Eight Probation Officers Put on Leave After Incident at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

LOS ANGELES — during the first week of January, LA County probation chief Guillermo Viera Rosa was notified by the department’s new chief safety and security officer of an incident that occurred in December 2023 alleging misconduct between eight currently employed peace officers and detained juveniles at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.

Chief Viera Rosa has placed the eight peace officers on ordered absence until further notice. 

“Sharing this information publicly is an important step forward in my commitment to bring new leadership, transparency, and accountability to the Probation Department,” said Chief Viera Rosa. “I am committed to providing a safe and secure environment that gives the youth committed to our care a clear path to rehabilitation. We are actively identifying and removing those who do not align with our core values and standards to eliminate the negative influences within our organization.” 

To maintain the integrity of the investigation, the department’s internal affairs will not be involved in the investigation. At Chief Viera Rosa’s request, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has agreed that the Sheriff’s Department will conduct an independent investigation.

Since this is an ongoing investigation, the department of probation cannot comment further on the matter.