Ca Laco Brd Supervisors Status Report Oct 2011 Progress Co Jail Violence 10-2012
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illaunt!! allIin. Augd". ,~hrriff'" llrpllrfntmt 1il'llogtluri.ers 47UU :tkmona jluulrullru iRrrntnt'1 'ark, OInlifornbt 91751-21fi'J October 23,2012 The Honorable Board of Supervisors County of Los Angeles 383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Admir'lislration Los Angeles, California 90012 Dear Supervisors: 30·DAY STATUS OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE OCTOBER 18, 2011, BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' MEETING REGARDING THE MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM On October 18, 2011, the Board requested thai the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (Department) report back on the motion to immediately implement the recommendations previously made by Special Counsel Merrick Bobb and the Office of Independent Review (OIR). In addition, the Board requested the Department report back on deputy worn video cameras, the status of the Department's hiring practices, sting audits, a force rollout team, and the length of time deputies serve in the jails Attached is an update on each recommendation from the September 18, 2012, response. Should you have any questions or require additional information , please contact me or Assistant Sheriff Cecil W. Rhambo, Jr., at (323) 526-5065 Sincerely, LEROY D. BA SHERIFF ,'7/ JradHioIl oj ()(,Toir:e RECOMM ENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOSB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT The purpose of this document is to provide a status of the recommendations by dale and title, prepared by Special Counsel Merrick Bobb, the Office of Independent Review, and the Board of Supervisors. I. Install surveillance cameras at the Men's Central Jail, the Inmate Reception Center and the Twin Towers Correctional Facility within 30 days and develop a plan to purchase and install surveillance cameras at the remaining jail facilities, The Deparlment has installed all 705 cameras at Men's Central Jail (MCJ). As of May 31,2012, all cameras are online and recording. The Deparlment is installing cameras at Twin Towers Correctional Facility (TTCF) and the Inmate Reception Center (lRC). CutTently, 673 cameras have been installed at rTCF (87 recording) and 66 cameras have been installed at IRC (33 recording). The attached document (Camera Project Status Reporl) depicts the Department's current status on camera installation and the projected total of cameras. Data Storage The servers and storage equipment, together, provide storage of video footage They were deployed the first quarter of 2012. Additional hard drives and storage ellclosures have been deployed to provide long-tenn storage of the video footage. Technicians are analyzing equipment efficiency and storage capacity as cameres are added to the storage system. Options regarding the expansion of video storage have been considered in order to meet legal and Board approved requirements for archived video. while ensuring quality resolution at various frame rates. The network upgrade for MCJ was completed at the end of April 2012. The installation of the servers and storage equipment was completed at the end of May 2012. The network upgrade for all of rTCF and IRe is currently underway alld is scheduled to be completed in November, 2012. The remaillillg cameras for TTCF and IRC are scheduled to be brought on line in December, 2012 Page 1 of 9 RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM Po/icv The Sheriffs Department has implemented new policies to propmfy inspect and secure all equipment associated with the video surveillance system. The Department is finalizing its policies regarding the review of video recordings involving a use of force. Personnel are required to write their report prior to viewing any video recording of force incidents. II. Eliminate the use of heavy flashlights as batons to subdue inmates. Recommendation implemented - Effective September 1. 2012 The Sheriff has directed and approved a new policy to limit the size and weight of the flashlight. The policy specifies that the flashlights shall not weigh more than 16 ounces, and shall not be more than 13 inches in length. Flashlights longer than 6 inches sl1all be of plastic or nylon composite ma/erial only The Custody Division Manual (COM) section 3-06/055.20 Flashlights, was published on May 23, 2012. The policy was implemented on September 1, 2012. in order to provide a reasonable period of time to acquire policy conforming flashlights. In August, 2012, all custody assistants were issued a new high quality flashlight made of durable lightweight composite material, approximately 13 inches in length All deputies were provided a light weight battery sleeve to bring their current duty"issued flashlights into compliance with the new policy III. Eliminate the use of "steel-toe" shoes. Recommendation implemented. On October 24. 2011, the Department made revisions to the existing "Footwearpolicy (MPP 3-03/225.00). This policy was published into the Department's Manual of Policy and Procedures and disseminated to all personnel on febll)ary 10, 2012. Research of existing personnel showed that Department personnel have never worn 'steel toe' boots in any capacity: however. the Department formally revised the policy to strictly prohibit any use of 'steel toe" boots. IV. Revise the Policy on Head Strikes with Impact Weapons to forbid all head strikes. including, but not limited to, head strikes against fixed objects such as floors, walls or jail bars, unless the standard for lethal force has been met. Recommendation implemented. Page2of9 RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM On October 10, 2011, the Sheriff initiated a "Force Prevention " policy (COM 3021035,00) which provides direction for personnel relating to respect based treatment of incarcerated individuals, This policy was published into the Custody Division Manual and disseminated to all custody assigned personnel on November 8, 2011. The policy was then discussed with the ALADS working group in which revisions were made. The revised Force Prevention policy was republished and rodistributed to all personnel in the jails on March 19. 2012. On October 26, 2011, the Department made additions to the existing "Unreasonable Force" (MPP 3-01/025.10) policy and the "Activation of ForcelShooting Response Teams" (MPP 5-09/434.05) 10 slricrly prohibit head strikes against a hard object. Unless otherwise handled by the Internal Affairs Bureau (lAB), the Custody Force Response Team (CFRT) responds to all force incidents where any head strike occurs, whether the strike is initiated by personnel, or by contact with floors, walls or other hard objects. The 'Unreasonable Force" and "Activation of ForcelShooting Response Teams" policies were published into the Department's Manual of Policy and Procedures and disseminated to al/ personnel on February 13, 2012. V. Rotate jail deputies between floors at Men's Central Jail and other jail facilities at no less than six-month intervals. Recommendation implemented partially. In January 20", Men's Central Jail began rotating their staff no less than every six months. After consulting with ALADS, a new Custody Directive "Mandatory Rotation of Line Personnel in Custody" (12-001) was published and disseminated to all custody personnel on February 17, 2012, mandating the rotation of all Custody line personnel every six months within their assigned facility. All facilities (MCJ, TrCF, IRC, CRDF, MLDC, and all PDe facilities) began rotating personnel every six months effective February 17, 2012. The Department is currently assessing the feasibility of rotating deputies amongst proximate custody facilities_ There are several logistical, scheduling. and labor issues that need to be overcome before this could be accomplished. VI. Enforce the Anti-Retaliation Policy to prevent SherifFs deputies from retaliating against inmates speaking with legal representatives or inmate advocacy groups or for expressing dissatisfaction with jail conditions. Recommendation implemented. In August 2011, the Department made revisions to the existing "Treatment of Inmates" (CDM 5-12/005.00) policy to prevent deputies from retaliating againsl Page30f9 RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM inmates. All staff assigned to Custody Division were provided a fennal briefing on the revisions to the policy. The briefing began August 4,2011, and continued for a two-week period. In addition, the Department redistributed tile policy on October 25, 2011, for another two-week recurring briefing to ensure each staff member was fully aware of the expectations of the policy and mandated quarterly recuning briefings be conducted, The Department made additional revisions to the existing "Treatment of Inmates" policy in order to separate and create specific orders relating to retaliation against inmates. The Custody Division Manual, "Anti-Retaliation Policy" (COM 5121005.05) mandates that all complaints of retaliation are forwarded to lAB; the captain of lAB will determine which unit will conduct the investigation This revised version of the "Treatment of Inmates· policy and the new "Anti-Retaliation Policy' were published and disseminated to all custody personnel on Febmary 27, 2012. In response to further discussions with the ACLU, the Department is reexamining the current policies VII. Interviews of inmates who make claims of excessive force should not be conducted by, or in the presence of, the deputies or their supervising sergeant involved in the alleged use of force_ Recommendation implemented On October, 26, 2011, the Department made revisions to the existing 'Use of Force Reporting and Review Procedures" (MPP 5-091430.00) policy ensuring privacy during force interviews, This policy was published in the Department's Manual of Policy and Procedures and disseminated to all personnel on February 13, 2012. VIII. Interviews of inmates alleging use of force and any witnesses must occur as soon as feasibly possible, but no later than 48 hours of the incident. Recommendation implemented. On October, 26, 2011, the Department made revisions to the existing 'Use of Force Reporting and Review Procedures' (MPP 5-091430.00) policy directing supeNisors to immediately conduct interviews. As noted in VII, this policy was published in the Department's Manual of Policy and Procedures and disseminated to all personnel Oil February 13, 2012. IX. Develop a prioritization process for Use of Force Investigations to ensure that the most severe incidents are completed within 30 days and that all others are completed within 60 to 90 days. Page4of9 RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM Recommendation implemented. The Department developed the CFRT to ensure that significant force cases. not handled by lAB, are externally evaluated and completed within 30 days. Upon completion, they are reviewed by the newly formed Custody Force Review Committee (CFRC), which consisfs offhree commanders. The last CFRC was conducted on October 16,2012, and included oversight by Ihe OIR The next CFRC is scheduled for November 6, 2012. To date, the CFRC has reviewed 51 cases Of those, 5 have been referred to lAB and none have been referred to ICIB. The Department continues to process the most severe incidents as lAB investigations, which are generally completed within 90 days unless unexpected circumstances arise. The CFRT Directive was published and disseminaled 10 all custody personnel on November 7, 2011. The aforementioned CFRT Directive was revised and published as a Custody Division Policy on May 23, 2012. The CFRC policy was publish6d and disseminated to all custody personnel on April 16, 2012. X. Develop a plan for more intense supervision that requires jail sergeants to directly supervise jail deputies, including walking the row of jail cells and floors and responding as soon as possible to any notification of interaction where force is being used on an inmate. Recommendation Implemented at MC), On October 27, 2011. the Department delivered a letter to the Chief Executive Officer requesting additional supervisory staff in the jails. However, the Department felt it was imperative to immediately increase staffing at MCJ. Effective November 6, 2011, 19 sergeants wern added to MCJ's current staffing to ensure the appropriate supervision was in place. These items were removed from other critical areas within the Department and deployed to cover both Day and PM shifts. Funding for Ihese items was requested in a letter to the CEO on October 26, 2011, however to dale the request has gone unfulfilled. There are now 2 sergeants assigned to 2000, 3000, 4000, SOOO, and 9000 floors, and a {ul/time sergeant is dedicated to 170011750. All sergeants were briefed on the expectations to be visible and actively monitoring activity on Ihe floor at aI/ times. In addition, the Department has completed "duty statements· for all cuslody personnel to ensure they have a full understanding of the expectations of their assignment. Page50f9 RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVI EW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM XI. Immediately mandate that all custody medical personnel report all suspicious injuries of inmates to the Internal Affairs Bureau or the captain of the jail facility where the inmate is housed. Recommendation implementoo. On October 26. 2011, the Deparlment's Medical SelVices Bureau revised the "InjUly/lllness Report-Inmate" policy (M206.09) to include a provision requiring medical slaff to advise the facility watch commander in the event an inmate reports/al/eges that their injurifJs are the result of force used by a Department employee. This policy was disseminated to all medical personnel on October 26, 2011. XII. Report back on the role of the new jail commanders and how they will be used to reduce jail violence. As reporled to the Board on November 1,2011. Since the implementation of efforts by the Commander Management Task Force (CMTF) to reduce jail violence and associated use of force incidents, totel significant uses of forw continue to decline, Two documents are allached relating to force incidents in the jails. Force Used by Month - Significant force vs. Less significant force Force Year to Date - 2007 to 2012 The jail commanders continue to work with eacll custody unit to accomplish the goals set forlh by the Sheriff. The jail commanders oversee the op€rations of the CMTF. comprised of five commanders, eight lieutenanls, eight sergeants, and four support slaff. The IifJutenants, sergeants, and support staff are all items that were removed from critical units within the Department and deployed to this task force. The CMTF Mission is 10 assess and transform the culture of the custody facilities in order to provide a safe, secure learning environment for our Department pfJrsonnel and the inmates placed in the Department's care, The CMTF's purpose is to empower Department personnel to provide a level of professionalism and selVe the needs of inmates consistent with the Department's "Core Valuas.· The CMTF's responsibilities and goals include promoting community trust, reducing jail violence by changing Ihe deputy culture of the custody environment, Page6of9 RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBS AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM encouraging respect baSfJd communications with inmates, reviewing and implementing new training for staff assigned to the j ails, preparing and raws/ng all directNes/policies necessal}' to implement SpeclBl Counsel Marrick BobblOlR recommendations, analyzing force incidents and developing and implemanting a clJs/odial career path. The CMTF and ClJstody SlJpport Services have been working col/aboratively to fulfill recommen dation requests made by the American Civil Uberlies Union (ACLU) , Special (;()unsel Merrick 8obb, the OIR, 11nd the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, which P6rlain to the Jaifs. The eight CMTF lieutenants worl< directly in accomplishing the goals set forth by the Sheriff and commanders. The eight CMTF SBfge8fltS are comprised as 8 jaJI force ·roIJ..out~ team (CFRT) who oversee, mentor and reV/8W al/ slgniflCant force cases It!at maet a particular criterion, yet do not rise to the !evel of an lAB investigation. XIII. Sheriff to work with the Chief Executive Office to immediately study the feasibility of purchasing officer worn video cameras for all custody personnel to use, to Identify potontlal funding for this purpose, and develop appropriate policies and procedures for the use of theso cameras. Policies should include a requirement that custody personnel record all interactions with inmates, Including TItle 15 checks, any movement tflroughout the jail facilities and any use of force. Each fal1unt to record or Immediately report any use of force against inmates must bo approprial~y disciplined. The Department conducted 8 six month "Proof of ConcepF in order 10 determine Whether there is a precfical use for P6rsonal Video Recording Devic6s (PVRD) In ClJstody Operations Div/slOfls. The Department recsived and issued 30 PVRO's for the pilot program. Tile CM TF drafted a guideline, and conducted training for the voluntser deputies inVOlved in the program. The PVRO's were worn by deputies interacting with Inmates at MCJ and TTCF. The Department conducted testing of PVRD models from two different manuf8Cfurars. The pilot program, which began on February 26, 201 2, was completed on August 3, 2012. The Department provklfKi the Board with 8 preliminary mport on the pi/oI program Oll Sapfember 18. 2012. The Department is CUfTfinlly conducting further enalysis on the technology and related costs. PSSl6 7 of 9 RECOMMENDAn ONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM XIV. Consider the feasibility of targeted and random undercover .tlng operations performed in cu.tody facilities to ensure deputies are working w1thin polfcy. As reported in closed seSSIOn. The Sheriff discussed this motion during the November 1, 2011, clos9d S6SSK)Il meeting. XV. Comsider a " roll-out team " to Investigate when there Is a use offoree in a custody facility. Recommendation implemented. Beginning November 2011, the Department created the CFRT, comprised of eight sergeants and a lieu/enant, who are tasked with responding to selected custody facility force inckienls, The CMTF created set criteria thel mandate facility walch commanders to contact the CFRT and request a response. The CFRT sergeant will oversee and assist in rile force documentatIOn for the facility. In the course of reviewing the Incident. the CFRT sergeant shal! give specific direction to rile handling superviSf)(" If any policy vioJatlOns are discovered, the CFRT will immediately essume responsibility of the fOrc6 investigation and inffiate an lAB mvesligalion. AN incidems requiring e CFRT response WI/I be reviewtJd by a newly formed CFRC comprised of throe commanders essigned to Custody Division. The too CFRC has authority to order eddilional investigation, make f9C0mmendations, or request an lAB investigation iflhare appears to ~ 8 possible violation of Department policy. Smce Inception (November. 2011), the CF RT has been notified/consulted on 182 incidents and has responded to 97 incidents. Year to date In 2012, the CFRT has been l1olified/consulted on 154 incidents and has respcmded 85 limes. The remaining cases that the CFRT did not respond to did not meet the CFRT response criteria. XVI. Report back in 30 days on the hiring standards for deputy sheriffs and how they changed during the last hiring push. Recommendation completed· a full report on the hiring standards was provided in the November 1, 2011, letter. Page 8 019 RECOMM ENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM XVII. Consider a two-track career path for deputies, patrol deputies and custody deputies. Feasibility study is ongoing. On December 16, 2011 , the Department concluded en extensive two-month study which analyzed different methods of implementing a two-track career path within the Department. These study results have been presented to the CEO, ALADS, PPOA, and the Public Safety Cluster Agenda Review meeting on February 8. 2012. The Department formed a subject mailer expert working group to update the current sergeant and lieutenant classifications for the Dual Track Career Path proposal. and is also working with the CEOs Classification Unit regarding its implementation. The Department continues to conduct informational meetings conceming the proposal with the CEO. ALADS, and PPOA. XVIII. Review existing policy of assigning new deputies to custody functions, specifically, the length of time spent in custody and the hiring trend as its primary determining factor, and revise the policy to reduce the length of time deputies serve in custody. On October 28. 2011, the Department authorized custody personnel to initiate extensions if they desire to remain in their current assignment. As of October 12, 2012. 490 dep(lties have taken advantage of this offer, which will ultimately cause a reduction of time that deputies will serve in a custody assignment. As noted in the above item, recommendations for a two-track career path were presented to the CEO, ALADS, Professional Peace Officers Association. and the Public Safety CAR meeting on February 8,2012, which will reduce the length of time deputies, selVe in custody. Page90f9 CAMERA PROJECT STATUS REPORT 10/15/2012 MCJ ITCF '" ~ . ie S~ ::,.-, ~ g •• It . ~~ . T ~ I· ~~ ,• < 8~ ". •• ~~ g~ 1, . t~ 1l ~ h ~ ,. J ..~H •,1 iI I ... ' ." H '1 ,I I'orc~ •• • • " " " i" ! ~" - , f- By Month Jan 2011 t o 5ep 2012 A ! ~/ \ ,\;.'''/ , / \ / " .~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ . ... " ... .." "" " ".,. .. "" " ....... -- "- " ... " ">_. "',,, _ " 0.0" ."" ..,,_ ... ~_, '"''' ".,-U_Jl '"' 1' '.," ,",," - - ",' - .•, ~ - ~- "'" "'..-.. .... """"",,",",-...- ........ """"'--' _-, 0. _ _ """" ,,,",,,,, ""'''' "'""' _ _ .. ,... """'" _...... _---- ...... - ...... ..-.....- "'" ~ ...._ ~ ............... . . 0.., ,_" _ . " """""""~ _ _"'_ "". _ 110 ~ ""'". _ , ....... ~ - . , " " , _ " __"""""'-.._..............,.0._._ . . . . . ____. . . . ,. . """'.__ ""' . . . ""...... <-01""" '" """ "' ..... . - . . . ...... "'""' ..... - " ' -"'''''''-''''''''''''---''-. -..--......... .,.""'_"''''''r'''.. _,.._.. __.IT-I' LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FORCE USED YTD 2007-2012 120 100 2012 80 2011 2010 2009 60 2008 2007 40 20 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2012 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total Total Total Total Total Total Incidents Incidents Incidents Incidents Incidents Incidents Jan 96 110 98 49 62 33 Feb 84 76 83 51 62 49 Mar 100 77 90 81 48 46 Apr 75 69 80 71 37 47 May 101 79 85 70 60 27 Jun 91 85 93 71 54 34 Jul 82 77 84 63 56 36 Aug 98 96 114 67 44 43 Sep 89 94 80 56 55 41 Oct 105 73 89 52 35 16 Nov 94 78 75 52 43 Dec 99 66 85 58 30 Grand Total 1114 980 1056 741 586 372 Percentage Difference -12.03% 7.76% -29.83% -20.92% -24.70% Month 2012 Numbers reflect the difference between the same time span from 2011. *Totals presented are as of 10/13/2012