The Los Angeles County Probation Division has introduced that 66 officers have been placed on administrative depart this yr in a sequence of instances that embrace allegations of sexual misconduct and using extreme power.
The announcement was billed as an effort to “regain public belief” in an company roiled by scandal lately amid staffing shortages and the intense scrutiny of its amenities by a state oversight board.
“We’re releasing this data within the spirit of higher 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 supply a secure, nurturing and structured setting for these entrusted to our care,” Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa stated in a ready assertion.
Regardless of the transparency pledge, officers supplied scant particulars about every investigation. However some instances have been well-documented by The Instances.
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 Instances revealed video of the assault and beforehand reported that eight officers had been suspended for failing to intervene in a struggle. 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 beneath investigation by the California lawyer basic, the division stated.
One other 18 officers placed on depart had been accused of sexual misconduct. A spokesperson refused to supply extra data 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 Heart in Commerce that contained intimate texts and pictures between the youth and the officer, the division beforehand stated.
Different instances concerned allegations of kid endangerment or abuse, possession of contraband and negligent supervision, the division stated.
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 stated to Viera Rosa, who was there to report on enhancements he was making to the company.
Instances employees writers Rebecca Ellis and James Queally contributed to this report.
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