Sheriff Robert Luna Marks One-Year Milestone

At a press conference Dec. 5 to mark Sheriff Robert Luna’s one-year in office he expressed his appreciation for the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or LASD who demonstrate commitment to serving the community. Sheriff Luna reflected on his priorities and vision for moving LASD forward. 

A video recap of Sheriff Luna’s One-Year Milestone:

https://www.lasdvideos.org/mediaportal/sheriff-luna-first-year-in-office/

Sheriff Luna articulated a mission of reducing crime, restoring public trust, modernizing the LASD into a 21st-century law enforcement agency and addressing critical issues such as homelessness and employee wellness. Sheriff Luna has initiated a series of reforms and improvements to optimize LASD’s effectiveness.

One of the first things he developed was an internal and external transition team. He selected  leadership positions to include an under Sheriff, two assistant Sheriffs, including an experienced chief financial officer who is familiar with county government, and a chief of staff. A comprehensive process was instituted for all captains and above in LASD’s promotional process.

The department’s improved ties with the Board of Supervisors, Office of Inspector General, Civilian Oversight Commission, other LA County Departments, and local law enforcement agencies is evident in progress with the department’s increased budget allocations, and joint initiatives such as the Retail Theft Task Force. The Board of Supervisors increased LASD’s budget, a majority of that funding went into custody-related items, including projects to improve the custody network and settlement agreements.

The LASD faces a staffing crisis, with approximately 1,200 sworn and 1,600 professional staff vacancies. Sheriff Luna outlined plans for additional recruitment efforts, with 350 deputies graduating this year and a goal of hiring 650 recruits by 2024. Additionally, to retain employees and to aim for competitive pay for employees, the Sheriff discussed a multi-phase plan to reduce mandatory overtime which has been shared with the labor unions.

Sheriff Luna addressed the issue of deputy gangs. The Sheriff’s administration developed the Office of Constitutional Policing which has drafted a new law enforcement gang, clique, and subgroups policy, which has been reviewed by oversight bodies and is now with LASD labor unions in the meet and confer process. A two Captain pilot program was implemented at certain high-activity stations to increase supervision, better accountability, and additional mentoring, which was a recommendation by the Civilian Oversight Commission.

Addressing challenges within the custody division, Sheriff Luna highlighted achievements in reducing use-of-force incidents, improving cleanliness in jails and implementing solutions to address challenges. The Sheriff mentioned the need to collaborate with stakeholders to replace Men’s Central Jail and develop a modern care campus that would focus on comprehensive treatment for mental health issues, addiction and other special needs, coupled with rehabilitative services. This envisioned campus would focus on comprehensive treatment for mental health issues, addiction, and other special needs, coupled with rehabilitative services. Indicated in the press release, “another stride in custody is the reduction of use of force by 31% and a decrease of 25% in head strikes.” 

Over the past year, the average inmate population decreased by about 1,500. Initially, the daily population was around 14,000 when Sheriff Luna assumed office. LASD noted this reduction didn’t involve indiscriminate releases; instead, it challenged custody leadership to strategize releases such as custody staff exploring options for the state to assume custody of certain prisoners or the transfer of individuals to state hospitals for mental health treatment.

Employee well-being continues to be a focus. Unfortunately, the LASD has experienced the loss of eight department family members to suicide. Sheriff Luna expressed his commitment to ensure that the necessary services for employee’s mental health are available 24/7. Additional psychologists in the Psychological Services Bureau have been hired, bringing the total to over 20 doctors available to personnel and their families. The department has invested in a mobile employee wellness trailer that can be deployed throughout the county.

The Department is faced with aging infrastructure and outdated technology. Men’s Central Jail, which was opened in 1963, is antiquated and not conducive to care for today’s inmate population. 

The Custody Transportation bus fleet, which transports approximately 3,100 inmates daily to court and other facilities, are old and have exceeded the recommended mileage. Through collaboration with the Sheriff’s administration, funding was secured to order. 

The 33-year-old dispatch system, still operational, is deteriorating, prompting a request for funds to replace it, with prioritization and assistance from county partners. 

As the nation’s largest county jail system, the absence of a jail management system resulted in inefficiencies, leading Sheriff Luna to work on its implementation. 

Additionally plans for a necessary upgraded CCTV system in custody are in progress, along with the transition to the LA RICS radio system for enhanced communication among public safety agencies.

Sheriff Luna emphasized the need for a modern law enforcement agency that is adequately led, partnered, staffed, equipped, and trained. The Sheriff mentioned that the department will undergo an organizational assessment, evaluating staffing, workload, training, policies, systems, accountability, leadership, hiring, retention and employee wellness.