Amid the flood of election coverage on Tuesday, those following the ongoing Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department scandals may have noticed the LA Times story by Robert Faturechi and Jack Leonard about a sworn statement by former LASD Chief Ronnie Williams, now retired, who reportedly was directed by higher-ups to cook the books, so to speak, on some of departments’ promotions. This story coincides with what WitnessLA has reported (here and here and here) about a system of promotions orchestrated by Undersheriff Paul Tanaka in which loyalty (sometimes in the form of campaign donations) is rewarded over competence.
Here’s a clip from Faturechi and Leonard’s story:
A retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s official says he was ordered by two top managers to manipulate the department’s promotional process to benefit certain candidates, according to a sworn statement.
Retired Sheriff’s Chief Ronnie Williams said that about 2004, Paul Tanaka and Larry Waldie — the current and former undersheriffs — ordered him “to make sure certain individuals were promoted to lieutenant and certain individuals were not promoted to lieutenant.”
“Specifically, the scores of the favored individuals were superficially increased and those individuals were promoted,” Williams added in a July 2011 declaration reviewed by The Times.
Williams’ claims come as the Sheriff’s Department is dealing with criticism over how it handles promotions. A blue ribbon commission that investigated allegations of violence in the county’s jails reported in recent weeks that a perception exists within the department that loyalty to Tanaka, the current undersheriff, drives promotions rather than merit.
Among its concerns, the commission faulted Tanaka, who is also the elected mayor of Gardena, for accepting political contributions from sheriff’s employees, saying the donations “furthered perceptions of patronage and favoritism in promotion and assignment decisions.”
It is not clear from the story whether or not Sheriff Baca was aware of the reported promotions tampering.
We’ve been digging further into this matter and will have our own report soon.
“We need a Sheriff with wevos”
I think you mean “Juevos”
Celeste: FYI In Law Enforcement the term “Willie” is a derogatory word in reference to African Americans. The term is on the same plane as the N-word. Kudos to all who have risked everything to come forward. Chief Williams didn’t have to come forward but he did! All these retaliation suits with these huge taxpayer payouts are founded accusations. I am familiar with the case mentioned in the Times and this is the third retaliation(with payouts)against Waldie. I’m sure there are more! We need to start thinking about a new sheriff and a plan to repair the damage done!
Thanks, J. London, for the heads up. I’m not familiar with the term. The comment is now edited.
And commenter #2, I presume you meant “huevos.”
Yeah, juevos rancheros does not sound appetizing.
Celeste- Thanks for the edit, but I wasn’t not using his first name as a racial slur. But for the sake of argument it is true the term “Willie” has been used derogatory, so has “Bill” and “William” But again my intent was not racial at all. I just find it funny that while working in the department he never stood up, but when he left, he cries foul.
And of course how could I not spell huevos right.
Celeste-just delete my post. I know what I wanted to say. but it doesn’t make sense to me. I honestly called him by the W name for 20 plus years thinking it was his first name. I just saw it is Ronnie. I never meant it racial.
Will do. Not to worry. I’m driving right now or I’d have done it sooner.
Now that this “Willie” issue appears to be put to bed:
We all knew what Larry Waldie was, and wasn’t. Now we are all finding out (well the public is, most of *us* already knew) what Paul Tanaka is.
The question is, what are we going to do about it? Can we rely on the feds to use their grand jury with a bit of daring, and actually indict the man for the various crimes he’s committed? I doubt it. Where to go from here?
Jim Hitchcock, I only have juevos on Jueves
#8: A quote from john Grisham’s “The Racketeer”: “The U.S Attorney serves a four year term, same as the President. When a challenger captures the White House, all U.S. Attorneys are terminated.”
Now that THAT issue has been resolved things might be going forward at a faster pace.
Who will dare go after the snake?
Even the most capable and qualified prosecutor can not be criticized for deciding to steer clear of tangling with Sheriff Baca. The man is dangerous. The potential price is astronomical for anyone that would attempt to detain, disarm and relieve the Sheriff of his position.
That risk assessment applies to a challenger free of any entanglements or unreported debts to Baca. That challenger only needs to worry about how to protect himself from the expected wounding Baca can inflict through legitimate and illegitimate use of the powerful resources under his control.
Then there is the potential challenger already compromised and weakened by entanglement and unreported debt to Baca. The details of Baca’s equity position in other office holders have not been revealed. Yet anyone paying attention will note indications of the leverage Baca may control.
We can fill a notebook with news clippings which support a conclusion that when it comes to Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley — Sheriff Baca gets whatever he asks for. Baca is the next to last person Cooley would ever try to hold to account for criminal behavior. The very last person following Baca is the Pope.
We can assume that Cooley’s protege is well leveraged to Lee Baca. Los Angeles D.A. elect Jacqueline Lacey would not have been selected by Cooley as heir to his dynasty unless she was thoroughly pre-qualified on her commitment to core values. Those core values include maintaining guard against any effort to enter the vault which holds the historical records containing evidence of misconduct. This core value is intertwined with another core value giving Sheriff Baca silent final approval over any prosecution involving his department or his friends.
D.A. elect Lacey publicly requested the endorsement of Sheriff Baca during the run-off campaign. Her request came at a time when the Baca-approved stamp hit an all-time low in vote buying value.
Lacey’s request from Baca can be interpreted as a public reassurance from the candidate to the snake.
“don’t worry, snake. You don’t need to oppose my election – you will remain safe if I become the new D.A.”
We can’t tell yet if the new D.A. is fully invested in her reassurance to Baca or if she simply knew what was necessary to get the master key for the D.A.’s office.
Either way, even if Ms. Lacey has secretly set her sights on laying the snake out on the chopping block – that can’t start for a while.
Ms. Lacey needs at least 2 years to consolidate political control within her office before entering the danger zone to file on the snake.
What about California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.? Can he lend us a hand to flush the snake out from L.A. County?
When Sheriff Baca won reelection as the only candidate for Sheriff – who was asked to administer the oath to his fourth term of office?
“hello Jerry, this is Lee Baca. I want you to cancel whatever you have scheduled and come down to L.A. at noon tomorrow. I need you to pick up my uniform from the dry cleaner and bring it over to me at County Hall, then I want you to smile and hold a bible. Then you can stick around for coffee and danish or just leave, i don’t care.”
Anyone who wants to take on the snake and needs some back-up from Governor Brown – don’t count on it.
U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte, Jr. is the right man in the right position to take down a slippery snake. The politicians, including Baca, don’t have a single hook into Birotte. Birotte is familiar with every front and every excuse that law enforcement can concoct from his days serving as the I.G. for the L.A.P.D. Board of Commissioners.
Two years ago, Birotte’s office announced the reestablishment of a specialized unit dedicated to prosecuting political corruption, including specific focus on law enforcement agencies. This unit has veterans from the Federal civil rights prosecution of L.A.P.D. officers involved in the Rodney King arrest.
That said, U.S. Attorney Birotte can anticipate this snake will expend every last drop of venom before going down. Birotte would be foolish to enter the ring against Sheriff Baca unless he has a solid team in his corner.
That will be a problem for Mr. Birotte, because it seems like Sheriff Baca is holding an unrecorded lien in his back pocket – on the title to A.G. Eric Holder.
Why else would A.G. Holder diminish his credibility and impugn the reputation of his office to appear on a conference call press event hosted by Sheriff Baca announcing his team for the No on Proposition 19 campaign?
I believe Mr. Birotte would already have a filing on the snake if he could be sure that Holder would not sabotage.
Randy, what does your hen do for the rest of the week?
Hoping you made it through Sandy okay.
What about Southwestern Lamb fries rancheros? 🙂
Retired Chief Ron Williams did not come forward for to testify because of any ethical reasons, it is called “revenge.” He is a hypocrite and a racist. We all know about the racial comments he made about promoting more lieutenants of Mexican ethnicity. There was a lawsuite by these individuals and that is why Sheriff Baca told him to retire or else.
Prophet: A lot to think about. Yet, I have a sense that Baca will go down but, I agree that Lacey won’t be able to do it!
10-29H: I agree, Waldie was the worst deputy that ever wore a uniform. After Waldie left I asked, more than a few, about their feelings about Waldie’s retirement. In all my many years I never heard so much hatred for one person! Who knows Tanaka may surpass him LOL
Waldies 502 crash somewhere in Palm Springs, in his brand new Couty owned Taurus cost the taxpayers $16,000 to fix. It was all covered up and soon he retired! What about Director Salazar, where is she with her crashes of 2 County cars,,,,retired!!!!!
Ronnie Williams? Really? Too funny! Hey, I hope the blog administrators investigate the two clowns (Martinez & Williams)mentioned in the story. The media only provides about 15% of the entire truth.
There are two general schools of thought around our peer group:
First, is that Baca is a gentle well meaning soul who has allowed those under him, primarily Paul Tanaka and Cecil Rhambo, to run wild through the department, placing their personal sycophants in positions of undeserved power, operating outside the bounds of the law when it suits them.
Second is that Baca is feigning this persona as a comparative religions professor turned lawman, and is actually a shrewd and brutal political animal.
There is one solution that would cover either possibility, and ensure the Department takes a brave new direction, with transparency, fairness and honesty.
Someone needs to light the match.
(continued) but that’s going to take someone pretty high up and currently part of the cabal coming forward.
Jim, we did alright in Northern Queens: no power loss nor flooding, but our offices were shut for five days. Many of my colleagues and friends were not so lucky. Thanks for asking.
It’s time to connect the dots. PPOA just recently advised their members that the lieutenant test will have to be redone because it was compromised. Retired Chief Williams admitted under oath that he altered the results of the 2003 test to favor a select few and punish others.
Anyone want to bet every other test has been gamed as well? What becomes of the cheaters who now occupy positions they obtained by fraud? What about the ones who have been promoted again and again? What about all the ones who were unlawfully barred from promotion? What about all those department statements provided under oath in civil service hearings, ERCOMM hearings, and in state/federal court by department executives?
Folks, this is just the tip of the iceberg…
By the way some of you write I can definitely tell you guys are police officers most likely some little pussy deps who didn’t get promoted. Keep crying about it you still won’t get your promotions. Being a deputy used to be good enough for some people! Do your jobs an get the hell off this witch hunt website! Oh my god deputies are heavy handed and shoot people maybe they shouldn’t how could this have happened!!!!! What the fuck its 2012 an you dumb fucks are barely opening your eyes! This has been happening since there was a sheriffs department an will continue. O
@John Smith, Are you really trying to act like a tough guy while hiding behind a fictitous name? And, you just figured out most are Deputies, way to go genius, how else would we know the wrongs that are going on in our department. Witch hunt? As if there isn’t any truth that is being told here! The accusation of “crying because we didn’t get promoted” is old. Some of us don’t even bother to test, for fear of having to become one of them.
The reason most of us vent on a site such as this, using fictitous names is for fear of “closed door,” “back stabbing” retaliation, and the hope that someone who can’t be touched will help where we cannot. I’ve never understood why those of you who are in the car (on the side of wrong) have to use fictitous names! Wait, I get it now, if the current regime falls you have to be able to change your colors and act like you were against them from the beginning. Who’s the real coward?
Just admit what is going on is wrong, the cat is out of the bag and that the department needs to be fixed, so that the good cops can be in positions where they are suppose to be and we can get on with doing our jobs and earning our paychecks. I have seen way too many good hard working street cops who are just collecting a paycheck and counting the days/years until retirement because their efforts are punished if they are unwilling to fall into “lock step.”
A Compliment:
This is the most amazing photograph I have ever seen! I want to have it enlarged, printed on archival stock and framed for hanging in my living room.
This photo is the iconography of a bizarre and concealed structure of power distribution/control at LASD under elected Sheriff Baca.
Close scrutiny of events coming out of Sheriff Headquarters indicates not all business is the people’s business.
But you cant find any paperwork or meetings to document that connection with Baca.
Now we have been given this wonderful photograph, like a Rosetta stone.
Except that i would change the title. I would not call it “sheriff and undersheriff”.
I would call it “The Sheriff”.
Do you see it? Standing off to one side in between Undersheriff Paul Tanaka and elected-Sheriff Lee Baca – its Steve Whitmore.
He appears to be holding his cell phone to one ear and using a finger to plug his other ear.
It must be important.
Whitmore is taking a call from “The Sheriff”.
10-29FD: are you sure about the crash? Any specifics?
#22: “Oh my God deputies are heavy handed and shoot people maybe they shouldn’t how could this have happened!!!!!!”
From Firestone Station in 1968: http://whenlawmenlie.com/pdf/My_Book_optimized.pdf
2012-1968=44 years.
About time for a witch hunt, huh?
Celeste
John Smith would appear to be violating the terms of posting on this message board with his child like and school yard comments….
John Smith:
When you have an articulated argument, please, feel free to join. Until then, seek life elsewhere.
Look into Undersheriff Tanaka’s allowing his selected deputies rating Supervisors on the Department, allowing them to influence the careers of the supervisors. If you are a proactive supervisor, you are punished and if you unfortunately have to do investigations on his respected deputies, you are unfortunately believed to be a poor supervisor. Supervisory courage is frowned upon in his administration. If supervisory courage was the norm, rather than the exception, the Dept would not be in the limelight now. Promoting supervisors who are extremely loyal to Mr. Tanaka should not be allow if they are not qualified.
10-29, For the record, I think that “John Smith” is a created character, not someone who genuinely holds all of those positions. Or some variation on that theme. He/She gets a single pass. After that, I’ll turn grumpy.
C.
An opinion:
Baca and Tanaka. Their fates are tied. One can’t go down without the other.
I don’t refer to the advertised connections with custody operations, or patrol assignments or promotions.
Sheriff Lee Baca was quoted previously making a reference to their relationship. He was addressing criticism of Mr. Tanaka’s leadership as Undersheriff.
Sheriff Baca countered the criticism by noting the benefit when the position is filled by someone who is also a Certified Public Accountant.
I believe Sheriff Baca will find that he already has non-sworn personell trained in accounting who work full time with dept. financials and bookeeping systems.
But those dept. personell are not allowed to serve as personal financial advisors and confidante to elected Sheriff Baca.
All this is ficticious garbage. Get to work Men/Women! Unless you’re retired, like me. But seriously, can we shut this down now?
P L E A S E!!!!
REALDEAL:
You can stick your head in the sand all you want. You know that some of what’s being reported about our department, some, not all, is true. The problem is, other instances of executive level corruption isn’t being reported.
The days of strict loyalty to the regime, the us versus them mentality with the press, it all died with PJP. Being a good deputy does not mean towing the line for the garbage our executives put out. It means doing the right thing on the street. Other than that, we are well within our rights to call it as we see it, and this is how we see it. Our department is spiritually sick, starting at the top, REALDEAL. Now, learn to DEAL with that truth.
John Smith: You write in the same fashion that Paul Tanaka speaks. Almost verbatim. I have worked with Paul, on several occasions, over these many years and it certainly seems odd. Especially the remarks about female anatomy.
Initial Supervisory Inquiry: Waldie did wreck a car.
We hired people who should not have been hired and had a report issued by the O.I.R. telling us so. http://www.laoir.com/reports/LASDBackground.pdf
Hired relatives of employees although they had questionable backgrounds. The problems in that 2009 report are still occurring from some of the new hires I’ve seen recently. Not surprised that the promotion system was manipulated by theses guys. I don’t understand why the B.O.S. and head of the County Personnel Department, Lisa Garrett haven’t launched an investigation into Tanaka after the testimony brought out what has been know about him of a long time. The people of the County of Los Angeles didn’t elect him and the County should have more leeway into removing him from his position just as they have with any other of the 100,000 plus County employees. How many others have been investigated and fired for lesser offenses in other County deptments where personnel is not sworn and held to a higher standard. http://lacountyfraud.org/Documents/Reports/2012-09-14.pdf
How can anyone with common sense support Tanaka after hearing his testimony before the CCJV?http://lacounty.govwebcast.com/Presentation/LACounty/024a9498-6896-4fc0-9d95-a3dc6d1e7ade/CCJV%207-27-12%20Audio%20Part%202.mp3 The damage that Baca’s incompetence has cause and his placement of incompetent people in key positions will take years to clean up. That no fictitious garbage.
RealDeal and JohnSmith. It ain’t over till it’s over. Rocks are being overturned, dark corners are being illuminated and looked into. The rest of us need to keep the pressure up with the media so the story doesn’t fade away. This corruption needs to be ripped out and burned. Most Deputies are honorable – beyond the level of priests – and do their job in spite of being used and abused by self aggrandizing sociopaths who aren’t fit to shine those Deputies’ boots. They, and the citizens we serve, deserve better than what the LASD command structure is giving them.
Oh, and it’s the Marine Birthday – Semper Fi!
#32- I’m sorry if my comment appeared as if I was placing my head in the sand. I’ve been retired for about 5 years and hate to see this garbage publicised. Some may be warranted, but ALOT is not. There is always TWO sides to a story. I am not a regime lover nor did I promote through the ranks. I did manage to make sergeant by my 32nd year of service.
I see some of the derogatory remarks about current and past executives which may or may not be warranted. Personally, I think Paul Tanaka is a good man. He always suppported the troops in doing their jobs as long as they worked hard. Although, I think his personality may have rubbed some employees the wrong way. I hope the department turns out ok. I truly love the LASD.
Realdeal, you lose 98% of your readers when you state that Paul Tanaka is a good man. He’s a criminal, a corrupt, power-hungry soul who destroyed a once great organization so he could recreate it as his fiefdom. His pipe dream of installing himself as sheriff, surrounded by adoring sycophants, was gratefully interrupted by reality.
Getting back to reality, there is a list in circulation that shows exactly what retired Chief Ronnie Williams is talking about. Unfortunately for him, the list also includes the names of all the BPOA members’ scores he altered so they could leap frog over people who actually passed the tests and got promoted. Some of these individuals got promoted again to captain and commander. Add that to the individuals he took care of at the behest of Tanaka and you have the complete picture.
Should the list be published? It may cause some people to spontaneously ignite…
RealDeal: After all you have read, and the testimony of Undersheriff Tanka to the Jail Commission, you still think Tanaka is a good man? He supported the troops because that was his way of getting loyalty, who said that those deputies who abused their authority were lazy? You statement does not make sense, he suppported the deputies as long as they worked hard! Is that the prime responsibility of a deputy sheriff, to work hard?
The way I interpreted his (Paul Tanaka) belief was “work hard” and give back to the department. He always believed that we should be held accountable to the people we served. If the crime rate was up, he wanted us to do something about it. That was my understanding. I cannot speak for all the other stuff alleged in this blog.
I’m sorry if I offended you with my opinion. I think a thorough investigation (which I understand is being conducted by the fedral government) will prove that. To all those still working, be proud of your agency and continue to fight for whats TRUE. Good luck to all of you.
RealDeal
You seem like you do truly love the LASD. I know it hurts to see our department dragged through the mud like this. But what brings me satisfaction is that it’s our executives that are responsible for the negative attention we get. Our troops are still by and large a hard working class act. Knowing that is how I can sleep at night.
Real: You are NOT in love. You have an addictive personality and unable to understand reality. You have either Borderline Personality Disorder or Bi-Polar. Go get help as soon as you can. I would advise you to seek the Departmental psych but she sued Waldie. Paul never gave back to anything unless he was to help himself to the feeding trough of ambition. Ask yourself if all these hard working deputies came forward and told you that Waldie was involved in misconduct you would call them liars and stand up for Waldie? I think not! So, what’s the difference by inserting Tanaka’s name? None! All these deputies coming forward to testify and risk it all doesn’t make sense that they would lie! Come on now; over 40 deputies, that you know, tell you about corruption and you tell them they don’t know what they are talking about? Oh! It is the Marine Corp Birthday! Semper Fi Mack!
So that there is no misunderstanding, I am a retired African American deputy sheriff with over thirty years of service. I’ve been reading this blog for some time, some of the comments are thoughtful, and passionate, while others are bias and plain Racist. Anonymity breeds cowards, and makes some brave enough to say things they wouldn’t tell the person to their face. Some of you give cogent information, while others spew made up crap because you’re angry about what did or didn’t happen for you. Some of you hate that us retired folks write comments, not understanding that we want the LASD to be a great organization for you too. LASD is supposed to be for all, not for the many, and not for the few, all. People have come forth with information and you castigate them because they didn’t do it when you thought they should. If the information is TRUE, thats all that should matter. Some of you can say what you would’ve done, but none of us really know until you’re in that situation.
I have a few observations that I will share with you. I worked all three patrol divisions and they all have some outstanding people. #37 LATBG, your info is right on, but you are in error on one point. Neither I or Chief Williams care that some of the people that Tanaka promoted are BPOA members. We know that and those individuals have to stand on their own integrity and character. Blacks are only 8% percent of the department and the majority of them that are Captain and above were promoted by T-Runt. For us, its about TAN and GREEN, two colors that we all wear.
Secondly, #17, I imagine that you don’t know Williams or Martinez, but because you don’t like the info given, you resort to name calling so I will too, you’re a idiot that doesn’t have anything constructive to say, shut up. I doubt if you know either person.
Lastly, #14, I’m not surprised, you have spewed this lie about Chief Williams being a racist a few times in this blog, people ignore you, but I’m not, because I believe the real racist is you. The LA Times got there info from depositions/declarations that Chief Williams did for three LATINO CAPTAINS that were suing the LASD because they got passed over for Commander. Chief Williams has NEVER been sued by any latinos for anything. That is bullshit and a LIE. You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. The Chief promoted more people in Region 2 of all ethnicities than the other 2 patrol divisions combined and a lot of them were LATINOS. Its hilarious how the BLACK CHIEF is racist all of a sudden. If he or anyone had made a statement like that, the ombudsman, IAB, and OIR would have been notified and that never happened, because what you’re alledging didn’t happen.
Whoever you are, I think you’re the racist, I don’t know your gender or ethnicity, but I know you’re the racist and a liar. I wish you would reveal yourself and say that cowardly crap in person, but you wont, because I know the kind of person you are, no integrity, and no courage.
42 OG:
One thing I like about the posts on here is how many right on comments I read. I rarely agree with an entire comment thread, but always something good can be found.
“LASD is supposed to be for all, not for the many, and not for the few, all. People have come forth with information and you castigate them because they didn’t do it when you thought they should. If the information is TRUE, thats all that should matter.”
That sums it up. Bravo.
I Don’t know wheather the allegations are true. I tend, based on my experience, to say they are not true. Again, it’s been awhile since I’ve worked at LASD. Many of my old co-workers believe it’s a witch hunt against the current regime because people are upset THEY didn’t get promoted.
Again, I will let the Federal Government handle the investigation and see what they find. I will also let the voters decide in 2014 who they want for Sheriff. Most likely Sheriff Baca will be at the helm again. That is reality. But again, my opinion only.
J London, your comment about me “having an addictive personality and unable to understand reality” is what my wife told me when I told her Obama would get re-elected. Guess what? He did.
Here is a solution. Overhaul the entire promotion process. Get rid of the band system. The list will be numbered by score. The AP needs to be redone. Civilians should sit on Orals. The promotion lists should be similar to the current coveted testing list.
I LOVE LASD- I agree with you. However, it would have to incorporate a fair evaluation of your training,experience and education level. I’de hate to see a two year wonder pass a test with a high score and get promoted. It needs to incorporate a well rounded experience level in department functions. Here are some:
Custody Deputy
Field Deputy
Field Traning Officer
Detective
Adminstrative
Training
Most Important: Work Ethic!
OG, I appreciate the fact that you are an african american, but can’t you say you’re just and American? I don’t tell people I’m a European American, so why don’t you just stick to your convictions and leave color out?
I personally and deeply knew Martinez and Ronnie. I will tell you there was advocacy for more minority promotions, hirings, etc. So what?
Everyone needs to stop the fricken color of the skin everytime someone doesn’t get promoted.
OG, if you post again I don’t care your race, gender or whatever else you profess. What’s important is the qualities of the person for the job.
Celeste, I submitted a post. It did not show up. It is appropriate. If you want to diminish my posts, let me know.
OG: good for you!
EDITOR’S NOTE:
If you have a question as to why a comment didn’t appear, please email me. I’ll be happy to explain. Or if it’s simply an oversight, I’d be happy to rectify it.
But I’d rather not engage in these discussions in the comments thread.
(A general FYI: On this particular thread, there were comments from a number of people that were clearly inappropriate, and I treated them as such.)
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
C.
#47,Futher to follow, I did that for that post only and to let some posters know where I’m coming from. The race issue has been brought up numerous times by these unidentified people and it was always directed at blacks and it was a lie. I got tired of it and I addressed it. If no one had ever brought it up I sure wouldn’t have, but enough was enough. I tracked Region 2 promotions and people got promoted because of their qualifications. Diversity was important, but being qualified was 1st and formost. I do appreciate your response and respect it.
Man you guys just need to do your damn job seriously or join another department so much bitching from all levels. Just do your job!!! If you didn’t get the promotions you probably didn’t deserve them bunch of cry baby’s not deputy’s
This whole race stuff is a bunch of crap! I have pushed a radio car for awhile and have worked with other deputies,sergeants,lieutenants and captains from all different races,genders,gay and lesbian. All of them came to my need in one way or another through the years. They rolled to my assistance requests, bought the handle on a call because I was tired and on the back end of a double or offered help when I was having problems. When you are in a fight with a suspect and put out 10-33 traffic, the only colors you care about is the black and white radio cars with red and blue lights and the people coming out of them wearing tan and green. I have experienced those moments and lived through some hairy moments while working at multiple stations. This is 2012 in Los Angeles county. Move on to another issue please!
And another thing, I am not a cigar smoker,coin member or leg humper. I’m just a line swine guy working the line. I love my job and it pays the bills for my family. What I have learned through my time on is that most everyone on the Department and in the communities that I have worked in are good people. I have taught that to my trainees and the new boots on our Department. God bless all of you who do the Lord’s work at all Regions . I’ll see you at “the next one” or next debrief. Stay safe. I’m out.
@John Smith, I keep coming back to this blog to see if you have anything inteligent to add, or at least some thoughtful rebuttal to my first response to you, but I guess that is too much to ask. So many people in denial about our beloved LASD, to the point that people like you resort to what amounts to “school yard” name calling. So sad, and I’m willing to bet you’re not as vocal in person.
It’s not just the upper upper echelon. Custody big wigs are jeopardize their deputies by cutting staffing to staff Education Based Discipline…letting the inmates run the asylum. Everyone wants inmates to reform and be productive but GIVING them extra goodies, and the personnel to be the givers of the goodies, takes necessary personnel away from the line. Deputies have been attacked. Many, many inmates have been attacked by the same inmates who are getting the goodies. Attacked have been vicious and victims sent to the ER. Why do captains put inmates and personnel at risk??? To suck up to the Sheriff who is trying to make positive press by having these special projects.
Victims and the public want inmates housed, SAFELY, until their day in court or until they are kicked out after doing less than half time because of jail over crowding.
Error correction. Education Based INCARCERATION. Education Based Discipline is for deputies who can follow the sheriff’s rules.
Sick-n-tired: the most recent data shows that force in the jails is down, inmate-on-inmate assaults are down, inmate-on-staff assaults are down. A lot of inmates are lost to society, but even if a handful are salvaged, isn’t that worth it? We all talk about how we joined law enforcement to help people. Aren’t the inmates a necessary part of the equation? And I think the captains are being ordered to participate in EBI. that’s kinda part of their jobs…. Isn’t it? Following orders?
Sick: As with getagrip, all the force incidents are way down according to Baca and Tanaka. I agree that that the two are liars, perjurers and need to go. But, I check these incidents closely and what you are saying is that now the deps are lying about the reporting force but in the opposite direction? Can you give examples?
A few things of note.
A majority of posts and LASD articles on this site are in regards to the drastic failures and corruption from the executive staff. But if you look at all the departmental investigations and discipline it’s all centered at the bottom. One has to ask themselves why.
Investigations are up and force is down. That sounds like a correlation. Any force, good or bad, is not worth the risk right now. Has anyone asked how many sworn staff are ROD right now? How long have they been ROD? Has anyone come back? And what is their criteria for choosing who gets relieved? There is a reason, and who would want to join those ranks?. So of course force is down when you let inmates do what they want. The deputies are scared. And if it were me I wouldn’t take the chance. Most of these investigations are nameless and faceless to the public, at that point they just become numbers, all numbers the sheriff can use to say he is doing his job. Meanwhile he keeps his job and some nameless group loses theirs and their entire life with it, justice is served and the public is happy whether they were guilty or not. The thing to remember is it’s not court, the rules aren’t the same. And I am not surprised, for those on top it’s an acceptable loss. But who is getting protected? The loyal and the quiet. So most of us stay quiet and make no waves.
Don’t count on the federal government to do anything, or do anything right for that matter. This is a world they do not know nor understand. And for the largest sheriff’s department in the world I am sure a few friends have been made for those at the top. The only ones who really have the power to change anything is the misinformed public or the deputies, but don’t count on that. Deputies are not allowed to speak to the press, they must follow orders, and those deemed un-loyal will suffer. To quote Huh!: ” their efforts are punished if they are unwilling to fall into “lock step.””
Further Education Based Incarceration is good in theory, here lies two major problems. For the sake of argument we will say the “right or worthy” inmates get the right education and help while in jail. Great, then what? Who will hire them especially in this economy? Who would you rather hire, a felon or a college graduate? What if you, your son or daughter got passed up on a job for the felon? What would you do? How would you feel? And what about the inmate? Where does that leave them? After they have left the jail department members can’t help them anymore (per the fraternization policy) and the deputies and inmates know that. The help offered is not genuine, face it, they aren’t given anything. They can’t be a part of society, at least not the society I am among (per policy). It’s just for show. They get basic 8th grade equivalent classes and are told the department is there to help them but they aren’t. They don’t even help their own deputies what makes you think they care about inmates. And the inmates know that, but the public doesn’t.
What huh! says is correct. “The reason most of us vent on a site such as this, using fictitious names is for fear of “closed door,” “back stabbing” retaliation, and the hope that someone who can’t be touched will help where we cannot.” It’s not complaining, it’s a cry for help. Those who are retired can’t be touched, that is why they speak out after they retire. That is why people stay anonymous. Some of us just hope that people like Celeste Fremon and Robert Faturechi don’t stop at the surface, there is a lot more truth that has not come out. People have answers and people want to talk they just can’t, not openly.
@Justice: Nice post and well put, and I’m not saying that just because we agree. If only the public could see what we see and we didn’t have to post anonymously! And just for the record I am not assuming there would be retaliation, I have seen it.
Huh and Justice: We must hang in there! Retaliation is very real and alive! So many good people had their lives and careers ruined for the sake of one man’s ego, Lee Baca. But, even in the face of all this adversity these same good people came forward and testified to the facts! I have personal relationships with many of the witnesses and I can assure everyone that they never thought that LASD would ever be in the reckless and corrupt condition it’s in! When this is all said and done evil will be punished but, unfortunately some good ones will fall with them, just for being stupid!
I’m hearing of strange correlations…. those that are subpoenaed by the feds to appear as witnesses against the department are soon finding old, approved forces re-opened by IAB or ICIB…..anyone have anything further on this?
The more I think about it, it’s the perfect cover. The department opens many old forces to appear as if they are taking a harder look at “out of control” deputies, and make sure to slide those that are speaking out into that category, to make them sweat, suffer, succumb to ROD, fear the department, shut their mouths or resign.
Wow…