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Transparency SB 1421 – Update 600 128 SIB Staff

Transparency SB 1421 – Update

Transparency via SB 1421: Update

Effective January 1, 2019, Senate Bill 1421, the Right to Know Act, went into effect.

This CA bill essentially made public previously confidential records about law enforcement officers involved in shootings or other serious uses of force, as well as those who committed sexual assaults or acts of dishonesty. 

As this law went into effect, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) had very little infrastructure in place to prepare for the onslaught of Public Records Act (PRA) requests that were to come.  As the requests began to pour in, Sheriff Villanueva had been in office for one month and was left with no infrastructure to handle this massive undertaking.  The Sheriff understands the value of transparency and accountability, to that end, the LASD requested funding for personnel, and tracking and redaction software, but was denied multiple times.

As a temporary fix to meet the law’s requirements, Sheriff Villanueva temporarily re-assigned personnel in an effort to meet the demand and instructed LASD’s Data Systems Bureau to create software to move forward at a faster pace.

We are thankful that In November of 2020, the CEO provided funding for the software which is currently in the procurement stage.

Since January 1, 2019, LASD has received 3,725 SB-1421 requests, and Sheriff Villanueva is proud to announce we have managed to fulfill 3,593 of those requests to date.  Given the extraordinary amount of meticulous tracking and legally mandated redacting necessary for every document requested, it is a huge feat that LASD has nearly accomplished the enormous number of SB-1421 requests.  Also noteworthy, LASD currently has 335 SB-1421 cases PUBLICLY posted on www.lasd.org under a new digital page titled “LASD Transparency.”  As new records are released to the requestor, they will be continued to be posted online to that page.  Finally, only those cases that are still being investigated and/or involve civil litigation, cannot be publicly released.

LASD, being the largest Sheriff’s Department in the nation, is the recipient of probably the highest number of PRA requests given the sheer size of our Department and the 10 million residents we serve.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Continues Enforcement of Super-Spreader Events in LA County  1024 497 SIB Staff

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Continues Enforcement of Super-Spreader Events in LA County 

On Saturday, December 19, 2020, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) continued enforcement of the Los Angeles County health orders to address underground party events.  The driving concern was the fact these incidents violated the Los Angeles County Health Officer Orders regarding COVID protocols, also known as a “Super Spreader Event.”

We monitored parties across Los Angeles County and the following resources were deployed:

  • Sheriff’s Response Team
  • Human Trafficking Taskforce
  • Operation Safe Streets Bureau
  • Fraud and Cyber Crime Bureau
  • Aero Bureau

At approximately 1045 pm, Department members responded to an underground party event in the 400 block of South Hewitt Avenue, Los Angeles.  Just prior to our arrival, a shooting incident occurred within the party and two persons were shot.  One of the victims was pronounced deceased.   The incident occurred in Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) jurisdiction, and LAPD personnel responded to handle the investigation, while LASD personnel assisted with crowd control and crime scene containment.

At approximately 1230 am, Department personnel responded to another underground party at the 1900 block of East Rosecrans Avenue, Compton.  Announcements were made and the location was secured.  The results of the operation include the following:

  • 67 Arrests
    • 60 Adult, Misdemeanors (cite out)
    • 6 Juvenile, Misdemeanors (cite out)
    • 1 Possession of a firearm (Adult)
  • One firearm was recovered (adult arrest)
  • Evidence of illegal NOS usage

A third underground party in the 3600 block of Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, was monitored for a possible Department enforcement mission; however, a shooting at the location resulted in the event being shut down by LAPD personnel.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva has made it clear he will seek out and take law enforcement action against all underground party events occurring anywhere within Los Angeles County, who fall under the Health Orders of the County’s Department of Public Health.  The goal of these enforcement actions is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the risk to our vulnerable populations.  We thank the Board of Supervisors for their commitment to resource COVID-19 enforcement action (Amendment to Motion S-1, December 8, 2020)

Photo Link of 12/19/2020 Incident
https://www.lasdvideos.org/mediaportal/super-spreader-enforcement/

Homicide Det & Family Members Ask for the Public’s Help to solve Murder of Luis Paul Rivera 819 1024 SIB Staff

Homicide Det & Family Members Ask for the Public’s Help to solve Murder of Luis Paul Rivera

Detectives and family members are asking for the public’s help for any information that will lead them to those responsible for the murder of 40-year-old victim Luis Paul Rivera, known as Paul by family and friends.

Paul was a single father of two teenagers and on Monday, July 1, 2019, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Paul was making lunch for his daughter and went to his garage to get hot dog buns from a refrigerator and that’s where he was shot and killed, in his own home. Detectives showed pictures of two vehicles involved in the murder: a black Chevrolet SUV and a red Lincoln SUV. The case is considered a gang murder even though Paul was not a gang member. Paul was a truck driver who was on the final process to be hired as a long shore man. A gang murder occurred the night before on the 15400 block of Temple Ave. in the City of La Puente, and it is believed that Rivera’s murder was in retaliation, but the murderers simply got the wrong house. Paul was a true innocent victim.

The victim’s mother made an emotional plea to find those who murdered her son. “Every day I talk to him in the garage because that’s the last place he had life. I want justice for my son’s death,” said Paul’s mother, Connie Rivera.

Anyone with information about the murder of Luis Paul Rivera is encouraged to call Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

LASD ACADEMY Class 453 DEDICATES COLORS RUN TO OFFICER ANTHONY DIA 985 658 SIB Staff

LASD ACADEMY Class 453 DEDICATES COLORS RUN TO OFFICER ANTHONY DIA

On Monday, October 26, 2020, recruits from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Class 453 dedicated their “Colors Run” to Officer Anthony Dia of the Toledo Police Department in Toledo, Ohio. A “Colors Run” is a run in which every graduating academy class participates in and dedicates it to a fallen officer around the nation. The run helps to promote unity and pride among the recruits, and it’s a way of earning their Sheriff patches to be worn on their uniforms.

On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Officer Anthony Dia was shot after responding to a disturbance call at a local hardware store. Despite his wounds, he was able to return fire as the suspect fled. While Officer Dia was receiving medical aid from witnesses at the scene, he was able to put out a heartbreaking recorded radio broadcast in which he said, “Tell my family I love them.” Officer Dia was transported to a local hospital but unfortunately, succumbed to his wounds. He was a police officer for a total of 4 years and is survived by his wife, two sons and his parents.

Class 453 arranged for the entire Dia family to fly out to Los Angeles to be a part of their special run dedicated to their loved one, Anthony. “As far as I know, this is the first run that we’ve done dedicating it to an officer outside of the state, so having the family here was a tremendous honor and privilege for the class,” said Recruit Training Unit Deputy Jeff Rupert.On Friday, November 20, 2020, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva swore in 71 graduates from Class 453 compiling 20 female and 51 male graduates.

Thank you for your service Officer Dia, your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

LASD Relaxes Parking Enforcement in unincorporated LA County Areas 600 410 SIB Staff

LASD Relaxes Parking Enforcement in unincorporated LA County Areas

Effective Immediately, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Relaxes Parking Enforcement in Unincorporated Los Angeles County Areas

The recent stay-at-home order issued in early December, brought to light once again the need for additional parking across Los Angeles County. Understanding the needs and challenges of those in the communities we serve, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Parking Enforcement Detail will temporarily relax parking enforcement, effective immediately, to help cope with parking availability.

Temporary relaxed enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County will include:

  • Street sweeping:  All streets with posted signs for street sweeping, per 15.20.07(2) LACVC, will not be enforced.
  • Expired registration:  Vehicles with expired registration will not be cited for 5204 (a) CVC.
    Registrations expired in excess of six months, in violation of 4000(a)(1) CVC are subject to citation, per 22651 (o)(1)(A) CVC, will not be towed.

Enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County will continue for:

  • Blocking fire hydrants.
  • Red zone parking and/or fire lane.
  • Handicap parking violations.
  • Blocking driveway.
  • Parked vehicles which disrupt the flow of traffic.
  • Metered parking in business districts.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will continue to enforce violations which pose an immediate risk to public safety.

LASD Seize Large Amount of Drugs and Illegal Firearms 960 768 SIB Staff

LASD Seize Large Amount of Drugs and Illegal Firearms

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Operation Safe Streets Bureau Seize Large Amount of Drugs and Illegal Firearms

On the morning of Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Detectives from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Operation Safe Streets (OSS) Bureau, conducted a follow up investigation involving a felon in possession of a firearm. Detectives authored and served two search warrants for two locations in the city of El Monte.

During the search warrant, detectives seized eight firearms and a large amount of narcotics which included over 100 lbs. of methamphetamines and approximately 15 lbs. of heroin. Two suspects, both adult males, were arrested for felon in possession of loaded firearms and narcotics for the purposes of sales.

“Despite trying times, our personnel continues to proactively provide the best public safety possible. A lot of delinquent lifestyles start at a young age and involve drugs, gangs and of course, violence. I’m really proud of our OSS Bureau’s dedication, determination and commitment to keep our community safe,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

OSS provides enforcement aimed at combating the criminal activities of hard-core gangs, while intervening to discourage youth from continuing in gang activities.  

Even in the middle of a pandemic criminal activity does not stop. This year, teams from OSS have arrested 461 suspects for violent crimes, and they have seized 305 firearms and conducted 470 search warrant operations.

Anyone who sees activity that appears to be suspicious or criminal in nature should contact their local sheriff’s station, or remain anonymous and call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS.

SHERIFF’S COMMENTS – BOS AGENDA ITEM 16 680 380 SIB Staff

SHERIFF’S COMMENTS – BOS AGENDA ITEM 16

SHERIFF’S COMMENTS – BOS Agenda Item 16 on 11/10/2020

Sheriff Alex Villanueva briefly discusses several accomplishments, to correct misinformation that is being shared related to the Board of Supervisors Meeting- Agenda 16.

  • Elimination of ICE in the LASD jails, courthouses, and patrol stations
  • Body Worn Cameras
  • Enactment of a Department anti-click policy
  • AB 2655
  • Record hiring of 1,100 local deputies in one year
  • Diverse Leadership in the Department
  • The depopulation of over 5,000 inmates before COVID-19, to save lives
  • LASD Protecting thousands of peaceful protesters
  • Overtime budget cut by 50%
  • Homeless Outreach Services Team success

Everything we have been doing is about fulfilling the promises of why I took this job and everything is above the board and subject to inspection if anyone in the COC or OIG wants to do their job by all means do it, and all we ask for is for a fair and objective process we don’t want politics to intrude in it. We have a future court date regarding the subpoena issue in my personal office and that has not been resolved yet and once it has been resolved we can talk about that.

In closing, I want to say that I have an open-door policy, and I want to meet with each and every one of you personally. I extend good wishes to Mark Ridley-Thomas at his new job as a City Councilman and I want to encourage everyone to remember what President-Elect Biden said, “Let’s stop demonizing people, let’s start working together, and let’s find solutions together.”

Thank You

Sheriff Alex Villanueva provides facts & info regarding the LA County Board of Supervisors Agenda 16

Sheriff Alex Villanueva provides facts and information regarding the LA County Board of Supervisors Agenda 16 from November 10, 2020. To read the full transcript, please visit https://lasd.org/sheriffs-comments-bos-agenda-item-16/

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday, November 10, 2020

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

money reward offered in shooting death of teen boys, athens village 1006 1024 SIB Staff

money reward offered in shooting death of teen boys, athens village

Homicide Bureau detectives announced a $10,000 reward during a press conference on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Monterey Park.  The reward was sponsored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District, approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and offered in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting death of both victims.

A call for service was dispatched late Thursday evening, October 15, 2020, and advised of a vehicle collision in the 100 block of East 124th Street, in an unincorporated community of Athens Village.  The call entailed a vehicle which drove up a curb and crashed into another car, but as deputies from Century Sheriff’s Station responded, the information in the call was upgraded to a shooting incident.

Lieutenant Brandon Dean said detectives determined 17-year-old Jamele Hill was the driver of the vehicle that night; he rode with 16-year-old Millyon Colquitt in the front seat and three friends in the back seat.  Gunshots were fired in their direction in the 12200 block of Maple Avenue, which struck Jamele, Millyon and the vehicle.  Although both boys suffered wounds to the upper torso, Jamele accelerated southbound on Maple Avenue, in an attempt to escape, and collided into a vehicle parked in the driveway of a house on East 124th Street, where his vehicle came to rest.  The three boys in the back ran for their lives but returned to speak with deputies, once the scene was secure.

Jamele and Millyon were both pronounced dead at the scene, while none of the three backseat passengers were injured.

The young victims were high school students and talented sportsmen; Jamele was a varsity football player being scouted by colleges, and Millyon was a varsity basketball player.  The Colquitt family suffered a big loss not long before the shooting, when Millyon’s mother was killed in a vehicle collision, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother.

There is no suspect information.  Detectives and family members of both victims pleaded with the public to come forth with any information to help solve the case.

If you have information about this incident, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

To view press conference highlights, visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment/posts/4107999575893591

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J 680 380 SIB Staff

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J

November 4, 2020

Our Department has successfully persevered for over 170 years.  Throughout our rich history we have faced many challenges and emerged together stronger, because that is what we do. 

Measure J is our latest challenge and it will be implemented over the next three years, beginning on July 1, 2021.  We don’t yet fully understand the depth of real world consequences to the Department, but we do know it will mean additional reductions to our budget.  Over the next few weeks, our budget team will find out what the impact will actually be. 

I am committed to working together with the Board of Supervisors, CEO, and employee unions in order to find budgetary solutions to the many complex issues we now face. 

As an organization we will continue to remain focused on serving the community in our basic public safety mission of protecting life, protecting property, and maintaining order. 

We have faced far worse challenges and this too shall pass.  We will succeed in navigating this newest challenge together as a family, because that is what we do. 

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES ON NOVEMBER 15, 2020 600 367 SIB Staff

PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES ON NOVEMBER 15, 2020

UPDATE: For updated information on parking see the latest information. Click here to read the update 12/9/20.

The stay-at-home order issued in early 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the need
for additional parking and a new way to address parking enforcement across Los Angeles County. Understanding
the needs and challenges of those in the communities we serve, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Parking Enforcement Detail relaxed parking enforcement to help cope with parking availability and
administrative concerns.


In the face of new challenges to prepare for inclement winter weather, parking enforcement will resume issuing
citations for all parking violations within the public right of way. Beginning Sunday, November 15, 2020, the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Parking Enforcement Detail will again issue street sweeping and expired
registration citations, as well as, towing vehicles in the areas we serve across Los Angeles County. To avoid
receiving a parking citation or having a vehicle towed, we urge drivers to be mindful of this change.
Resumed enforcement will include:

  • Street sweeping: All streets with posted signs for street sweeping will be enforced, per 15.20.070(2) LACVC
  • Expired registration: Vehicles with expired registration will be cited for 4000(a)(1)CVC; registrations
    expired in excess of six months, in violation of 4000(a)(1) CVC, will be towed, per 22651 (o)(1)(A) CVC
  • Red tag warnings: Red tag warnings will be issued to vehicles parked on the street not displaying signs of
    movement, including excessive dirt, debris underneath and around the tires, flat tires, missing parts, and
    vandalism. If the vehicle has not been moved after 72 hours or three days, a citation for Abandonment
    Prohibited – 22523(a)(b) CVC will be issued and an additional 48 hours or two days will be given. If the
    vehicle still has not been moved, it will be towed, per 22651(k) CVC.