Stick With the Kolts Reforms : Supervisors shouldn’t abandon wise program for Sheriff’s Department

Last December the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors did the right thing. In the wake of growing concerns about the Sheriff’s Department, the board voted to empower respected retired Superior Court Judge James G. Kolts to conduct a review of the department, particularly the use of excessive force by deputies.

After six months the Kolts panel and staff--headed by general counsel Merrick J. Bobb--returned with a sensible and well-conceived action plan. The panel concluded that the department, under the command of thrice-elected Sheriff Sherman Block, was doing a very good job in many areas but that significant reforms still were needed. Based on its months of study, the panel reported clear evidence of excessive force and lax discipline in the Sheriff’s Department.

The initial response of the department was pleasingly non-confrontational. Rather than denounce the panel, Block said he would implement some recommendations--budget permitting--and work with the panel to discuss any differences.

So far, so good. But now a new status report by the Kolts panel rings the alarm. In particular it takes issue with the department’s official comment on the report--a 289-page response in October--that rejected some of Kolts’ major recommendations, including a proposal for a commission of civilians and professionals to monitor the department.

Today the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold hearings on this situation, which must not be allowed to get out of control.

The board was wise last year to impanel the Kolts commission, and it would be wise now not to abandon its recommendations. The board has one new member--the recently elected Yvonne Brathwaite Burke--and one almost-new member, Gloria Molina, who has brought great energy to it.

It is to be hoped that the board will work some magic on the sheriff to bring him closer to the panel’s key recommendation. But barring a mutual understanding between the board and Block, the board must be prepared to use its power over the sheriff’s budget to prod his department in the direction of more civilian oversight.