Federal authorities are investigating allegations the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department violated the civil rights of inmates.
Federal authorities have launched a probe into whether the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department violated the civil rights of inmates through a pattern of abusive treatment, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In a letter dated Sept. 5, Department of Justice officials said they had "become increasingly concerned about the use of force and alleged abuse by jail deputies and staff," the Times reported.
This latest investigation will be separate from an ongoing query into abuse and corruption within the department and a possible cover-up, which dates back to 2011, the Times said.
That earlier probe is expected to be concluded by the end of the year.
In addition to the alleged civil rights violations, the newly announced investigation will also examine whether the department has failed to provide adequate accommodations for mentally ill inmates.
Apart from the federal investigations, a county-based blue ribbon commission issued a report last year stating that Sheriff Lee Baca and his top assistants had created an environment where it was considered OK to beat and humiliate inmates, and cover up misconduct and cliques among deputies.
Steve Whitmore, Baca's spokesman, told the Times the department has already implemented reforms to address some of the earlier concerns, and would cooperate fully with the newly announced investigation.
- City News Service
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