LOS ANGELES >> Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell announced an investigation into more than a dozen deputies accused of leaving an inmate handcuffed and depriving him of food for 32 hours following a June 19 arrest.
Ten deputies have been relieved of duty and “a number of others” have been reassigned to other duties pending further investigation, officials from the Sheriff’s Information Bureau said in a written statement.
“I expect every member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to perform at the highest standards of professionalism,” McDonnell said.
“Immediately upon learning of troubling allegations of possible neglect of an inmate at the Inmate Reception Center, my Department’s executives relieved ten jail employees of duty, including supervisors,” the sheriff said. “The investigation into this incident is ongoing and will be thorough. It will not only focus on employee actions, but also on corrective policies and procedures.”
Those relieved of duty include two lieutenants, a sergeant, a senior deputy, four deputies and a two custody assistants, sheriff’s officials said.
The alleged misconduct stem from the arrest of an unidentified inmate who was booked at the Inmate Reception Center June 19.
“Allegations included the inmate not being provided 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 the 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 June 27, initiating an investigation, officials said. McDonnell learned of the complaint Thursday and placed the involved deputies on leave or reassignment within 24 hours, officials said.
The sheriff’s department’s Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau and Intern Affairs Bureau are looking into the matter, sheriff’s officials said. The Office of the Inspector General and the FBI were also notified of the investigation.
Custody officials at the Inmate Reception Center have been reminded of protocols regarding restraint, checks and feeding of inmates, and additional training was ordered, the sheriff’s department statement said. “Further corrective action is pending.”
“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.
Further details were not available Saturday.