Ten people described as jail personnel with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have been relived of duty and a number of others have been reassigned amid an investigation into abusive treatment of an inmate, Sheriff Jim McDonnell announced Saturday.
The personnel relieved on Friday are two lieutenants, a sergeant, a senior deputy, four deputies and two custody assistants, according to the sheriff’s department.
The inmate was booked into the Inmate Reception Center in downtown Los Angeles on June 19. Officials did not reveal why he was jailed.
“Allegations included the inmate not being provided with food and being handcuffed for a lengthy period of time following a force incident during which the inmate reportedly assaulted a female deputy,” according to a sheriff’s department statement. “The inmate ate upon entry to the jail, but was allegedly restrained for approximately 32 hours; during that time he received medical attention and a cup of water.”
The inmate filed a complaint on June 27, at which time an investigation was launched, according to the sheriff’s department.
“The complaint was brought to the attention of Sheriff McDonnell on Thursday … and a decision regarding personnel decisions was made within 24 hours,” according to the department statement.
The matter has been turned over to the Sheriff’s Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau and the Office of Inspector General and FBI have also been notified, officials said.
“I expect every member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to perform at the highest standards of professionalism,” McDonnell said.
He promised that the ongoing investigation will be thorough and “not only focus on employee actions, but also on corrective policies and procedures.”
“I am deeply committed to providing the highest levels of constitutional care to those in our charge and will quickly address and remedy any conduct, policies or practices that do not meet this expectation and high standard,” McDonnell said.
All custody personnel assigned to the Inmate Reception Center received notification on Friday reminding them of protocols regarding the inmate restraint, checks and feeding and additional training has been ordered, according to the sheriff’s department.
“Further corrective action is pending,” according to the department.
The inmate’s name was not immediately released.
