Measure R is a citizens' initiative that qualified for placement on the ballot based on a sufficient number of registered voters signing a petition proposing this ballot measure. If approved by the voters, the measure would adopt an ordinance amending Title 3 of the Los Angeles County Code relating to the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission ("Commission").
California law currently requires the Board of Supervisors ("Board") to supervise the official conduct of all county officers and also gives the Board the power to create a commission and determine its powers. The Board created the Commission in the County Code giving it authority to review, analyze, and make recommendations to the Board and Sheriff's Department ("Sheriff") on Sheriff's operational policies and procedures, and to investigate systemic Sheriff-related issues or complaints through the Office of Inspector General ("OIG").
As of the date of this Impartial Analysis, the current law is the Commission does not have independent subpoena power to compel testimony of witnesses or production of documents. The power to subpoena records and witnesses rests with the Board or may be delegated by the Board. The Commission may receive records from the Sheriff and OIG, subject to applicable and confidentiality laws. This measure would amend the County Code to give the Commission independent subpoena power to obtain documents or witnesses pertinent to its investigations and oversight, and provides the Commission power to administer oaths. The Commission would not be bound to follow Agreements between the Sheriff and OIG for access to records.
As of the date of this Impartial Analysis, the current law is the Commission does not have the independent power to perform investigations, inquiries, audits or monitoring without using the OIG. This measure would amend the County Code to allow the Commission to use its own members or staff to undertake investigations, inquiries, audits, and monitoring in addition to using the OIG.
As of the date of this Impartial Analysis, the Commission does not have the authority to independently review and evaluate the OIG's handling and resolution of citizen and inmate complaints. This measure would also amend the County Code to permit the Commission to review and evaluate the OIG's handling and resolution of citizen and inmate complaints.
This measure would require the Commission to research and draft a plan ("Plan") for reducing the County's jail population and providing alternatives to incarceration by conducting a Feasibility Study, together with a timeline for reinvestment of jail system costs into prevention and mental health treatment. The Feasibility Study would include the impacts of incarceration on the jail population; compare the costs and effectiveness of mental health treatment inside the jail with community-based drug treatment; identify needed infrastructure; and recommend staffing and funding solutions to the Board. The Board is not bound to take action on the proposed Plan.
The measure, if approved by the voters, may only be repealed by a subsequent vote of the electorate on an amendment of the Los Angeles County Code or County Charter, and the Board would not have independent authority to amend the duties and powers of the Commission.
The measure requires a majority vote.
