Watchdog says New Los Angeles County policy is an attempt to criticize criticism

The watchdogs in Los Angeles County suddenly need to be allowed before barking to the press and the public.

County oversight officials and civil rights advocates are raising concerns about a new policy, saying they have inappropriately restricted their right to communicate, including with other members of local governments.

The policy was established on September 11 and requires supervisory officials to send multiple types of communications to the Executive Office of the Supervisory Board for approval.

The policy says: “Press releases, consultations, public statements, social media content, and any direct publicity with the BOS or its employees” must be “reviewed, approved and coordinated” before being publicly released or sent to other county officials.

The policy says the change “ensures messaging is aligned with county priorities, protects sensitive relationships and maintains a unified public voice.”

Eric Miller, a member of the Sybil Brand Committee who inspects and oversees the Los Angeles County Jail, said the policy is the latest example of the county’s “trying to limit oversight of the sheriff’s department.” He said he made a statement as a private citizen because he was worried that the new communications policy would prevent him from talking to the media and taking on the role of oversight officer.

Michael Kapp, communications manager for the Executive Office of the Oversight Commission, said in an email that he drafted the policy shortly after he began his position in July and found that “there is no existing communications guidance, the committee and the oversight agencies have nothing.”

“There is no clear guidance, and the committees and supervisory bodies (most of which do not have any communication staff) are developing their own temporary practices, which leads to inconsistent messaging, risk of misinformation and interactions with the board, the media and the public,” he said.

While government agencies are increasingly restricting the way employees communicate with the press and the public, Los Angeles County supervisory officials enjoy a wide range of latitudes to express their ideas. Watchdogs have been vocal about a range of issues, including the so-called deputy gang of the Sheriff’s Department and the grim prison conditions.

Some have questioned the timing of this policy, which is victims of violence and discrimination against law enforcement following recent negative headlines, scandals and massive legal spending.

Longtime Los Angeles Sheriff Civilian Oversight Committee Chairman Robert Bonner says he Once was recall This summer, he and his committee have strongly promoted greater transparency.

In February, former committee chairman Sean Kennedy resigned after a dispute with county attorneys and noted that “county attorneys are not suitable for independent oversight decisions to control COC.”

California. General Rob Bonta Announced this month His office is prosecuting Los Angeles County and the Sheriff’s Department for a “humanitarian crisis” that has led to a surge in prison deaths.

The policy is entirely “to ensure stronger and more effective communication between the supervisory bodies, the public and the board of supervisors.”

Peter Eliasberg, chief adviser for the American Civil Liberties Union in Southern California, called the policy “disturbing” and said it seemed to allow the county to tell “the Sybil brand you have to adjust it, or tell the COC that this is not the message the board is going to send.”

“I learned about this policy around the same time the state attorney general prosecuted the county for horrible conditions in prison,” Eriasberg said.

“There are a lot of things in the lawsuit regarding the Sybil brand and the Sybil brand report,” he added, citing the committee’s findings that exposed the harsh conditions and treatment in the county jail, including pest and Roach’s infestation, spoiled food and insufficient treatment for inmates’ mental health.

Some current and former oversight officials say the new policy leaves many unresolved issues, including what will happen if they ignore it and continue to speak out.

“Compliance is mandatory. That is, the goal is not punishment, but punishment – is consistency and support,” said Karp, the executive office of the Oversight Committee official who drafted the policy.

At a meeting of the Civilian Oversight Committee on Thursday, committee chairman Hans Johnson made a keen comment on the policy, calling it “reckless and ridiculous.”

Johnson said the policy “is one of the most demanding, corrosive and frightening efforts to thwart the committee’s voice.” “We won’t be gagged.”

Times worker Sandra McDonald contributed to the report.