“This new office will be tasked with helping to eradicate all deputy gangs from this department,” Luna said at a midday news conference outside the Hall of Justice. The new office, Luna said, could “help protect taxpayers” from such costly litigation in the future by making sure the department doesn’t run afoul of legal agreements or violate people’s rights. Several stem from sprawling lawsuits over poor care and persistent violence meted out by staff inside the Los Angeles County jails. “I am glad Sheriff Luna is trying to take a new path by instituting a full office of constitutional policing.”But some observers were more circumspect. Of more than 5,000 mentally ill people behind bars in L.A. County, Justice Department lawyers estimated just 20% are getting the treatment they need in a timely manner.

Source: The Times February 16, 2023 22:59 UTC