La County Status of Recommendations Re Jail System 2012

• Topics: Conditions of Confinement, Jail Specific

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QInunt1! nf lIlns Ans.eh~s
~heriff 5 1Beparlmenf 'i1=hanlpmrler5

470'0' JRamnna Wnukttatn

jffi{nnf.eret! 'ark, QIaIifnmia 91754-21li9
LEROY D. BACA.

SHERI"

January 5,2012

The Honorable Board of Supervisors
Cou nty of Los Angeles
383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
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, your Board requested that the Sheriff's 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. In
addition, your 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 November 29,2011, 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,

EROY D. BACA
HERIFF

:Jl :Jrachfion

0/ cService

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB 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 to the recommendations by date,
title, prepared by Special Counsel Merrick J. Bobb, the Office of Independent Review,
and the Board of Supervisors.

Install surveillance cameras at the Men's Central Jail, the Inmate Reception
Center and the Twin Towers within 30 days and develop a plan to purchase
and install surveillance cameras at the remaining jail facilities.
The Department received 300 cameras on November 23, 2011, which is Phase /I
of this project and will be installed at Men's Central Jail (MCJ) and Twin Towers
Correctional Facility (TTCF). This is in addition to the 86 cameras that were
previously installed as of October 31, 2011. To date, 214 of the 300 cameras
have been installed. The remaining 86 are scheduled to be installed by January
15, 2012. The installation priority for the assessment of force incidents is what
currently determines the schedule.
Listed below depicts the Department's current status on camera installation for
MCJ, TTCF, and the Inmate Reception Center (IRC) and the total cameras upon
completion of the project.
Men's Central Jail
Old Side

New Side

Total

678

Cameras needed:

473

205

HD cameras Installed:

131

163

Existing analog cameras:

100

Cameras to be installed or replaced

342

384

t
Inmae

Rece JlIOn
f
Cen ter

Cameras needed:

104

HD Cameras Installed:

Existing analog cameras:

Cameras to be installed or replaced

Page 1 of 9

294

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW
REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM

TWin
. r,owers correc flana I ~aCllW
Tt

Tower I

Tower /I

Totfl

Cameras needed:

332

345

67~

Cameras Installed:

Existing analog cameras:

Cameras to be installed or replaced

332

345

677

-f;

On December 5, 2011, the Internal Services Division (ISO) provided 9 contract
employees to assist in the installation effort. This has enabled installation
procedures to run 10-hours a day, 7-days a week.
The Department processed an order through ISO for 990 additional cameras.
The Department received 470 cameras, all of which were in-stock and
immediately available from the vendor. The balance of 520 cameras is estimated
to be delivered by January 24, 2012. These cameras will outfit MCJ and TTCF.

Data Storage
New servers for storage of video data were delivered on December 13, 2011,
and fully operational by December 15, 2011. These servers will enable the
Department to provide permanent storage for up to 25 months at MCJ.
Note: Any noteworthy incident is immediately copied to a permanent file for any
investigative purpose.
II,

Eliminate the use of heavy flashlights as batons to subdue inmates.
All CMTF policy recommendations, revisions and subsequent implementations,
have been slowed due to requests by the Association for Los Angeles Deputy
Sheriffs (ALADS) and the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), to
meet and consult regarding any future policy changes.

III.

Eliminate the use of "steel-toe" shoes.
Recommendation implemented - noted in the November 1, 2011, letter.
On October 24, 2011, the Department made revisions to the existing "Footwear"
policy (3-03/225.00).

Page 2 of 9

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW
REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM

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 prohibiting 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 - noted in the November 1, 2011, letter.
On October 10, 2011, the Sheriff initiated a new policy "Force Prevention Policy"
(3-02-035.00) which provides directions for personnel relating to respect based
treatment of incarcerated individuals.
On October 26, 2011, the Department made additions to the existing
"Unreasonable Force" policy (3-01/025.10) to strictly prohibit head strikes against
a hard object.
Additionally, the new Custody Force Response Team has established criteria to
respond to any head strike, whether strike initiated by personnel, or by contact
with floors, walls or other hard objects.

Rotate Jail Deputies between floors at Men's Central Jail and to other jail
facilities at no less than six-month intervals.
Recommendation implemented - noted in the November 1, 2011, letter.
In January 2011, Men's Central Jail began rotating their staff no less than every
six months. All otherjail facilities are currently developing these scheduled
rotations for immediate implementation.

VI.

Enforce the Anti-Retaliation Policy to prevent Sheriff's deputies from
retaliating against inmates speaking with legal representatives or inmate
advocacy groups or for expressing dissatisfaction with jail conditions.
Recommendation implemented - noted in the November 1, 2011, letter.
In August 2011, the Department made revisions to the existing "Treatment of
Inmates (5-12/005.00) policy to prevent deputies from retaliating against inmates.
All staff assigned to Custody and Correctional Divisions were provided a formal
briefing of the revisions to the policy. The briefing began August 4, 2011, and
continued for a two-week period. In addition, the Department has redistributed
the policy on October 25, 2011, for another two-week recurring briefing to ensure

Page 3 of 9

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW
REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM

each staff member is fully aware of the expectations of the policy and have
mandated quarterly recurring briefings be conducted.
All complaints of retaliation will be thoroughly investigated by Internal Affairs and
reviewed by the Commanders in the CMTF.

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 - noted in the November 1, 2011, letter.
On October, 26, 2011, the Department made revisions to the existing "Use of
Force Reporting and Review Procedures" policy (5-09/430.00) ensuring privacy
during force interviews.
In addition, the new Custody Force Response Team has the responsibility to
immediately assume control of the investigation and initiate an internal
investigation if any policy violations are observed.

VIII.

Interviews of inmates alleging use of force and any witnesses must occur
as soon as feasibly possible, but no later than within 48 hours of the
incident.
Recommendation implemented - noted in the November 1, 2011, letter.
On October, 26, 2011, the Department made revisions to the existing "Use of
Force Reporting and Review Procedures" policy (5-09/430.00) directing
supervisors to conduct interviews within 48 hours.

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.
Recommendation Implemented - noted in November 1, 2011, letter.
As noted in the November 1, 2011, letter, the Departments developed a new
Custody Force Response Team (CFRT) Policy that established new criteria for
force review in the jails. The new categories of force and the CFRT ensure that
more severe force cases are externally evaluated and completed within 30 days.
At that time, they are reviewed by the newly formed Custody Force Review
Committee (CFRC), which consists of three Commanders.

Page 4 of 9

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW
REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM

The Department continues to process the most severe incidents as Internal
Affairs Investigations, which are generally completed within 90 days unless
unexpected circumstances arise.

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 MCJ - noted in November 1, 2011, letter.
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 were added to MCJ 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. There are now 2 sergeants assigned to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000,
and 9000 floors, and a full-time sergeant dedicated to 1700/1750. All sergeants
were briefed on the expectations to be visible and actively monitoring activity on
the floor at all times. In addition, the Department is working on "duty statements"
for all Custody personnel to ensure they have a full understanding of the
expectations of their assignment.

XI.

Immediately mandate that all custody medical personnel report all
suspicious injuries of inmates to the Internal Affairs Unit or the Captain of
the jail facility where the inmate is housed.
Recommendation implemented - noted in the November 1, 2011, letter.
On October 28, 2011, the Department's Medical Services Bureau revised the
"Injury/Illness Report Inmate" policy (M206.09) to include a provision requiring
medical staff to advise the facility watch commander in the event an inmate
reports/alleges that their injuries are the result of a force used by a Department
employee.
To date, all medical personnel have been noticed of the new policy. As a result
of this new policy, one incident was reported and documented as a use of force
incident.

XII.

Report back on the role of the new Jail commanders and how they will be
used to reduce jail violence.

Page 5 of 9

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW
REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM

Since the implementation of efforts by the Commander Management Task Force
(CMTF) to reduce jail violence and associated use of force incidents, total
monthly use of force incidents have declined by 48 percent. The 2011 year end
totals depicted a 21 percent decrease compared to 2010.
Effective January 1, 2012, all Custody and Correctional facilities were mandated
to begin tracking force through a central database known as e-LOTS. The eLOTS database system will enable better tracking on all administrative packages
(i.e. force, complaints, allegations, risk management incidents, etc.) throughout
the Division.
At the direction of the Sheriff, the CMTF implemented a new 5 level force
category system which has been integrated into the PPI database. The 5 level
system was devised in order to better monitor and track use of force incidents
and trends as it relates to individual personnel and the type(s) of force used.
The CMTF conducted a force analysis to determine if there was a pattern of force
incidents involving inmates with mental illness. The analysis reflected a higher
amount of force involving mentally ill inmates during the evening and early
morning hours. Further review revealed a lack of available mental health
intervention services after 4pm. The Department currently deploys a Jail Mental
Evaluation Team (JMET) of seven deputies and one sergeant (5 deputies
assigned to south facilities and 2 assigned to the north facilities). The JMET
have specialized training to respond to inmate housing locations in order to
conduct assessments and provide intervention services for those requiring
mental assessment. These deputies are accompanied by Psychiatric Social
Workers from the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Budget restraints have
restricted the availability of these specialized deputies and clinicians during the
evening and early morning hours.
In the Department's efforts to impact violence in the jails, it is critical to have
deputies with specialized training to deal with mentally ill inmates. Toward that
end, the Department reassigned six deputies (from other vital assignments) to
deploy during the evening hours as JMET deputies. These additional deputies
will have a higher level of skill to interact with mentally ill inmates and aid in the
prevention of force incidents.
The Department authored a letter to the DMH requesting additional mental health
clinicians be hired to assist with afterhours mental health interventions services.
However, a response from the DMH noted a lack of funding available to address
our concerns.
Based on the above, the Sheriff's Department is requesting $777,000 in annual
funding for the 6 additional JMET deputies. In addition, the Department is
requesting $547,299 annual funding be allocated to the DMH budget to provide 6
Page 6 of 9

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW
REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM

additional Psychiatric Social Worker" items to assist the deputies in providing
mental health services, which will directly impact the Department's mission to
reduce violence in the jails.
The Jail Commanders continue to work with each Custody unit to accomplish the
goals set forth by the Sheriff and CMTF.
The new Jail Commanders oversee the operations of the CMTF, which is
comprised of 4 commanders, 8 lieutenants, 8 sergeants, and 4 support staff.
The lieutenants, 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 to assess and transform the culture of the custody facilities
in order to provide a safe, secure learning environment for our Department
personnel 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 serve the needs of inmates consistent with the Department's
"Core Values."
The CMTF's responsibilities and goals include promoting community trust,
reducing jail violence by changing the deputy culture of the custody environment,
encouraging respect based communications with inmates, review and implement
new training for staff assigned to the jails, prepare and revise all
directives/policies necessary to implement Special Counsel Merrick Bobb/Office
of Independent review recommendations, analyze force incidents and developing
and implementing a custodial career path.
The 8 lieutenants that work directly in accomplishing the goals set forth by the
Sheriff and Commanders. The 8 sergeants are comprised as a jail force "roll-out"
team (Custody Force Response Team) who will oversee, mentor and review all
significant force cases that meet a particular criterion, yet do not rise to the level
of an Internal Affairs Bureau for investigation.

A "CMTF Strategic Plan, "timeline, and organizational chart were submitted with
the November 1, 2011, letter.
Three documents are attached relating to force incidents in the jails:

XIII.

Force Used by Month - Significant force vs. Less significant force
Force Year to date - 2007 to 2011
Assaults against Jail Personnel

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 potential funding for this purpose, and
Page 7 of 9

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW
REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM

develop appropriate policies and procedures for the use of these cameras.
Policies should include a requirement that custody personnel record all
interactions with inmates, including Title 15 checks, any movement
throughout the jail facilities and any use of force. Each failure to record or
immediately report any use of force against inmates must be appropriately
disciplined.
The Department concurs with this recommendation; however, it requires field
testing. On December 18, 2011, ISO posted a Request for Information (RFI) on
the County's website. Upon completion of the RFI process, the Department will
work with ISO in procuring and deploying the devices for a field test (pilot
program) and report its findings to the Board. The Department anticipates
initiation of a pilot program in February 2012.

XIV.

Consider the feasibility of targeted and random undercover sting
operations performed in custody facilities to ensure deputies are working
within policy.
The Sheriff discussed this motion during the November 1, 2011, closed session
meeting.

XV.

Consider a "roll-out team" to investigate when there is a use of force in a
custody facility.
Recommendation implemented - noted in the November 1, 2011, letter.
Beginning November 2011, the Department created a Custody Force Response
Team (CFRT), comprised of 8 sergeants and a lieutenant, who are tasked with
responding to custody facility force incidents.
The CMTF created a set of criteria that mandate facility watch commanders to
contact the CFRT and request a response. The CFRT sergeant will oversee and
assist in the force documentation for the facility. In the course of reviewing the
incident, the CFRT Sergeant shall give specific direction to the handling
supervisor. If any policy violations are discovered, the CFRT will immediately
assume responsibility of the force investigation and initiate an internal
investigation.
All incidents requiring a CFRT response will be reviewed by a newly formed
Custody Force Review Committee (CFRC) comprised of 3 Commanders
assigned to Custody and Correctional Services Divisions. The CFRC has the
authority to order additional investigation, make recommendations, or request an
Internal Affairs Investigation if there appears to be a possible violation of
Department policy.

Page 8 of 9

RECOMMENDATIONS BY MERRICK BOBB AND OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW
REGARDING THE JAIL SYSTEM

As of January 1, 2012, the CFRT has responded to assist in investigation and
documentation of 10 use of force incidents and monitoring two additional
incidents.

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.

XVII.

Consider a two-track career path for deputies, patrol deputies and custody
deputies.
On December 16,2011, members of the CMTF concluded an extensive twomonth study which analyzed different methods of implementing a two-track
career path within the LASD. Study results and CMTF recommendations were
presented to the Sheriff, on December 21, 2011. The Department will be
meeting with members of ALADS and PPOA to discuss the recommendations.

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. To date, 228
deputies have taken advantage of this offer, which will ultimately cause a
reduction of time that deputies will serve in a Custody assignment.
Recommendations for a two-track career path were reviewed by the Sheriff on
December 21,2011, which will reduce the length oftime deputies serve in
custody. Department members will be meeting with members of ALADS and
PPOA to discuss the recommendations.

Page 9 of 9

lOS ANGElES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

FORCE USED BY MONTH SIGNIFICANT VS LESS SIGNIFICANT

"V:

January
Sig

Force

CUSTODY DIVISION

March

February

Less Sig

Force

less Sig

Sig
Total

Force

Sig
Total

April

Sig

Less Sig

Total

Force

June
less Sig

May

less Sig
Force

less Sig

Sig
Total

Force

Sig
Total

Force

Total

CRDF

EAST FACILITY

CST

MEN'S CENTRAL JAIL

MIRA LOMA FACILITY

NCCF

SOlJTH FACILITY

TWIN TOWERS

IRC

NORTH FACILITY

less Sig

Force

CUSTODY DIVISION

Sig

Total

Force

Sig

Less Sig

Force

September

August

July
Sig

Total

Force

less Sig

5ig
Total

Force

November

Oetober

less Sig

Force

Sig
Total

December
Sig

Less Sig

Force

Total

Totals

LessSig

Force

Slg
Total

LessSig

Force

force

Total

CRDF

EAST FACILITY

CST

IRC

106
170

MEN'S CENTRALJAIL

138

MIRA LOMA FACILITY

NCCF

NORTH FACILITY

SOlJTH FACILITY
TWIN TOWERS

164

584

11
68

420

Force By Month
60 , . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

+------:::0-------------------------------------------

-l-------~~----____:~==::::::=:::::=---=~"""";;;;::::=---,----------

+---------------=-------------------------'1.------------

t----:=-----------------------------~::::;;~=;;;;;;;:~,--

+-----=::::~~""""',_____- L-----=::===~'o;;;::"""--~~----------Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

lui

Jun

-Significant

Aug

50p

Oct

Nov

Dec

- l e s s Significant

fTotrJf:s pre:sented ore o:s 0/01/03/2012

Reportable force is less significant when it is limited to any of the follOWing and there is no injury or complaint of pain nor any indication of
misconduct:
Searching and handcuffing techniques resisted by the suspect,
Department-approved control holds, come-along, or take down,
Use of Oleoresin Capsicum spray, Freeze +P or Deep Freeze aerosols, or Oleoresin Capsicum powder from a Pepperball projectile
when the suspect is not struck by a Pepperball projectile.
Reportable force is significant when it involves any of the follOWing:
Suspect injury resu Iting from use of force,
Complaint of pain or injury resulting from use of force,
Indication or allegation of misconduct in the application of force,
Any application of force that is greater than a Department-approved control hold, come-along, or take down. This includes the
activation of the electronic immobilization belt or the use of the Total Appendage Restraint Procedure (TARP).

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
FORCE USED YTD 2007-2011

120 . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

100

-2011

-2010
-2009
60

-2008
2007

20 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

O+----.-----.-----r----.-----.-----.----.------.--,---,---,-----,

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

2007
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Grand Total

Jul

Aug

2008

Sep

Oct

2009

Nov

2010

Dec

2011

Total

Incidents

96
84
100
75
101
91
82
98
89
105
94
98
1113

'Totals presented are as of 01/03/2012

110
76
77

69
79
85
77

96
94
73
78
66
980

98
83
90
80
85
93
84
114
80
89
75
85
1056

49
51
81
71

70
72

63
67
56
52
51
56
739

63
62
48
37
59
53
56
43
56
34
44

29
584

JJA

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

XM~

INMATE ASSAULTS ON STAFF; INCIDENTS BY MONTH

'-~.

January

1M vs
Staff

CUSTODY DIVISION

CRDF
EAST FACILITY
IRC
MEN'S CENTRALJAIL
MIRA LOMA FACILITY
NCCF
NORTH FACILITY
SOUTH FACILITY
TWIN TOWERS

February

IMvs
Staff

Staff Inj

1M vs
Staff

Staff Inj

5
1

3
0

5
24

3
15

7
23

2
8

1
3
12

0
2
5

1
4

1
3
6

July

CRDF
EAST FACILITY
IRC
MEN'S CENTRALJAIL
MIRA LOMA FACILITY
NCCF
NORTH FACILITY
SOUTH FACILITY
TWIN TOWERS

Staff Inj

August

IMvs
Staff

Staff Inj

September

IMvs
Staff

Staff Inj

1
7

1
2
15

0
1
5

Staff Inj

0
2

0
0
0
1

1
16

1
7

1
8

0
2

1
3

Staff Inj

2
6

1
1

6
20

3
8

5
13

1M vs
Staff

Staff Inj

1
1
1
3

1M vs
Staff

2
6

November

October

1M vs
Staff

June

May

April

1M vs
Staff

CUSTODY DIVISION

March

1M vs
Staff

December

1M vs
Staff

Staff Inj
3

1
1

1
8

Staff Inj
3

0
3

1
6

0
4

Inmate Assaults on Staff
30

o
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

--Assaults

*Totals presented are as of 01/03/2012

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec