County government's proposed plan threatens independent oversight body exposing harsh prison conditions in L.A. County
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has retracted a controversial policy that required many communications by oversight bodies to undergo prior approval. The decision comes after a series of backlash from civil rights advocates, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Sybil Brand Commission.
Edward Yen, executive officer for the Board of Supervisors, sent out an email retracting the new county policy. The policy, which was among a series of changes proposed by the Executive Office, was criticised for its potential impact on law enforcement accountability and the documentation of substandard jail conditions.
The Sybil Brand Commission, established over four decades ago, has been instrumental in documenting and exposing poor conditions in L.A. County jails. Their findings were recently cited in a state lawsuit over the poor conditions in the jails. The commission's work has been particularly important in documenting overcrowded dorms, broken toilets, and painted-over mold in jails, unlike the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, which primarily focuses on a broader range of issues within the sheriff's department.
The Executive Office for the Board of Supervisors had proposed to "sunset" six commissions, including the Sybil Brand Commission, and potentially merge 40 others. This move was expected to save more than $3.95 million and avoid "deeper cuts" elsewhere. However, the decision to retract the policy suggests a shift in the Board's stance regarding the importance of these oversight bodies.
The Executive Office's statement also mentions that unannounced jail inspections would continue, either through a COC subcommittee or coordinated oversight structure. This assurance comes after concerns were raised about the potential impact of the policy changes on jail inspections.
In a related development, the Board of Supervisors is considering a plan to eliminate the Sybil Brand Commission. This proposal, if implemented, could save L.A. County about $40,000 a year. However, advocates and the commission itself have spoken against this move, claiming it to be a shortsighted way to cut costs that will leave county inmates more vulnerable to mistreatment and neglect.
The ousting of former Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission chair Robert Bonner and the introduction of the controversial policy are among the recent blows to law enforcement accountability. Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, stated that the proposal to get rid of the Sybil Brand Commission is the latest in a recent succession of such blows.
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department over a recent spate of deaths and poor conditions in the jails. This lawsuit, coupled with the backlash against the policy changes, may have influenced the Board of Supervisors' decision to retract the policy requiring communications by oversight bodies to undergo prior approval.
In June 2024, the Sybil Brand Commission reported multiple dorms at Men's Central were overcrowded with broken toilets and ceilings painted over to cover mold. This incident underscores the importance of the commission's work in exposing and addressing such issues.
The Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors is also reassigning or eliminating a third of Inspector General Max Huntsman's staff, slashing funding to the watchdog that investigates misconduct by county employees and the sheriff's department. This move has raised concerns about the oversight of county operations and the sheriff's department.
There have been 38 in-custody deaths in L.A. County so far this year, putting the county on track for at least a 20-year high. The reinstatement of the Sybil Brand Commission and the continuation of jail inspections are crucial steps towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of inmates in L.A. County jails.
California civil rights advocates have also claimed that a new policy improperly limits their outreach to others in local government and the public. This allegation further emphasises the need for strong, independent oversight bodies like the Sybil Brand Commission.
As the situation evolves, it is clear that the roles of oversight bodies like the Sybil Brand Commission and the Inspector General's office are vital in maintaining accountability and ensuring the safety of county inmates. The retracted policy and the ongoing changes serve as a reminder of the importance of these bodies in the face of budget cuts and shifting priorities.
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