Pasadena resident in line for possible county jail oversight commission

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich today announced plans to appoint retired federal judge Dickran Tevrizian, a Pasadena resident, to a possible oversight commission for the troubled county jail system.

The Board of Supervisors will consider establishing the so-called “Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence” when it meets Tuesday. The move comes as Sheriff Lee Baca faces mounting scrutiny for reports of deputy brutality against inmates in Men’s Central Jail.

As federal authorities widen their probe into the department, Baca told The Times that his command staff has left him in the dark about problems in the jails.

Citing Tevrizian’s “solid credibility and integrity as a jurist,” Antonovich’s said in a statement today that he would appoint the former jurist for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California if the oversight commission is established.

It’s unclear, then, what, if any, real power an oversight commission would have. Since Baca is an elected official, he would not be bound to adhere to orders or recommendations from the Board of Supervisors.

ALSO:

Baca says he was out of touch with county’s jails

Full coverage: L.A. County jails under scrutiny

-- Jason Wells, Times Community News

Photo: An L.A. County sheriff’s deputy walks past inmates during an inspection at the L.A. County Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times