The Los Angeles County Probation Division has introduced that 66 officers have been placed on administrative depart this yr in a collection of instances that embody allegations of sexual misconduct and the usage of extreme drive.
The announcement was billed as an effort to “regain public belief” in an company roiled by scandal in recent times amid staffing shortages and the intense scrutiny of its amenities by a state oversight board.
“We’re releasing this info within the spirit of larger transparency and to guarantee our stakeholders — particularly the households of youths in our juvenile amenities — that we’ll not tolerate something that impedes our mission to offer a secure, nurturing and structured atmosphere for these entrusted to our care,” Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa mentioned in a ready assertion.
Regardless of the transparency pledge, officers provided scant particulars about every investigation. However some instances have been well-documented by The Occasions.
In a single, youths took turns beating a 17-year-old inside Los Padrinos Juvenile Corridor in Downey whereas officers stood by, some apparently laughing and shaking palms with the assailants in the course of the assault.
The Occasions revealed video of the assault and beforehand reported that eight officers had been suspended for failing to intervene in a combat. Video of the incident raised questions on whether or not the assault was orchestrated.
The instances associated to youth-on-youth violence — which incorporates the Los Padrinos case — are below investigation by the California legal professional common, the division mentioned.
One other 18 officers placed on depart had been accused of sexual misconduct. A spokesperson refused to offer extra info Tuesday about these instances.
In March, a probation officer was arrested on suspicion of sexual misconduct involving a minor who was being held in a juvenile facility. Investigators discovered a cellphone from a youth in custody on the Dorothy Kirby Middle in Commerce that contained intimate texts and photographs between the youth and the officer, the division beforehand mentioned.
Different instances concerned allegations of kid endangerment or abuse, possession of contraband and negligent supervision, the division mentioned.
Los Angeles County supervisors at their Tuesday board assembly appeared happy with Viera Rosa’s efforts to root out problematic officers.
“That I’m sure sends a message … to all workers that we imply enterprise,” Supervisor Hilda Solis mentioned to Viera Rosa, who was there to report on enhancements he was making to the company.
Occasions employees writers Rebecca Ellis and James Queally contributed to this report.
