FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 9, 2024
L.A. County Oversight Commission Launches New School Resource Deputy Initiative
LOS ANGELES, CA-
The Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Commission (POC) today announced the launch of a new School Resource Deputy (SRD) Complaint Initiative to provide an opportunity for students, parents, and others harmed by SRDs employed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to express their concerns.
This initiative is the result of a Board motion co-authored by Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda L. Solis to promote safe and supportive school environments by reducing punitive systems that contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline.
The motion was born out of public concern and data from the County’s Office of Inspector General showing concerning trends about School Resource Deputies including contact with Latino and African American students at a rate that is disproportionately higher in comparison to their percentage of school enrollment and concerning contact with elementary-aged students. (OIG Report Back on Improving School, Climate and Safety, April 18, 2023).
Currently, parents, students and others who have concerns about the conduct of an SRD must file a complaint directly with their local Sheriff’s station, a process that can be intimidating and may contribute to under-reporting. The Probation Oversight Commission created a new process to accept complaints by a body that is independent of the Sheriff’s Department and will thereby serve as a neutral and accessible touchpoint for residents to file a complaint. The multilingual, mobile-friendly complaint form is accessible on the POC’s website and can be submitted online. Complainants may also download a paper complaint form and submit it via email or U.S. mail. Residents can still file directly with LASD if they choose; the POC initiative is a supplement, not a replacement of LASD’s current intake process. POC staff will review complaints and refer them to the Sheriff’s Department. The POC will not investigate the complaints. POC staff will be available to answer questions from complainants and serve as a liaison between them and LASD staff. The POC will publish public reports summarizing complaint data and trends to improve transparency around this issue and support the Board in making informed decisions.
"I appreciate that the Board entrusted the POC with this initiative. The POC is committed to the Board’s goals of Youth Justice Reimagined. In practice, that means protecting youth from the harms associated with involvement in the justice system and promoting safer, more therapeutic options that will ultimately improve community health and safety. This initiative is an important step in fostering more transparency around school policing incidents and an evolution of our work to support systemic reform and equity in systems that too often has a disproportionate, harmful impact on youth of color" stated POC Executive Director, Wendelyn Julien.
School districts throughout Los Angeles County contract with a variety of entities to provide school policing services. Some contract with their local law enforcement agenda, private security firms and others. This initiative is specific to School Resource Deputies employed by the LASD only. Over two hundred and seventy schools across the County use the LASD’s SRD services/officers.
Anyone wishing to file a complaint against an SRD can do so on the POC website. Our resource document addresses frequently asked questions: toolkit. However, complainants are also welcome to email us at info@poc.lacounty.gov or call us at (213) 633-5777 for support.
About the L.A. County Probation Oversight Commission: The Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Commission is an independent body tasked with promoting transparency, accountability, and improved practices within the probation system. Through oversight, policy recommendations, and community engagement, the POC strives to enhance public safety and rehabilitative outcomes.
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Media Contact:
Wendelyn Julien, Executive Director
County of Los Angeles, Probation Oversight Commission
Email: wjulien@poc.lacounty.gov
Phone: (213) 308-8373
Website: poc.lacounty.gov/
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