The Civilian Oversight Commission voted unanimously Tuesday on a motion to direct the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to conduct an inquiry into secret deputy sub-groups. The Commission recognizes the existence of secret deputy sub-groups in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and acknowledges it is a significant problem that requires a proactive and multifaceted response.

“This is an issue that requires bold leadership and action from the Commission,” said Brian K. Williams, Executive Director of the Civilian Oversight Commission. “We are working to create transparency and accountability within the Sheriff’s Department, and this is an important step to do just that.”

The oversight panel directed the OIG to conduct an inquiry into the existence of secret deputy sub-groups within the Sheriff’s Department to determine why, how, and to what end personnel join these groups. The OIG is also directed to determine whether members of these groups engage in conduct that violates Department policy or the law.

“We look forward to this long-awaited inquiry,” said Sean Kennedy, L.A. County Civilian Oversight Commissioner and Executive Director of Center for Juvenile Law & Policy at Loyola Law School. “This is an issue that has been impacting communities for decades, and we are looking forward to the results of this investigation so we can move forward in recommending solutions to this issue.”

At the October 2018 Commission meeting, an ad hoc committee was created to address the issue of secret deputy subgroups in the Sheriff’s Department. The committee consists of Commissioners Lael Rubin, J.P. Harris and Sean Kennedy as members.

“The ad hoc committee intends to play a significant role in getting to the bottom of the allegations of deputy cliques so we can make appropriate recommendations,” said Civilian Oversight Commissioner Lael Rubin.

A progress report by the Office of Inspector General should be made back to the Civilian Oversight Commission within 90 days.

View the motion here.