Sheriff’s Department Criticized Again In New Watchdog Report

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Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriffs

The leadership of now-retired former LA County Sheriff Lee Baca came into question once again last week, as a county civilian watchdog issued another damaging report painting Baca and his former undersheriff, Paul Tanaka, in a harsh light. 

Both former leaders are accused of giving their employees free reign and enabling an inmate abuse scandal that unfolded in the county’s jails under their watch, the Los Angeles Times reported. 

Merrick Bobb, a special counsel for the LA County Board of Supervisors, issued his final report last Thursday, not too long before his job with the county ends. 

Tanaka, who hopes to be elected to Baca’s old job in the fall, is accused of spearheading “an anti-reform counter movement,” while Baca turned a blind eye and the Board of Supervisors did not intervene. 

Tanaka, who was forced to retire in 2013, remains under investigation by the FBI pertaining to his involvement in the inmate abuse scandal. Twenty officials with the department have already been charged in the case. 

The report claims Tanaka was part of a “tattooed deputy clique” that originated at the Lynwood station and encouraged officers to use excessive force on inmates. 

Tanaka is running against Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell in the county’s November election. Both men are hoping to take over for interim Chief John Scott.