commander, Captain Kent Wegener, gave a summary of the ambush and events which led to the arrest of the suspect. The shooting occurred Saturday evening, September 12, 2020, north of the Metro Blue Line Station, located at 101 East Palmer Street, in Compton, as two deputies sat in a marked patrol car. The suspect surreptitiously approached the passenger side of the patrol car and fired multiple rounds through the open window. Both deputies suffered gunshot wounds to their heads and extremities. The suspect fled the scene in a black sedan, and a monetary reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.Through review of video and witness statements, investigators determined the armed suspect drove from the scene of the attack in a black Mercedes Benz. In the following hours, investigators learned that on September 1, 2020 -eleven days prior to the attempted murder of the deputies- a carjacking occurred on Bradfield Avenue, in Compton. The suspect shot the carjacking victim in the leg with a high-powered rifle and stole a black Mercedes Benz. The suspect was a male Black adult. The carjacking case was investigated and an arrest warrant was obtained for Deonte Lee Murray, 36, of Compton.On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 11:30 A.M., units from the Major Crimes Bureau – Surveillance Apprehension Team located the suspect and attempted to stop him in a vehicle. The suspect fled in a 2006 Toyota Solara and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, the suspect threw a pistol from his car, which was recovered and held as evidence. The pursuit lasted until the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot near the 3100 block of Carlin Avenue in Lynwood. Around 9:50 P.M., the suspect was located, hiding in the bushes; he was detained and arrested for the carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon warrant. The stolen Mercedes Benz was recovered a short distance from the containment and impounded as evidence.In the days following, a forensic firearms report was published by the crime laboratory, which compared ballistic evidence from the scene of the ambush to the pistol discarded by the suspect during the pursuit. It was determined through ballistic comparison that the pistol recovered was the same gun used to shoot the deputies. The gun in evidence was a .40 caliber, 80% non-serialized pistol, loaded with eight rounds, five rounds short of its 12-round capacity. The number of missing rounds coincides with the five rounds fired at deputies during the ambush attack. Murray has a criminal history to include multiple felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Dozens of video clips were collected, and witnesses are still being identified and interviewed. As a part of the interviews, photographic lineups may be conducted, involving the suspect’s image. In consideration of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid any compromise of the case, photographs of the suspect are not yet being released to the public. Investigators believe Murray acted alone in the attempted murder of the deputies and are not looking for any other suspects at this time.Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that, earlier this morning, her office charged Murray with two felony counts of Willful, Deliberate and Premeditated Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer. Murray also faces charges of Attempted Murder, Carjacking, Robbery, and Assault in relation to the carjacking. If convicted as charged, he faces life in state prison. His bail was set at $6,155,000.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday, September 30, 2020

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
RESPONSE TO THE COC MOTION CALLING FOR SHERIFF VILLANUEVA’S RESIGNATION 800 170 SIB Staff

RESPONSE TO THE COC MOTION CALLING FOR SHERIFF VILLANUEVA’S RESIGNATION

RESPONSE TO THE COC MOTION CALLING FOR SHERIFF ALEX VILLANUEVA’S RESIGNATION

September 17, 2020

The Sheriff’s Department received word that several members of the Civilian Oversight Commission are calling for the resignation of the sheriff, who is an elected public servant.  The fact this motion is even being considered, particularly when two members of our department are recovering from a life-threatening ambush, is morally repugnant and emblematic of the political animosity of the politically-appointed commission.

It is becoming painfully obvious this commission is acting in retaliation against the sheriff for his efforts in investigating potential criminal conduct from county officials and for challenging the legality of subpoenaing the sheriff himself versus the LASD.  The sheriff will remain focused on serving the residents of Los Angeles County as he leads the department in investigating the ambush, overseeing the response to the Bobcat Fire evacuations, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic’s impact to the jail system. 

WAS THE CEO GIVEN A $1.5M GOLDEN HANDSHAKE 680 380 SIB Staff

WAS THE CEO GIVEN A $1.5M GOLDEN HANDSHAKE

WAS THE CEO GIVEN A $1.5M GOLDEN HANDSHAKE?
August 27, 2020

On August 26, 2020, I became aware of a demand letter written on behalf of County of Los Angeles CEO, Sachi Hamai, by her attorney Skip Miller (who also represents the Board of Supervisors in multiple ongoing matters). The anonymous letter outlined a proposed settlement in the amount of $1.5 million to be paid to Sachi Hamai upon her departure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The reason for the settlement was described as “combat pay” resulting from a valid and legitimate policy disagreement during a department head conference call with more than 40 other people listening. As described, this act constituted the appearance of a possible “gift of public funds.” This, compounded with the optics of corruption created from the process allegedly occurring behind closed doors and outside of the public eye, compelled me to immediately forward the information to the appropriate oversight entities.


Every taxpayer in Los Angeles County should be infuriated upon hearing the CEO is getting $1.5M handed to her and demand the following questions be answered:


• How is it not a conflict of interest for County contract attorney Skip Miller to have represented both the CEO and the Board in the same transaction?
•Was an initial complaint ever filed by the CEO putting the Board on notice of this alleged “hostile work environment?” Were the proper channels followed for reporting and investigation? What was the outcome of the investigation?
•Was an actual “Claim for Damages” ever filled by the CEO?
•Was an actual lawsuit ever filed by the CEO?
•Over the last 30 years, how many $1.5M+ settlements were awarded by the Board, based on an unproven allegation and zero litigation or Court action?
•Some would describe this as a backdoor way to give someone a “golden handshake” after they leave their position. Has this ever happened for other similar allegations? What proof exists to justify $1.5M?
•In addition to the $1.5M, the CEO has also demanded to receive full-time security for the next few years; how much will this cost taxpayers and what does that entail?


This news comes during a time when the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other County Departments are facing major budget cuts that will result in huge layoffs.


I have vocally opposed the CEO’s actions because she has underfunded our budget, defunded our Department, and is presently recommending the layoff of 745 public safety employees. Yet I am rejecting the CEO’s plan, as I know there are other options which do not result in layoffs. As Sheriff, I was elected to fight for what is right, not for what is politically favorable.


Our Department is currently dealing with managing a catastrophic budget reduction and may face future layoffs. This is being done while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, fires throughout LA County, an increased murder rate, and on-going civil unrest.


Settling CEO Hamai’s allegations without a legitimate inquiry, bypassing standard procedure, gives the appearance of an illegal gift of public funds. A possible gift for someone who last year earned $684,704 in salary and benefits. A possible gift for someone whose early retirement is occurring far before the optimal retirement age.


The County should have allowed CEO Hamai’s case to run its course in a court of law, in order for the public to have learned about the facts of the case, just like they have in the past and will continue to do so in the future.


This appears to be a gross mismanagement of tax payer dollars during a pandemic where millions of Southern Californians are struggling to pay their rent, keep their healthcare insurance, maintain a job, and more importantly survive the COVID-19 pandemic. We should be working together to find ways to better serve the citizens of Los Angeles County and not allowing cuts to law enforcement that will damage the service and security to the citizens for years to come.


Sheriff Alex Villanueva


Sheriff Announces Permanent Ban on ICE Transfers 680 380 SIB Staff

Sheriff Announces Permanent Ban on ICE Transfers

Sheriff Announces Permanent Ban on ICE Transfers

There is no greater threat to public safety than a million undocumented immigrants who are afraid to report crime, out of fear of deportation and having their families torn apart. As the Sheriff of Los Angeles County, I am responsible for everyone’s public safety, regardless of immigration status. I will not allow an entire segment of the population to be afraid to report crimes to law enforcement and be forced, again, back into the shadows.

On April 24, 2020, I placed a moratorium on transfers of qualified inmates from the nation’s largest jail system to ICE during the COVID-19 pandemic. After learning of the pending litigation regarding the conditions in the Adelanto/ICE detention facility and allegations of similar conditions at other ICE facilities, the moratorium will now be permanent and we will no longer transfer individuals to the custody of ICE based solely on a civil immigration detainer. In so doing, we have created a bright line between federal immigration enforcement and local law enforcement in the most populous County in the nation.

This permanent ban was preceded by my categorical rejection of the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) grant that essentially sold our undocumented inmate data base information for federal funds. This morally indefensible program netted $122 million dollars for Los Angeles County from 2005 to 2018, at the expense of our immigrant community.

We will encourage ICE to use the constitutionally sound judicial warrant system, used by all other law enforcement agencies in the nation, to effect legal transfers from Los Angeles County to federal custody. The Sheriff’s Department will also continue its work with the District Attorney’s Office by providing the required assurances requested by ICE to ensure that those who have fled to other countries to avoid prosecution will return and stand trial. Violent criminals who prey on our law-abiding communities should be held fully accountable.

LA County Sheriff Zero Tolerance Policy On Deputy Cliques 1024 683 SIB Staff

LA County Sheriff Zero Tolerance Policy On Deputy Cliques

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva Announces A Zero Tolerance Policy On Deputy Cliques/Subgroups Engaging In Misconduct

On August 13, 2020, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva announces 26 department employees will receive letters of intent to suspend or terminate as a result of their involvement in a fight between deputies that occurred in September of 2018 at Kennedy Hall in East Los Angeles.  Following that incident, allegations arose about a deputy clique within the Department at the East Los Angeles patrol station of a subgroup known as the “Bandidos.”  

Sheriff Villanueva re-emphasized his zero-tolerance stance on this very important issue for both the Department and the community.  For the first time in the Department’s history and at the direction of Sheriff Alex Villanueva, LASD has implemented a policy that addresses misconduct by cliques and subgroups, allowing the Department to take administrative action against employees who engage in this type of behavior.  

LASD Chief Matthew Burson, who oversees Professional Standards Division, announced the Department’s newly enacted deputy clique policy that holds deputies to a higher standard as it relates to misconduct by deputy cliques and/or subgroups.  Chief Burson explained that if a deputy violated department policy the corrective actions will range from suspensions to termination of employment.

Finally, Commander April Tardy, who oversees LASD’s Central Patrol Division, outlined the administrative investigation process and how these numerous investigations are also reviewed by outside agencies including the District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Inspector General.

Sheriff Villanueva said, “After 20 months in office, we have taken the legal and procedural steps necessary to ensure that we are holding our employees accountable to the rule of law, as I will not tolerate any group of employees who mistreats any member of the community or another member of the Department.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff discusses Developments Andres Guardado Investigation 1024 683 SIB Staff

Sheriff discusses Developments Andres Guardado Investigation

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Commander Chris Marks Provides Update on the Andres Guardado Investigation

Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference today, Wednesday, August 12, 2020, to announce the latest developments surrounding the death of Andres Guardado. He offered the Guardado family his condolences, and, as a father, he sympathized with the family’s pain.  From the beginning of the investigation, Sheriff Villanueva assured the Guardado family and the public a thorough, transparent, and objective investigation, no matter how long it would take.

After Sheriff Villanueva made opening remarks, Detective Division Commander Chris Marks, who oversees Homicide Bureau, began a detailed briefing surrounding the shooting incident involving Andres Guardado.  He separated the briefing into three areas: a review and update of the criminal investigation of the deputy-involved shooting; information of a parallel investigation regarding a gang-related shooting that occurred on June 7, 2020, at the same location; and a review of reported incidents at the 420 W. Redondo Beach Blvd, Unincorporated Gardena. Commander Marks specified that the second and third incident briefings were not linked to the Guardado investigation, but they were provided to allow a better understanding of the overall investigation. 

Update regarding the Deputy-Involved Shooting of Andres Guardado
Commander Marks provided an update on the deputy-involved shooting involving Suspect Andres Guardado.  On Thursday, June 18, 2020, at approximately 5:52 P.M., two Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to Compton Station observed Mr. Andres Guardado, standing in front of 420 West Redondo Beach Blvd, in the unincorporated area of Gardena, Los Angeles County.


Suspect Guardado was seen speaking to occupants in a white Lexus sedan parked in front of the driveway at the location. Guardado reportedly looked toward the Deputies who were approaching in a marked patrol car.  At some point, Guardado was seen in possession of a handgun and ran southbound down the driveway of the business at the location. The two deputies went in foot pursuit and caught up to Suspect Guardado at the rear of the business, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. Video surveillance footage from across the street of Suspect Guardado running from deputies was shown at the news conference. 


Guardado was struck five times in the upper torso and was pronounced deceased at the scene. It has been reported that Guardado was employed or acting as a security guard at the location; however, to this date, no person interviewed has admitted to hiring Guardado as a security guard.  In addition, he was not yet 21 years old, which would have made him unable to be legally employed as an armed security guard. 


The firearm recovered from the scene was submitted for forensic testing. Preliminary reports show Suspect Guardado’s DNA was obtained from the pistol’s trigger, trigger guard, and magazine.  

No video of the Deputy involved shooting has been located.  Cameras had been at the location.  However, they were seized as evidence and a forensic review was conducted.  No video of the deputy-involved shooting was found on the cameras.  


Assault with a Deadly Weapon Incident – June 7th, 2020.
Commander Marks continued with the news conference providing additional information regarding an assault with a deadly weapon call for service at the same location.
  
On June 7, 2020, Deputies responded to the same location regarding a gunshot victim. A search warrant was served that day, and investigators observed numerous bottles of Nitrous Oxide Gas, commonly referred to as “NOZ.” They also found a significant amount of methamphetamine and a shotgun. A DVR connected to security cameras was seized during the warrant service.

Review of the DVR and the videos showed people lined up on the driveway holding large metal/plastic bottles, possibly waiting to be filled with “NOZ”. After the shooting, numerous people can be seen running from the location, some still holding these gas bottles. Investigators are trying to identify the people from the videos and are asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Department.

Photographs of the “NOZ” tanks and surveillance video obtained from the DVR were shown during the news conference.

Because the DVR connected to the cameras was removed, there was no video of the Guardado shooting recorded.   


Additional Information regarding the location
Commander Marks finished the news briefing with information surrounding numerous incidents related to the location at 420 West Redondo Beach Blvd, in the unincorporated area of Gardena, that have been documented over the past years. Since January 1, 2015, there were 23 calls for service. Calls include 10 Disturbance calls, 2 Burglary calls, 2 Battery calls, and 2 Vandalism calls. In addition, a gang-related murder occurred on November 2, 2018. 
 

Both the deputy-involved shooting and the assault with a deadly weapon investigations are ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying individuals who might have information. 

Videos and photographs used during the conference can be accessed here: https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AgN3WeZCes%2DIHfI&id=744A9D7D66C0F5EA%2116985&cid=744A9D7D66C0F5EA