Posts Tagged :

2021

Image of the Buena Park Police departent memorial of fallen officers. Bronze statue of a saluting officer, another officer on one knee presenting a folded flag to a little girl. all cast in bronze.
Deputy York honored by Buena Park Police Department 900 715 SIB Staff

Deputy York honored by Buena Park Police Department

LASD Deputy Shayne Daniel York honored by The Buena Park Police Department

There is no pain greater than losing your best friend or someone you love and admire.  It can leave behind a void in your life that seems impossible to fill and you are left with a broken heart for a lifetime.

For the last 24 years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with his family, friends, and at the time his fiancée, have felt those exact emotions after losing Deputy Shayne Daniel York in 1997, when he was brutally murdered during a robbery in the city of Buena Park.

In a true act of brotherhood that exists in law enforcement, the LASD was humbled and appreciative to hear Deputy Shayne York was being memorialized by the Buena Park Police Department.

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, at approximately 9 a.m., the Buena Park Police Department unveiled a new Buena Park Police Department Fallen Officer’s Memorial site.

The memorial was created and dedicated to honor Buena Park’s Fallen officers: Detective Darrel “Bud” Cate, Corporal Tyler Matthew Pinchot, Officer Daniel Ryan Ackerman and Deputy Shayne Daniel York because he was murdered in the City of Buena Park.   

Family, friends, and law enforcement officers attended the memorial to remember our fallen heroes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Honor Guard performed a 21 gun salute while Buena Park’s Police Honor Guard guarded the memorial.

Sergeant Roger Plumlee, President of the Buena Park Police Association and one of the collaborators of the memorial said, “When we unveil this memorial, we will see something very beautiful made of stone, granite and bronze. The symbolism of the memorial is to remind the community and all who see it, of the loss we have suffered and the loss the families have suffered and who continue to do it today. When I look out and see everyone in uniform, I see a living memorial and its incumbent on of all us to keep the memory of these four men alive and share their stories.”

Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who attended the ceremony, started his speech by thanking Buena Park Police Chief Corey S. Sianez, distinguished guests and the families of the fallen Police Officers in the audience. “It’s a touching tribute to the sacrifice of each and everyone one of them (fallen officers) and of you the families,” he said. “First and foremost you will always be in our thoughts and prayers; it’s a tribute we will never forget.  Everything we do is a testament to their sacrifice and everyone here standing in uniform, everyone doing the job runs the risk of losing their life. It’s a testament of just the difficulties of the job and the times we live in.”

Chief Corey S. Sianez said, “This unveiling could not have happened at a better time during National Peace Officers Memorial Week. The week set aside to remember and recognize those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. The names on this memorial represent not only those that have sacrifice their own lives, doing what they love to do and serving their communities, but also those that remember the Buena Park Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Family. We are brothers and we knew them well. Although you have not seen the memorial yet, but you will very soon. We designed it to reflect the diversity of our department.”

The memorial depicts a touching and embracing moment when police officers comfort a fallen officer’s child with the plaques engraved with the names of the fallen officers below it. The memorial reads, “Remembering Their Service, Honoring Their Sacrifice.”

Deputy Shayne York was brutally murdered on the night of August 14, 1997 in the city of Buena Park.  Deputy York and his fiancée, who was also a deputy, were both off-duty and unarmed. They were in a hair salon when two suspects stormed into the location and ordered everyone to lie on the floor as they took their purses and wallets.

When the suspects discovered a badge in Deputy York’s wallet, they immediately executed him by shooting him in the back of the head. Deputy York was rushed to the hospital where he died from his wounds. Both suspects were caught a short time later and were convicted for the murder of Deputy York.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to send our sincerest thanks to the Buena Park Police Department for honoring our very own, Deputy Shayne York. The new memorial is a collaboration between Buena Park Police Department, Buena Park Police Association and the City of Buena Park. The goal of the new memorial is to capture the solemnity of the fallen officers but also the loss created from their ultimate sacrifice; leaving behind family, a law enforcement family and friends.

The new memorial stands directly in front of the Buena Park’s police station, and serves as a bitter reminder of the ultimate sacrifice police officers often take.

Still from security camera showing a Sheriff's Custody Assistant in uniform handing an inmate an item just before she is attacked. The inmate is dressed in a blue jump suit and is standing infront of a gurney. The room has a wide concrete floor and is surrounded by glass walls and a door is behind them.
LA Sheriffs Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted 600 394 SIB Staff

LA Sheriffs Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted

LA Sheriff’s Custody Assistant Brutally Assaulted in unprovoked attack by Inmate at the Inmate Reception Center

On May 5th, 2021, An inmate at the Inmate Reception Center brutally punched a custody assistant after his left hand was unsecured from his waist chain when he asked to use the restroom.

The 54-year-old Asian female was launched to the floor after handing the inmate toilet paper as she crashed into medical carts from the strong blow. The 29-year-old Inmate continued the assault by punching her two more times in her face as she laid on the floor.

The Inmate then stopped his attack and sat back down on a gurney, offering no resistance to arriving sheriff’s personnel who secured him to the gurney. The custody assistant suffered trauma to the face and head. She was transported to a local hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. She remains in stable condition.

The Inmate, 29-year-old Arnulfo Meza, was transported to a high-security area and is pending assault and hate crime charges.

There is no additional information at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Video of LA Sheriff’s Custody Assistant assaulted in an unprovoked attack by an inmate. Viewer discretion is advised due to the graphic nature of the attack.
Still image from Body Camera Footage of Deputy writing ticket to a woman inside a car. The Woman is holding up her phone showing the Deputy something on the screen. The image details have been blured to protect the woman's personal information and Identity.
SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021 1024 557 SIB Staff

SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021

SAN DIMAS TRAFFIC STOP April 23, 2021

Recently, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy assigned to San Dimas station was involved in a traffic stop that was caught on body-worn camera video. During the traffic stop, a citation was issued to the driver. Shortly after the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle in question filed a personnel complaint against the Deputy. The traffic stop video was seen on social media, which garnered overwhelming public and media interest. Online stories were generated wherein speculation of the complainant’s identity and work location was being discussed. Although the person in the video identified themselves as a teacher, it should be noted they have not been employed with the Los Angeles Community College District since 2017. Additionally, there are numerous names wrongfully being associated with the individual’s identity. We caution others about the dangers associated with these false accusations. An investigation was completed wherein the complainant was interviewed, and a thorough review of the incident, including body-worn camera footage, was reviewed. After the investigation, it was determined the traffic stop was conducted within department policy and procedures.

Please note – some sections of the video have been blurred and some audio has been redacted to protect the identity of the individual who was cited.

Body Camera Footage of San Dimas Traffic Stop

Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants 1024 768 SIB Staff

Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants


Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants

The proliferation of illegal Marijuana cultivation operations throughout the high desert area has become an ever-growing problem in the Antelope Valley. As a result of information received through public calls for service, and the office of Supervisor Barger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies assigned to Community Partnerships Bureau (COPS) served two search warrants in the Fort Tejon area of Palmdale targeting some of these illegal operations.


 
On Tuesday, May 4th, 2021, a suspect was taken into custody for the illegal cultivation of marijuana during these warrant services. Additionally, approximately 3,800 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Due to the fact these operations were being conducted on public lands, members of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were also present. Their office will seek additional charges related to the destruction and contamination of local wildlife.


 
Illegal marijuana grows are not only illegal, but are harmful to the environment and wildlife due to the hazardous chemicals and toxic pesticides used. The illegal marijuana grows are also dangerous for residents who may stumble upon them.  There could be toxic molds and fungus, faulty electrical hook ups and booby traps that can be life threatening to those who wander onto the land where these illegal marijuana grows are.
 
We thank those residents who contacted the LASD to provide the information which led to the apprehension of the suspect, the seizure of the illegal narcotics, and the return of these public lands to the residents of the Antelope Valley. 
 
If you know of any illegal marijuana grow operations in your area, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it. 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.

Picture of hand painted sheriff's badge, painted on a white wall in the C R D F Jail. The words above read, "Visiting Center".
Reopening of Jail Visitations at CRDF 1024 683 SIB Staff

Reopening of Jail Visitations at CRDF

Update: LASD has expanded visitation to all facilities starting Saturday, June 5, 2021. More information here.

LASD values the importance of visitation, and its role in family connectedness during this difficult time.

We are excited to announce the phased reopening of jail visitation commencing on Mother’s Day weekend (May 8th and 9th) at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF).

CRDF Detention Facility

All other facilities are expected to reopen by the first week of June. The Department will also be offering free vaccinations on Saturday, May 8th from 9am to 12pm at CRDF.

Visitation Requirements:

• All visits must be scheduled in advanced. There will be no walk-in appointment allowed or scheduled at facilities.
• Visitors will be screened for symptoms, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste. Visitors will be turned away if they have symptoms or are under quarantine or isolation orders.
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance, or they will be asked to leave.
• Only one adult visitor OR one adult with one child will be allowed. If more people show up, the entire visit will be canceled for everyone.
• Visitors subject to a quarantine or isolation order will have their appointment canceled.
• Visitors will have to show proof of a full COVID vaccination i, a negative COVID test within the last three days ii, or proof of previous infection iii. Otherwise, the visit will be canceled.

For more information on visitation requirements, please go to https://lasd.org/covid19updates/#inmate_visit.

Image of fake pharmaceuticals confiscated by LASD.
Intellectual Property 900 503 SIB Staff

Intellectual Property

National Day of World Intellectual Property

Today we mark National Day of World Intellectual Property. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe.”

Counterfeiting is the largest global criminal enterprise affecting economic growth and impacting the health and safety of consumers. This illicit trade is a significant problem worldwide that continues to grow. Whether it is smuggling, counterfeit, or tax evasion, governments are losing billions of dollars in tax revenues, legitimate businesses are being undermined, and consumers are being exposed to poorly made and unregulated products.

Image of 40 or 50 fake motorcycle helmets displayed in an office. The Helmets are on a wall rack along the wall.

It is a crime to steal, with the intention to, Sell and/or Manufacture of someone’s registered trademark and/or logo, whether it’s a song, artwork, or tangible property. 

Within the County of Los Angeles, the Sheriff’s Department enforces trademarks to protect against Intellectual Property theft and ensure the health and safety of consumers. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement (CAPE) Team is an active investigative unit consisting of Sheriff Deputies, a Sergeant, and a Lieutenant responsible for enforcing counterfeit-related crimes and investigation of various “quality of life” issues, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and safety products. 

If you know of someone who is selling counterfeit products, you can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Community Partnerships Bureau, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement Team at 323-981-5300 to provide information on the Sale and/or Manufacture of counterfeit goods. Or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Operation Homebound 1024 949 SIB Staff

Operation Homebound

Operation Homebound

UPDATE: Great News, LASD’s Operation Homebound has resumed!

On January 7, 2021, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva put “Operation Homebound” into motion.  A program designed to vaccinate the most underrepresented, homebound, and underserved disabled residents in our communities, including those experiencing homelessness.

Deputy paramedics preparing vaccines for a home bound resident.

We are administering the Johnson & Johnson (1 shot only) vaccine utilizing our deputy sheriff personnel who are certified paramedics and emergency medical technicians.  LASD is working with local community based organizations like “Integrated Community Collaborative” and “Disability Voices United” to connect with LA County residents most in need, go to their residences, and provide them this life-saving opportunity.

If you fall into this category and need our help, please contact your local Sheriff’s patrol station, or send an email to the Sheriffs Information Bureau at sibmedia24@lasd.org or call (213) 229-1700, to receive more information about #OperationHomebound.

Deputy at a residence performing a welfare check on an elderly person.
A LASD welfare check may save a loved one’s life or provide peace of mind during this pandemic.

Welfare Checks

 Are you concerned about a home bound family member, neighbor or friend who is either elderly or at risk during the face of this pandemic and you live in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction?  We can help you by conducting a welfare check.

A “welfare check” is the term The Sheriff’s Department has for conducting a safety and wellness check of a person if you have not heard from or seen in a reasonable amount of time.  

If you believe a loved one may be at risk or know someone who may not have the resources to get their essential needs such as groceries, medical prescriptions or mental assistance please locate the information for your nearest Sheriff’s Station by visiting https://lasd.org/stations/.  

When you call the station, a dispatcher will enter a call for service and deputies on patrol will drive to your loved ones home and attempt to make contact. 

Examples of high-risk persons include the elderly community or those who suffer from blood disorders, chronic liver disease, compromised immune system, current or recent pregnancy, metabolic disorder, heart disease, lung disease, or neurological conditions. Remember we are all in this together this service has always been provided to the communities we serve, however it is even more vital today. It can save lives and offer peace of mind for the requestor. 

We are all in this together, and LA isn’t LA without all of us. Stay Safer at home, and do your part to flatten the curve. 
For up to date information regarding #COVID19 please visit https://lasd.org/covid19updates/

Sheriff standing with staff in the hall of the Hall of Justice building
LASD employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics 600 600 SIB Staff

LASD employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics

LA County Sheriff’s Department employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics

Since taking office, Sheriff Villanueva’s vision of LASD’s hiring practices have resulted in sworn personnel representing what our communities look like.   Currently, the LA County demographics are reflected in all ranks from entry level deputy to the top ranks.  Sheriff Villanueva oversees the LASD which is comprised of approximately 9,800 sworn personnel, 18,000 total personnel who serve throughout Los Angeles County, a County with over 10 million residents, and spread out over 4,000 square miles.

  RACE2020 LASD SWORN RACE DEMOGRAPHICS2019 LA COUNTY RACE DEMOGRAPHICS * CensusReporter.org
White31.2%26%
Black7.5%8%
Asian5.5%15%
Hispanic52.5%49%
Other3.3%2%

During Sheriff Villanueva’s tenure there has also been equity in promotions at the Executive ranks.  For example, Sheriff Villanueva has appointed one Hispanic and one Asian to the Undersheriff position, a rank designating the second in command of the Sheriff’s Department, which is currently held by Undersheriff Timothy K. Murakami.

At the Division Chief level, this is the first time in the history of the Department there are four African American Division Chiefs. 

As of January 31, 2021, the Executive ranks from Captain to Chief were represented by 26 females, compared to 94 males, which resulted in 21.66% female and 78.33% male representation.  Department females account for 18.3% of LASD personnel at all ranks (The national average is 11.9%). 

Under Sheriff Villanueva’s leadership, sworn personnel and the leadership of the LASD are truly reflective of the communities that we serve throughout LA County.

LA COUNTY SHERIFF VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE” 1024 683 SIB Staff

LA COUNTY SHERIFF VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE”

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF ALEX VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE”


Today, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva launched the first of its kind “Wage Theft Task Force” to protect undocumented and documented workers in Southern California.  “Rebuilding trust with our community, in particular the undocumented, is crucial to public safety, I want those wage theft victims to know that their immigration status does not matter,” said Sheriff Alex Villanueva.  This Wage Theft Task Force is a collaboration with the California Labor Commission, the LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs, the LA County District Attorney’s Office, the LA County Federation of Labor and several community groups.

According to a UCLA Labor Center Study, low wage earners are the most vulnerable and a whopping $28 million dollars is stolen every week in Los Angeles County alone due to wage theft by unscrupulous employers.  California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower said, “I applaud Sheriff Villanueva for his leadership to stand up for hard working Angelinos and partner with my office to build a targeted judgment enforcement task force.”

Potential victims of wage theft are urged to reach out to a LASD patrol station to file a complaint, which will be referred to our Special Victims Bureau to investigate.  Upon completion of their investigation, the case may be referred to the DA’s Office and/or the California Labor Commission.  Attorneys will decide if this is a criminal matter or not; however, all victims (regardless of the criminal nature of their case) will be referred to the Office of Immigrant Affairs for further support.  Eventually, after a judge renders a decision and if it is in favor of the victim, LASD will serve the court order to help the victim recover his/her stolen wages.

Virgilio Gonzalez was a live-in healthcare worker for the elderly disabled in a congregate setting.  Virgilio says he was a victim of wage theft and in 2018 after filing a report with the Labor Commission, he received a judgment for nearly $70,000.00 in back pay.  “Wage theft hurt me and my family, it is a crime, and I hope nobody else has to go through what I did,” said Mr. Gonzalez.

LASD is committed to transparency, accountability and public safety for all including the undocumented.

If you are a victim of Wage Theft or know someone who is, click here for more information.

Civilians are outside infront of a Sheriff vehicle with it's doors open. Civilians are wearing protective head gear holding training pistols. Training deputies are on the side of them providing instruction.
Members of the Community participate in Tactics and Survival Training 900 476 SIB Staff

Members of the Community participate in Tactics and Survival Training

Members of the Community participate in Tactics and Survival Training

LASD values transparency with the public by engaging in open and honest communication.  Last year, members of the community were invited to participate in hands-on training with our Tactics and Survival unit to promote transparency during critical incidents.  During these scenarios, veteran law enforcement instructors recreated high stress scenarios that Deputies experience on a regular basis.  Community Members were confronted with several different scenarios including some when a mock firearm or other deadly weapon were produced.

During one scenario, a role player stumbled out of his residence while holding his head as if he was an injured victim. A second man exited the residence and approached the community members. Without any warning, he suddenly retrieved a handgun from his waistband and fired several rounds before they even had time to react and return fire.

In another scenario, a role player was sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle and lifted his leg to reveal a loaded handgun that he was sitting on.  The training team pointed out this is one reason why, during traffic stops, Deputies will often direct members of the public to leave their hands on the steering wheel or in plain view. 

Marquis Diamond, a community representative who attended the training program, shared his experience, “Working in the community, we get to see things from the social media side; and sometimes, like we just realized today, that’s not always what’s accurate.  So coming to an event like this, it allows us to see the perception from the officer’s eyes.  That way when we’re in our communities we get to let them know: let the facts come out first, before we make judgement on how this situation played out.”

LASD thanks the community members who took the time to participate in these training scenarios.