Opinion: Violent, dishonest sheriff’s deputies shouldn’t just be disciplined, they should be fired

To the editor: The examples of problematic behavior by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies highlighted in this article are mind-boggling, as are the kinds of “discipline” handed down. (“Inside a secret 2014 list of hundreds of L.A. deputies with histories of misconduct,” Dec. 10)

The female deputy cited in the article who was charged with child abuse was given three years’ probation and mandatory parenting and anger-management classes. Antonio Ramirez and Jeffrey L. Moore were also accused of family violence and were given 15-day suspensions. This is shameful.

Why weren’t they fired? I wouldn’t trust anyone from the department’s “Brady list” to babysit my cat, let alone protect and serve anyone other than themselves.

There is too much leeway given to law enforcement officers who engage in questionable conduct. Perhaps having to go through police academy training again and counseling would serve them and us better than insulting 15-day suspensions.

Rachelle Farberman, Sherman Oaks

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To the editor: I found the existence of this list unsurprising. It is heartening that Sheriff Jim McDonnell wants this list to get to prosecutors so they will have to reveal this history to defense attorneys when an officer testifies in court, but he has an uphill battle.

California law provides among the strongest protections for police in the country. Police unions are extremely powerful. Their views are expressed by Elizabeth Gibbons, an attorney who has represented the deputies’ union: “Do we go back and overturn every conviction now?”

Yes, we do. I’m more afraid of these cops than of justice, however imperfect.

And then there is L.A. County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey, who finds that this whole matter puts her “in a tough spot.” Well, these officers have put thousands of members of the public in tough spots, but our D.A. refuses to take a stand. No surprise there, as she has prosecuted only one of the 300-plus officer-involved shootings investigated by her office since she became district attorney.

Michele Dumont, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Is it any wonder why so many people of color distrust the law? Here’s what I find amazing: McDonnell ran for sheriff on the promise to clean up the department led by the disgraced Lee Baca, but has anything changed?

How can these officers get away with this type of behavior, and the worst that happens is a 15-day suspension? Think of all the innocent people sitting in jail for crimes they did not commit.

This article should be read by all local officials, including the mayor of Los Angeles, the county supervisors, judges, the district attorney, prosecutors and more. But then again, members of this group are in cahoots with law enforcement.

Charles P. Martin, Los Angeles

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