Uprooting Violence at Los Padres Juvenile Hall: Four Officers Suspended Amid Internal Probe
A string of concerning incidents has prompted the Los Angeles County Probation Department to take swift action, placing four probation officers at Los Padres Juvenile Hall on administrative leave. The suspensions come after an internal review revealed the officers’ alleged involvement in a “culture of violence” at the embattled youth detention facility.
“Our core mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for juveniles in our care,” said Probation Department Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa. “These suspensions are a necessary step in our ongoing efforts to root out any staff members who compromise this mission.”
A Troubling Pattern of Youth-on-Youth Violence
The incidents in question revolve around a series of “youth-on-youth violence” events. Chief Viera Rosa emphasized that such occurrences violated the department’s values and hindered its ability to rehabilitate the youth entrusted to its care.
As a result, Viera Rosa vowed to “dig deeper into potential wrongdoing” and hold accountable those responsible for perpetuating this alleged culture of violence. He acknowledged that the four suspended officers were only a small number on staff, but their actions had serious consequences for the well-being of the detained youth.
A Legacy of Investigation
Chief Viera Rosa’s promise to address violence in juvenile facilities comes amid a history of critical reviews and scrutiny surrounding Los Angeles County’s juvenile justice system. In his role as “chief strategist” for the county’s juvenile operations, Viera Rosa committed to overhauling the system and implementing reforms that eliminated unacceptable conditions.
However, incidents such as the discovery of a gun within the facility, a riot leading to an inmate’s escape, and the overdose death of a juvenile in custody have cast a shadow on the department’s progress.
Unveiling a Juvenile Fight Club
Earlier this year, eight probation officers were placed on leave following an incident involving several detained youth. Video footage released by the Probation Department revealed a disturbing scene resembling a “fight club” among juveniles, allegedly encouraged by probation officers. The L.A. County Office of the Public Defender condemned the incident, stating that it reflected a lack of supervision and accountability within the facility.
External Investigations Underway
The California Attorney General’s Office has taken over the investigations involving all 12 suspended officers to ensure impartiality and transparency. The department’s own internal affairs unit is undergoing restructuring and professionalization, according to a spokesperson for Chief Viera Rosa, but details of these changes remain unclear.
The investigations are ongoing, and the results will determine the extent of the alleged culture of violence within juvenile halls operated by the Los Angeles County Probation Department. The outcome has the potential to reshape the department’s policies and practices, ensuring the well-being and rehabilitation of incarcerated juveniles.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
