La County Oversight Commissioner Sean Kennedy Resigns

The Problem

LA County Oversight Commissioner, Sean Kennedy Resigned this past month. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission (COC) is supposed to keep an eye on the Sheriff’s Department and make sure it’s acting properly. The Sheriff’s Department is refusing to give the COC important documents, making it hard for the commission to do its job.

Why Won’t the Sheriff’s Department Cooperate?

The department is using a legal case involving a former prosecutor, Diana Teran, as a reason. A politically motivated prosecution by Former Sheriff Villanueva who pressured FBI & Attorney General to prosecute her. FBI refused. Teran is accused of improperly sharing records about deputies who may have been involved in misconduct. The Sheriff’s Department admitted that releasing certain documents could lead to the prosecution of their own employees.

The Bigger Issue

This refusal to share documents makes it impossible for the COC to investigate serious allegations, like DEPUTY GANGS, FALSE REPORTS, and EXCESSIVE FORCE by officers.

The Legal Dispute?

The COC wanted to file a legal document (called an amicus brief) in support of Teran, arguing that her prosecution hurts oversight efforts. The County Counsel (the county’s legal team) said the COC doesn’t have the authority to do this without approval from the Board of Supervisors.

The Resignation

The Commission disagreed and voted on the issue and instructed Commissioner, Sean Kennedy, to file the brief. Commissioner Kennedy resigned, stating that County Counsel shouldn’t be able to control the COC’s oversight. They have a history of PROTECTING BAD DEPUTIES.

Bottom Line

This is a power struggle between the Sheriff’s Department, the COC, and the county’s lawyers. The department doesn’t want to release information, the COC wants more power to HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE, and the County Counsel is blocking the COC from acting independently.

Call to Action

The COC is only as STRONG as community’s support for it. You Can support by: Calling and Commenting, Showing up to the Meetings, Or Virtually Watching Online. Follow the link for the next Los Angeles County SHERIFF CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT COMMISSION meeting.