The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Youth Services Unit Distance learninghttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/7-755x1024.jpg7551024SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b08ae4bafb3196b427102a31639aa715df54f36dd800c7b3ba4bcf7965fdb0bb?s=96&d=blank&r=g
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT, YOUTH SERVICES UNIT DISTANCE LEARNING
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Youth Services Unit, has developed an online curriculum for explorer recruits for Academy Class 104. This explorer recruit class is comprised of 160 recruits from LASD and participating police agencies.
This online curriculum allows recruits to attend online “live” classes to continue the academy from home, without compromising their ability to graduate.
For the first time, the 16 weeks LASD Explorer Academy has ever gone “online.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is committed to keeping our young recruits safe while practicing social distancing.
Children Internet Safetyhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/032520.1000_Soc_KidsSafety-Covid.jpg900900SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Please discuss internet safety with your children.
With recent school closures due to #COVID19 many children are using the internet and have recently created email accounts or social media profiles to communicate with their friends or complete school work & programs.
Tips from LASD
?TALK about Internet safety with children of ALL ages when they engage in online activity.
?Review & approve games and apps before they are downloaded… especially video, voice, and messaging apps.
?Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices. You can use parental controls or ask children to scan their device as needed.
? Monitor your children’s use of the Internet; keep electronic devices in an open, common room of the house. You can add parental controls & google “vault” or popular “hiding apps”
✅Check your children’s profiles and what they post online. Make sure they are not posting age, address, phone numbers etc.
?Explain to your children that images aka selfies posted online will be permanently on the Internet.
❌Make sure children know that anyone who asks a child to engage in sexually explicit activity online should be reported to a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult and law enforcement.
?Remember that victims should not be afraid to tell law enforcement if they are being sexually exploited. It is not a crime for a child to send sexually explicit images to someone if they are compelled or coerced to do so.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to honor Women’s History Month by highlighting strong and courageous women while celebrating their accomplishments. Today we recognize #LASD Special Operations Division, Transit Services Bureau, Detective Karen Velasquez.
“All my life I have been into Physical Fitness and Nutrition. After graduating from Cal State San Bernardino with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science, my interest in Law Enforcement started after I read an article about a female Deputy Sheriff. She was very small in stature like myself and it inspired me to apply for a position as a Deputy Sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “
Detective Velasquez has experienced a multitude of great assignments since graduating from the LASD Academy in 2000. Her Career started as a Module Deputy who oversaw male Felons at the Men’s Central Jail. That experience helped as she transitioned into a Patrol Deputy assignment at Cerritos Sheriff’s Station in 2007.
Detective Velasquez’s desire to become an Investigator stems from her selfless need to help people who are unable to help themselves. Detective Bureau Supervisor, Sgt. Edward O’Neil says, “Detective Velasquez is highly self-motivated in her desire to be the best detective she can be. On top of being kind and outgoing, her Leadership abilities can always be counted upon as a mentor to our newer Deputies.
In reflecting upon the strong role models in her own life, Detective Velasquez is most inspired by her Husband and Daughter. Her husband is also a Sworn Deputy Sheriff who has helped reinforce the notion that through fortitude and perseverance; anything she sets her mind to is possible.
“Women’s History Month is a time for all women to collectively come together,” said Detective Velasquez. “It’s a time to reflect upon how our collective cohesiveness positively impacts everyone around us in the workplace, and also to the victims we compassionately help daily.”
COVID-19 Sheriff
Reassures Residents; “Let’s Be Prepared, Not Scared”
During a
press conference on Monday, March 16, 2020, at the Hall of Justice, Sheriff
Alex Villanueva stated his reassurance that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department is working hard to ensure law enforcement services in the areas we
serve remain uninterrupted by the coronavirus.
The
County Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) remains open at a Level I status, fully-staffed
with knowledgeable experts from other L.A. County departments. Our Department continues to collaborate with
local agencies, monitor world events and provide the most up-to-date
information to the public.
Through
innovative and creative measures, Sheriff Villanueva was adamant about keeping
staff levels up and the inmate population count down. Staff vacations were cancelled through the
end of April to ensure more personnel are on-hand, and those working non-essential
assignments can be temporarily moved to custody or patrol assignments to offset
and augment manpower shortages. This
decision is particularly helpful for coverage, as a small number of personnel
were self-quarantined over the weekend.
The
Sheriff raised the aggregate bail amount for booking inmates raised from $25,000
to $50,000, which allows more people to receive citations, rather than get
booked into custody. This reduces the
number of people entering our jail facilities, therefore lowering chances of
the virus being introduced into that environment. Out of the 16,459 inmates in today’s morning
count, there were zero confirmed cases of coronavirus. Nine inmates are in isolation housing, 21
inmates are in quarantine at Men’s Central Jail, and five inmates are in
quarantine at Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
Personal
protective equipment was issued to field personnel. Inventory of these supplies was bulked-up,
with a likely request to follow for the release of Service and Supply funds, to
address the ongoing need for more items, such as masks, gloves, goggles, and
sanitizer. Patrol station and custody
facility unit commanders were directed to sanitize their stations and jails as
a preventative measure. Personnel are
reminded to be cognizant of hand-washing, don personal protective equipment,
covering sneezes, not touching their faces, and practice social distancing
while off-duty.
Despite
all county buildings being ordered to close their doors to the public, Sheriff
Villanueva directed all patrol stations to keep their lobbies open. He encouraged the use of online reporting for
non-emergent, qualifying incidents, as outlined here: http://shq.lasdnews.net/shq/SORTS/sorts_intro.aspx
or calling your local patrol station. He
also asked that those who must visit a patrol station for services, such as
regularly-scheduled child custody exchanges or compliance check-ins, to notify
deputies if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever or respiratory
illness so they can take precautionary measures.
As
events occur, information regarding public safety and other services will be
provided by our agency and updated on several platforms. Please monitor our social media sites,
@LASDHQ on Twitter, @LosAngelesCountySheriffDepartment on Facebook, and our https://lasd.org/
website for up-to-date information.
Stay connected, remain
composed and we will get through this together.
Academy class 445 graduationhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/vbv.jpg640480SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Friday March 13, 2020, a
total of the 81 polished recruits lined up at the STARS Center Gymnasium, in
what would be their final platoon formation as academy classmates. After
22 weeks of rigorous academy training, the recruits pressed through an equally
intense and meticulous formal class inspection by law enforcement executives
just before the ceremony.
The ceremony was a formal transformation of academy recruits
into sworn peace officers. Sheriff Alex Villanueva presided over the graduation ceremony, and delivered
encouraging remarks to the 17 female and 64 male graduates and their guests.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva was joined on stage by Chief George Mueller, California
Department of Insurance; Assistant Chief Ronald Iizuka, Culver City Police
Department; Chief Mark Fronterotta, Inglewood Police Department; Deputy Chief
Timothy Anderson, Los Angeles School Police Department; Region 7 Manager
Matthew O’Deane, California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training,
in presenting the 81 graduates with their Peace Officer Standards and Training
certificates. The graduates were then officially sworn in as California
Peace Officers
In a special segment of the ceremony, Nathaniel T. Hocking,
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was named as the class Honor
Recruit. This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest
numerical average based upon leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship, and
physical performance throughout the training period. Michael
Guzman, California Department of Insurance, was honored as Academic
Recruit. This award is earned by the recruit who achieved the highest
academic scores.
Each class of recruits processed through the Los Angeles
County Sheriff’s Department STARS Center Training Academy, brings together a
collection of unique aspects, qualities and experiences. Academy Class #445 is
a largely international collection of backgrounds, reflective of the vast array
of cultures found within Los Angeles County.
Of the 81 graduating recruits, 10 were born outside the United States in
the countries of Guatemala, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Serbia; 9 recruits
lived abroad in the countries of Germany, Guatemala, India, Iraq, Japan, New
Zealand (33 years), Peru (34 years), and Serbia (26 years); and 50 recruits
speak a language other than English, including Arabic, Bosnian, Croatian,
Hindi, Gujarati, Serbian, and Spanish.
These graduates bring with them a large source of higher
education (32), service experience in the armed forces (12), and backgrounds in
law enforcement (10), and many come from families with a tradition of serving
in law enforcement (28).
There are unscrupulous persons out there who are taking
advantage of the Coronavirus nationwide circumstances. Please prepare & protect
yourself and your family, but don’t panic. The Department is aware there are a
few scams out there, please read the information below to avoid becoming a
victim. At this time, our Department is not aware of any local cases. We are,
however, monitoring COVID-19 and making sure the public is aware of these
scams.
DO NOT click on phishing emails, links, or attachments you don’t recognize; hackers maybe be able to access your personal information if you click, open, or log in to a fake page. You may receive emails from fraudulent accounts impersonating official websites or Doctors. For example, an email will come from @CDC-GOV.ORG vs. the official email sender of @CDC.GOV. Make sure you hover over the link to verify the URL & domain name (Uniform Resource Locator).
IGNORE fraudulent online offers claiming they are selling COVID-19 knockoff products, cures or treatments. At this time, per CDC, there is no vaccine for Coronavirus. There are scammers claiming they are selling the “N95” respirator face masks vs. regular surgical masks, or hand sanitizer that is 60% alcohol. Please purchase from businesses you trust.
BE AWARE of fraudulent fundraising campaigns or donation requests for cash, gift cards, and credit cards. There are scammers seeking contributions via emails or going door to door. At this time, CDC is not sending persons door to door for cash or soliciting donations through bitcoin or PayPal.
To get information, resources, and updates from official Departments, please visit www.CDC.gov or https://www.cdph.ca.gov . For local Los Angeles County information please visit the local webpage at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank and/or credit card company immediately and report it to your local law enforcement. If you think there is a situation where a business may be charging excessively, please file a complaint through the website at https://www.oag.ca.gov/ or call 800-952-5225.
LASD CUSTODY OPERATIONS WORKING WITH DPH AND CHS TO PREPARE FOR 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
As 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the world and new cases are being reported throughout the United States, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Custody Services Division (LASD) has been working diligently with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services – Correctional Health Services (CHS) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) to prepare.
Although we do not currently have any inmates in our custody who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, LASD and CHS continue to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to assess and monitor inmates in our custody, as well as newly arriving inmates, for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and will arrange for quarantine as necessary.
If an inmate meets the criteria of a suspected coronavirus patient, the inmate will be placed in isolation and staff will follow proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines. A surgical mask will be placed on the inmate patient who will be isolated in separate housing, away from general population housing. If that inmate is confirmed to have COVID-19, they will be re-housed in the medical ward of the jail. Proper PPE procedures for Department members and staff include safety eye goggles, an N-95 mask, disposable gloves, and a disposable gown.
Currently, Inmates who are scheduled to be released from custody will not be impacted; however, if the county jail system begins to see cases of COVID-19 within its housing locations, those housed in quarantined areas will go through a release protocol monitored by the Department of Public Health. The Department of Public Health will additionally monitor them after their release from custody.
The Department is working with the Superior Court of California-County of Los Angeles on a plan to minimize the impact on court proceedings for those who are quarantined if such need occurs. Inmates will still have access to contact their attorneys.
Monitoring and potential quarantine procedures will remain in place until CHS and DPH officials determine it is safe to return to normal operations.
To identify if your loved one is housed in a quarantined area, please visit the www.lasd.org and schedule a visit with your loved one. If a pop-up message is displayed that your loved one is in an affected area, he/she is under observation (quarantine) until further notice.
—— Information about COVID-19 ——
According to the Department of Public Health, COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets produced through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact with an infected person, and on rare occasions from infected objects or surfaces.
L.A. Superhero 5K Run Walk Health & Safety Expohttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/medal-2020-1024x349.jpg1024349SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
It could be yours if you join the Los Angeles Superhero 5K Run Walk Health & Safety Expo in San Dimas, Saturday, April 25, 2020.
We had a blast last year and can’t wait to see you again this year. Don’t forget to bring your family, friends and neighbors for a fun filled day. Costumes are optional.
Captain Tonya P. Edwards is a 31-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, beginning her career in 1988. After graduating from the Academy, she worked at Sybil Brand Institute (SBI). Nine years of patrol began with training at Firestone Station, and later at Lynwood Station where she worked on bicycle patrol. She helped open Century Station in 1994, and later became a Field Training Officer. She transferred to Industry Station, where she worked patrol, Youth Activities League (YAL), and C.O.P.S. She left patrol in 1999 and worked as a Gang Enforcement Team (GET) deputy at Safe Streets Bureau, then she spent the next four years as a detective at Narcotics Bureau. In 2005, she promoted to sergeant and worked Custody at PDC – North/South. She transferred to Patrol at Norwalk Station and was later assigned to Safe Streets Bureau – OSS Detectives, where she was part of the Monrovia/Duarte Gang Task Force, and also worked as an OSS Detective at Compton and Carson Stations.
In 2010, she was promoted to lieutenant and worked watch commander at Men’s Central Jail, then Crescenta Valley/Altadena, and San Dimas Stations. She also worked at Century Station Patrol in Operations and at Custody Support Services (CSS) as the Division Compliance Lieutenant, then at Men’s Central Jail in Operations, and as an Executive Aide to the Custody Division Assistant Sheriff, Mr. Robert J. Olmsted and Bruce D. Chase.
In 2016, during Captain Edwards’ assignment at CSS, she was given the Custody Training Officer (CTO) and Probationary Employee training project, which sought bonus status and a 5.5% pay increase for custody training personnel. She also oversaw the revamp of the entire Custody Division training curriculum for newly assigned deputies, including the approval of a new database to assist with the probationary employees and their training.
Captain Edwards holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Long Beach State University in Occupational Studies, and a Master’s Degree from National University in Public Administration, and she is certified fluent in Spanish.
Captain Edwards will participate in the 2020 Police Unity Tour in Washington DC, and also enjoys snow skiing and weight lifting. Thank you for your years of dedication to our Department. #blackhistorymonth
