LOS ANGELES, CA – 2013
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has agreed to a settlement with the United States to address claims of police misconduct in the Antelope Valley. The settlement includes a comprehensive agreement to reform LASD’s data collection, training and accountability systems to improve the quality and effectiveness of LASD’s interactions with Antelope Valley residents, and reduce bias in its practices.
The investigation into LASD’s practices found patterns of excessive use of force, biased policing practices, including housing discrimination, and unlawful searches and seizures. LASD has already begun to implement many of the negotiated reforms under the leadership of Sheriff Jim McDonnell.
“Constitutional policing and effective policing go hand in hand,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division. “We are confident that this settlement represents a commitment by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to respect the rights of residents and promote mutual confidence between law enforcement and the community.”
As part of the settlement, a $700,000 fund has been established to compensate individuals harmed by LASD’s alleged violation of the Fair Housing Act. Additionally, a civil penalty of $25,000 has been imposed on the United States.
The investigation was brought pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act. The findings, which were announced in June 2013, include pedestrian and vehicle stops that violated the Fourth Amendment, stops that appeared motivated by racial bias, the use of unreasonable force, and a pattern of intimidation and harassment by LASD deputies against African-Americans who held Section 8 housing choice vouchers.
Under the settlement agreement, LASD has agreed to implement comprehensive reforms to ensure lawful policing and restore public trust. An independent monitoring team will oversee the reforms, which LASD intends to implement within four years. The settlement agreement provides for a $700,000 fund to compensate individuals harmed by LASD’s alleged violation of the Fair Housing Act.
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Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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