Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca plans to retire from his position at the end of January and will not seek re-election for a fifth term.
(Jan 21, 2014 – Los Angeles, CA)
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca plans to retire from his position at the end of January and will not seek re-election for a fifth term.
Baca’s announcement comes amid controversy including a federal investigation into 18 deputies for alleged abuses and corruption in the jails. Grand jury indictments list allegations such as unjustified beatings of inmates and visitors, obstructing justice and creating fictitious reports to cover up civil rights violations.
In June, U.S. Department of Justice released findings that stated deputies patrolling Antelope Valley in the northern part of the county, harassed and intimidated African Americans and Latinos. The DOJ report made recommendations to revise policies and training for the sheriff’s department.
In December, the Los Angeles Times reported that in 2010 the sheriff’s department hired dozens of applicants with histories of misconduct, poor performance and incompetence.
Baca, 71, said he is retiring out of “the highest concern for the future of the sheriff’s department,” and the “negative perception of this upcoming campaign,” has brought to the force. He also cited “personal and private” reasons.
READ MORE: ILLUME