Probation Media Contact: (562) 315-3388 
prob.news@probation.lacounty.gov

For Immediate Release:
April 12, 2024

Statement by LA County Probation Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa on Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall Video

"Now that the video has been released in the media, it should be abundantly clear why I felt compelled to take swift action once this incident was brought to my attention. I not only ordered those involved to be relieved of duty pending an investigation, I referred the investigation to an external law enforcement agency to ensure independence. 

Because I was not satisfied with how this was reported internally, I have secured authority from the Board of Supervisors to restructure and professionalize Internal Affairs. This will make sure we conduct fair, thorough — and prompt — investigations in those rare cases where our personnel fall short of our core values.

We will not tolerate misconduct like that depicted in the video, nor will we tolerate a lack of urgent response, if and when these incidents happen.”

###