At least 66 probation officers in Los Angeles County have been placed on leave since the beginning of the year due to a variety of alleged offenses. This includes 14 officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey who are being investigated for youth-on-youth violence. Additionally, 39 probation officers are accused of general misconduct, such as excessive force, child endangerment, abuse, possession of contraband, and negligent supervision. Another 18 officers are on leave due to suspected sexual misconduct and nine for arrests unrelated to their employment. Probation agency chief Guillermo Viera Rosa emphasized the importance of transparency and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for those under their care.
The officers placed on leave were assigned to both adult and juvenile operations within the department. Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall was reopened last year to replace two other facilities that were closed in 2019. In February, the California Board of State and Community Corrections deemed Los Padrinos and another youth facility unsuitable to house youthful offenders, giving them 60 days to address any issues or face potential closure. However, in April, the board reversed its decision after improvements were made. Despite this, the Department of Probation did not disclose details about the recent violence at the facility, and investigations into the alleged offenses are ongoing.
Rosa stressed that the probation officers placed on leave represent a small minority of the nearly 2,800 sworn personnel within the department. He highlighted the importance of addressing misconduct swiftly to protect the integrity of the majority of officers who perform their duties with integrity. The department will not tolerate misconduct that goes against their mission to provide a safe and structured environment for those in their care. Accountability and transparency are essential in order to maintain public trust and uphold the department’s commitment to those under their supervision.
The investigations into the alleged offenses, including sexual misconduct, youth-on-youth violence, and general misconduct, are being conducted by the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The focus is to ensure that those accused of wrongdoing are held accountable for their actions and that measures are in place to prevent future incidents. The Probation Department’s decision to place numerous officers on leave demonstrates their commitment to addressing misconduct swiftly and transparently, in order to maintain public trust and uphold the department’s mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for those in their care.
Efforts are being made to rectify any issues at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall and other facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of those housed there. The decision to reopen Los Padrinos was made with the intention of providing a better environment for youthful offenders, and steps have been taken to address any concerns raised by oversight bodies. The ongoing investigations and actions taken by the Probation Department demonstrate their commitment to accountability, transparency, and maintaining a safe and structured environment for those under their supervision. Regular assessments and improvements are essential to ensure that the facilities meet the necessary standards to provide effective rehabilitation and support to those in their care.
