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LASD officials discuss the coc hearing on deputy subgroups 1024 512 SIB Staff

LASD officials discuss the coc hearing on deputy subgroups

Department Officials Discuss the Civilian Oversight commission’s Hearing on Deputy Subgroups and Cliques within the Sheriff’s Department

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Assistant Sheriff Holly Francisco and Chief April Tardy discussed developments and actions taken on alleged deputy subgroups and cliques within the Sheriff’s Department in response to allegations made by the Chair of the Civilian Oversight Commission, Sean Kennedy. 

In a news interview last week, Chair Sean Kennedy made the following statement: “It is time to hear from the Sheriff and Undersheriff Murakami and the other LASD officials who have the authority to address deputy gangs, but it appears have done nothing to do so.” 

His statement could not be further from the truth. Sheriff Villanueva has addressed and taken various steps to address the problem, build community trust, and counter the false narrative broadcasted by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Civilian Oversight Commission (COC). Assistant Sheriff Holly Francisco presented factual evidence of Sheriff Villanueva’s steps to address deputy subgroups and cliques. 

On his very first day as the Sheriff, Villanueva removed the captain of the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station and replaced the entire command staff. Throughout 2019, 36 East Los Angeles Deputies were transferred to other stations, four were terminated, and 22 that were part of the Kennedy Hall investigation were suspended without pay. 

In February of 2020, Sheriff Villanueva successfully implemented a department policy that prohibits employees from participating in any clique or subgroup that promotes conduct that violates the rights of other employees or members of the public, the first sheriff in the department’s history to do so. Department training videos on the topic were created and distributed, personnel viewed these training materials, and mandatory briefings regarding cliques were conducted. 

Additionally, Sheriff Villanueva sponsored AB 958 legislation for Peace Officer Cliques with Assembly Member Mike Gipson; AB958 was signed into law on October 2021. The legislation is intended to tackle the issue of “gangs” among peace officers that might undermine the professional standards of policing among California’s law enforcement agencies. 

In August 2020, the Kennedy Hall investigation was completed, and Sheriff Villanueva held a press conference to announce the investigation results, including the termination and suspension of the deputies involved. In September 2020, Sheriff Villanueva sent a message to all personnel requesting their participation in the RAND Corporation study on deputy subgroups. Deputies were encouraged to complete the anonymous survey.  

In March 2021, a subgroups and cliques policy re-briefing email was sent to department members, including a reminder that all employees would be held accountable for any policy violation. Unit commanders had their personnel sign a copy of the policy stating that they read and understood it.

In February 2022, the department created a portal on the department’s website so that the public could report any evidence of deputy gangs or employee misconduct in the department (https://lasd.org/report-employee-misconduct/). 

After Assistant Sheriff Francisco outlined the Sheriff’s actions to dispel rumors of inaction, Chief April Tardy spoke about her experience implementing all the subgroup policies to encourage compliance. “In addition, we’re holding our supervisors accountable to monitor the workplace and encourage our deputies to continue to work hard, rebuild our community relationships and make good decisions,” said Chief April Tardy. 

“Our goal today was to truly show the amount of work we have done and negate the headlines that the Sheriff and the department have done nothing regarding the deputy subgroups and cliques. I think you can see that this is the farthest from the truth,” said Assistant Sheriff Holly Francisco. 

Contrary to what the media or some politicians claim, many policies have been implemented regarding deputy subgroups and cliques so the community can trust that law enforcement and personnel are held accountable.   

Press Conference Video

Press Conference material

PDF presentation

Sheriff Alex Villanueva is the FIRST Los Angeles County Sheriff to successfully implement a policy banning “deputy cliques.” The policy went into effect.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Active Shooter Training Drill 1024 839 SIB Staff

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Active Shooter Training Drill

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Active Shooter Training Drill at Lakewood Mall

On Monday, June 13, 2022, during the early hours of the morning, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Tactics and Survival Training Unit, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station personnel, and Los Angeles County Fire Department conducted an active shooter response drill at Lakewood Center Mall in the city of Lakewood. Lakewood’s Mayor Steve Croft, Lakewood’s Public Safety Director, Joshua Yordt, and Mall Property Manager, Deena Henry, were also present during the drill.

Deputies wait for training.

Today’s event involved a rapid response by deputies, mall security personnel, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The training simulated a shooting at the mall, and it incorporated simulated gunfire. Although the drill was an organized training, responding deputies were unaware of how many shooters were inside the mall, nor did they know the location of the shooters. To make it even more realistic, “injured” volunteers ran away from the shooter and towards responding deputies.

The goal of the training was to prepare deputies for an actual emergency. The realistic component of the training prepared them to successfully identify and react to threats and articulate their observations and decision-making process.

People are placed in make up to simulate injuries from an active shooter.

The men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department constantly prepare and train for active shooter events. In these unpredictable situations that evolve very quickly, preparation is the key. Preventing these types of tragedies and continuing to maintain a safe environment is a goal of law enforcement. If an active shooter incident does occur, you can be assured that LASD personnel will respond rapidly, efficiently, and decisively.

Image of LASD Leutenant standing at a podium with a flyer that reads Case Solved.
Sheriff and Homicide Detectives announce a Solved Cold Case from the 1980s 1024 819 SIB Staff

Sheriff and Homicide Detectives announce a Solved Cold Case from the 1980s

Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Homicide Detectives announce a Solved Cold Case from the 1980’s

On Sunday, October 13, 1985, Victim David R. Evans was brutally beaten to death inside his residence in Claremont, CA. His body was discovered by Claremont Police Officers when neighbors called to report a possible burglary. At the time of the murder, the 57-year-old victim was the Vice President at Pomona First Federal Bank and former Pomona Unified School District Superintendent. David was divorced and lived by himself. In 1985, the investigation had few leads, and no suspects were identified. 

In 2006, advancements in forensic technology prompted investigators to re-analyze evidence discovered at the scene of the crime. The analysis led to the identification of Hillery Marcus Dupleasis as a person of interest. Over the next several years, the ongoing investigation failed to further implicate Dupleasis to the case. Investigators were also unable to establish that Dupleasis resided in California at the time of the crime.

In 2020, Detectives Shaun McCarthy and Bill Marsh re-investigated the case with the help of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Scientific Services Bureau and they were able to link Dupleasis, a person of interest identified in 2006, as the suspect in the murder of David Evans. 

Investigators were able to definitively determine Dupleasis lived in the San Gabriel Valley during the time of the murder and were also able to link Dupleases to the Victim’s 1980 Chevrolet Monza that was stolen immediately after his murder and abandoned in Covina, approximately two hours later.

Dupleasis is currently incarcerated in a New York State Prison, serving an extensive sentence for an unrelated murder. He will be eligible for parole in that case, in 2033.

On May 2, 2022, 1stdegree murder charges were filed against Dupleasis by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The 36-year-old cold case murder was solved by detectives assigned to the Homicide Bureau’s Unsolved Unit. Detectives worked closely with investigators from the Claremont Police Department, New York State Police, and the New York Department of Corrections.

It is never too late to provide information that will assist detectives solve a case. If someone knows something about a crime, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. They can also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or use their smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Image of Victim, David Evans
Image of suspect Hillery Marcus Dupleasis

Press Conference Video

Image of a deputy wearing a tan Sheriff's Uniform riding a 4 wheel motorcycle. he is riding on a beach with the ocean and skyline behind him.
Beach Patrol Mission 1024 863 SIB Staff

Beach Patrol Mission

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Announces the Beach Patrol Mission

On Saturday, May 28th, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) will officially kick off the LASD Beach Patrol Mission, which will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach patrol will consist of members from the Sheriff’s Response Team and the Mounted Enforcement Detail.

The team will perform high visibility patrol to assist LASD beach partners with extra patrol from Playa del Rey to Malibu. The LASD Homeless Outreach and Mental Evaluation Teams will be available and part of the deployment throughout the summer.

“Summer is upon us and the last couple of years have been challenging for everyone. I want to remind the community that we’re doing our best, we’re stretching our resources so that people feel safe wherever they are, including the beach areas of Los Angeles County. This summer, the LASD Beach Patrol Mission will be visible throughout our beaches so that visitors and the community have a great time at the beach,” stated Sheriff Villanueva.  

The Sheriff’s Department wants all residents and visitors to our LA County beaches to have a safe, and enjoyable summer. Please visit our social media pages for additional information. 

Homicide Detectives ask for the Publics Help in the Murder of Reginald Thompson Sr. 791 1024 SIB Staff

Homicide Detectives ask for the Publics Help in the Murder of Reginald Thompson Sr.

Homicide Detectives and Family Members will ask for the Public’s Help for Information in the Murder of Reginald Thompson Sr.

On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Homicide Bureau Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) held a press conference to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Reginald Thompson Sr. The reward is sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.

On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, a little before 9:00 p.m., 34-year-old Reginald Thompson, Sr. was talking to friends in the parking lot of a shopping center, located in the 11400 block of South Vermont Ave., in the southwest corner of Imperial Highway and Vermont Avenue, in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles.  As they were talking, four suspects parked their vehicle on Vermont Avenue just south of the shopping center. The suspects exited a dark-colored sedan, approached and fired several times at Thompson and his friends. Thompson was struck by gunfire and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The suspects fled the location in the vehicle and headed south on Vermont Ave.

“My son was a father, he was a brother, he was a friend. He was fun, he was loving, and he did not deserve to be tragically struck. This could be anybody standing here, and I don’t want to see other mothers suffer the pain and sorrow that I’ve had to endure from my family. We are devastated and if you saw something, please say something,” said Reginald’s mom, Caren Stephens.

On April 19, 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a reward in the amount of $20,000 in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of those responsible for the death of Reginald.

“I wish to share my heartfelt condolences with the family of Reginald Thompson, Sr. for their tragic loss,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Holly J. Mitchell, author of the motion that established this reward. “I encourage anyone who may have information that could help with this investigation to please come forward so that justice can be achieved for Reginald and his family.”

“My kid’s father was a very loving man. He was a great D.J., an amazing writer, he had a beautiful voice that was out of this world. I pictured my life, my whole future raising my kids with him in it. I never imagined that I would have to lose him so soon,” said a tearful Daysharee Vallier.    

LASD Homicide detectives believe there are witnesses who may have seen the suspects leave the area and/or know their identities. If you have information about Reginald’s murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or 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/.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Press conference video

press conference material

Surveillance Video

deputy is walking out of a business door holding two paper bags full of confiscated drugs.
Multilocation search warrant in operation 4-20 960 952 SIB Staff

Multilocation search warrant in operation 4-20

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Bureau Serves Multi-Location Search Warrant in Operation 4-20

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Narcotics Bureau, executed search warrants in furtherance of an investigation based on information from citizen informants regarding a multi-location illegal cannabis dispensary.
 
During the last few days, detectives served search warrants at nineteen different locations within the Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County (East Los Angeles, Florence-Firestone and Walnut Park).  Approximately ninety people were arrested and a dozen firearms, including an assault rifle and a ghost gun were recovered.
 
According to Narcotics Bureau Acting Captain Lieutenant Anthony Eastern, detectives recovered 1,000 pounds of cannabis concentrate, 800 pounds of cannabis flower, a large amount of methamphetamine and thousands of dollars in U.S currency.
 
These operations have been conducted since October 2021 to eradicate illegal marijuana dispensaries operating within the aforementioned areas.  Since October 2021, over 122 search warrants have been executed, over 277 arrests made and approximately 4,000 pounds of marijuana, 3,300 pounds of marihuana edibles, 29 pounds of mushrooms and 1,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized.
 
These operations are a testament to the hard work of the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s commitment to keeping communities safe by eradicating illegal marijuana dispensaries.
 
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.

LASD Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds 150 150 SIB Staff

LASD Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds

Today, we were deeply saddened to hear former LASD Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds passed away.  He was “recruited” to the Department by a Lennox Station Detective when Edmonds, an Assistant Manager for Safeway at the time, went to report bad checks received.

He became a Deputy after graduating from class #87 in 1961. Throughout his career, Robert steadily rose up through the ranks as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, Assistant Sheriff and ultimately, Undersheriff in 1987. Robert Allen Edmonds worked during the Watts Riots, the Cerritos air crash, the 1984 Olympics, and several other large scale incidents.  He was known for bolstering the Sheriff’s Department explorer program, operations planning for large scale disasters and events, as well as overseeing the department’s transition from paper logs to the first digitized computer system.

After 32 years in the Sheriff’s Department, Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds retired in 1994. He was a true leader who inspired and motivated others to strive for the best when serving the community. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has suffered a great loss and he will be greatly missed.

Image of an A-frame sign with big black letters that read "Sheriff training in progress". The sign in the lower left side of the frame. The sign is infront of a college walk path.
LASD Active Shooter Training at Pierce College 1024 543 SIB Staff

LASD Active Shooter Training at Pierce College

Sheriff’s Department’s Community College Bureau Coordinates Active Shooter Exercise at Pierce College

The fundamental duty of all sworn personnel is to protect life and property. As part of a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff it is essential to provide ongoing training to ensure deputies, security officers, and responding outside agencies are proficient in handling tactical incidents, with officer and public safety as the primary goal. 

On Thursday, April 7, 2022, personnel from Community College Bureau, Special Enforcement Bureau, Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, the countywide Services K9 team, Mental Evaluation Team, Aero Bureau and the Los Angeles City Fire Department gathered to conduct an active shooter drill at Pierce College in Winnetka California. With the opportunity to train together and practice their skills and tactics. First responders practiced planning for and handling situations involving “active shooters” and/or mass violence at locations with multiple victims. 


Community College Bureau provides contract law enforcement services to nine community colleges on campuses across Los Angeles County and the drill, which was held during spring break, was the largest multi-agency exercise conducted yet by the Community College Bureau after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.  They incorporated simulated gunfire with firearms and improvised explosive devices to create a real-life feel. Role players acted as patients in the scenarios; law enforcement worked together to locate the agitators, secure the campus, locate victims, and assist those in need of medical assistance; and fire rescue personnel assisted in coordinating patient care.

Captain John Gannon, who oversees the Community College Bureau, attended the training exercise and said, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department prioritizes the safety of students and staff at all Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) campuses.” “Emergency preparedness and campus safety requires an ongoing training preparing our personnel for emergencies. The ability of a department our size to provide specialized resources and rapid deployment teams further supports the College Bureau’s commitment to keep students and faculty safe.”

The day’s event was a meaningful, insightful and impactful training exercise for first responders, faculty and students, alike. One added benefit is the mental review and rehearsal of events by the students and faculty who, as civilians, would not normally receive this type of training. Their new understanding and preparedness will likely be shared with others, guide them in the event of an active shooter and help keep them calm. First responders from three different agencies learned to work together even more fluidly during a stressful situation to uphold the same priority: Keep everyone safe.

backlit picture of a child looking throgh a window with her hands on blinds, peering out.
Child Abuse Awareness Month 900 900 SIB Staff

Child Abuse Awareness Month

April is National Child Abuse Awareness month.

As a result, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau (SVB) kicked off its annual Child Abuse Awareness Fundraising Drive on April 1st, the “999 For Kids” Program.  Each Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Station or Unit is responsible for its own fundraising efforts.  The proceeds collected go toward the program and is used to benefit children under the supervision of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Specialized Medical Placement and Deaf Services Units.  These children are victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect, and/or domestic violence.

The men and women of Special Victims Bureau are committed to partnering with the community they serve. The primary hope is to protect the children of abuse.  Special Victims Bureau shares a strong partnership with the community. The Bureau has a long history of involvement with public and private organizations. In the public arena, SVB works in concert with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, the Department of Mental Health, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, just to name a few.

SVB shares exceptional relationships with Stuart House (Santa Monica), the Rape Treatment Center (Santa Monica), internet service providers, Crime Survivors, Crime Stoppers, Project Sister, and several Children Advocacy Centers in Los Angeles County. It is through these committed partnerships that SVB has been able to increase their outreach to the communities we serve.

Endangering the health and welfare of a child, neglecting basic needs, physically assaulting, or sexually molesting a child are considered child abuse. If you see or suspect child abuse, call your local Sheriff’s Station or police department or the Department of Children and Family Services Child Protection Hotline 800-540-4000 (toll-free within California).    

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach services Team Awards 1024 576 SIB Staff

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach services Team Awards

LASD Homeless outreach services Team and collaborators Receive Awards

On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) hosted a luncheon to recognize the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), and organizations that have partnered with them to make a difference in the homeless crisis in Los Angeles.

HOST received the Department’s Exemplary Service Award for their extraordinary efforts to assist individuals during the 2021 homeless crisis. Law enforcement personnel are often the first contact with those experiencing homelessness. HOST was created to exemplify the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts to combat homelessness and preserve public safety. The LASD HOST’s mission is to positively impact the homeless crisis in the county, while increasing public safety and preserving the rights and dignity of persons experiencing homelessness. Lieutenant Deedrick, your extraordinary leadership, commitment, and hard work are truly worthy of recognition! 

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was presented with the LASD Humanitarian Award for their partnership as a co-response team with HOST. Since 2017, LAHSA has built and maintained strong working relationships with the homeless community.  They connected this vulnerable population with services, while effectively improving the health and safety of our streets. Thank you to every member of LAHSA for your extraordinary efforts and dedication to make a difference in the homeless community of Los Angeles. 

Ron Hooks, West Coast Care’s Executive Director, received the LASD Humanitarian Award for his outstanding efforts and dedication as part of the LASD HOST. West Coast’s mission is the reunification of homeless individuals with their families and close friends. They contact estranged family members or friends and act as mediators between them and the person living outside. They also provide bus tickets, car repairs, and other travel resources needed to get the person safely back home. Ron, you embody the true spirit of humanity and you’re an example to us all. 

Jason Schneidman, founder of the Men’s Groomer Foundation, was also presented with the LASD Humanitarian Award for his devotion to the LASD HOST mission of addressing the homeless crisis with compassion and dignity. Jason strongly believes a haircut can change a person’s appearance, instill confidence, and allow them to reach for opportunities when they thought life had passed them by. Jason has found that those struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction are the ones he can help most. He can connect with them because he has been there himself. 

Venice, CA, has always been a special place to Jason. June of 2021, he partnered with the HOST to address the homeless encampment at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. On multiple occasions, Jason brought volunteer barbers and held large-scale events to serve those who were homeless on the Venice Boardwalk and make a difference, “one haircut at a time.” Jason also sponsors individuals so they can enter rehabilitation programs to overcome their addiction.    

Jason’s compassion, selflessness, and humbleness are simply admirable. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is honored to count on you in our mission to positively impact the homeless crisis in Los Angeles. 

Three deputies from the LASD HOST were presented with the LASD Lifesaving Award. On September 23, 2021, while conducting outreach services at a homeless encampment, deputies from the LASD HOST observed an unconscious male.  They quickly rendered assistance to him, assessed the severity of his medical situation and determined he was suffering from a narcotic overdose. They immediately administered NARCAN and monitored him until paramedics arrived. Their quick actions were essential in saving his life, and LASD recognizes the deputies’ heroism. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team will continue to provide help and house homeless individuals. If you would like to join this effort, please contact Lieutenant Deedrick by emailing him at [email protected].

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team Awards