Chief Probation Officer Terri McDonald responded to the filing of criminal charges in the beating case of a juvenile detainee at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar.

Chief Probation Officer Terri McDonald issued the following statement on this: “The L.A. County Probation Department is fully cooperating in the investigation of allegations filed against probation officers accused of using excessive force against a juvenile detainee at the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar. It is our goal to identify the circumstances contributing to this incident, ensure those responsible are held to justice, and fundamentally reform the system. The vast majority of our hard-working employees consistently demonstrate their commitment to our clients and our communities, but we will hold accountable those who do not uphold the Department’s values. The Probation Department will not tolerate abuse of those in our charge.

“One of the employees surrendered to authorities today and the other two were ordered to appear in court as well. Of the three employees, two are no longer employed by the Department, and the third is on leave. Since this incident came to light, the Probation Department also has initiated a sweeping internal investigation that has turned up seven other force incidents at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in which employees appear to have acted outside of policy by using unauthorized or excessive force, being misleading/untruthful, or both. The Department is pursuing administrative action against employees involved in these incidents. Much of that action is pending and the Department cannot comment further on it at this time.

“In addition to holding staff accountable for their unacceptable actions, we also are revamping our systems of training and accountability to ensure that we have adequate check-and-balance systems in place.

“There are literally thousands of people who carry out the mission and vision of the Probation Department compassionately, courageously, and professionally every day. They are the ones who represent this organization. The unacceptable and intolerable actions of a few, who will be held accountable, do not reflect the commitment of the many.”