Former Orange County undersheriff John Scott was sworn in on Thursday as interim Los Angeles County Sheriff, taking over from Lee Baca, who announced in early January that he would be stepping down from office.
Baca resigned from the position following an investigation into corruption in the department and abuse at county jails.
“I can assure you, I’m not going to be a placeholder here in L.A. County,” Scott said at a press conference on Tuesday following the announcement of his selection. “I will begin the process immediately of restoring both the dignity to the men and women of L.A. County and the confidence and trust of the public we serve.”
Interim Sheriff Scott has experience cleaning up troubled sheriff’s departments: his position as an undersheriff in Orange County began following corruption charges taken against then-O.C. Sheriff Mike Carona. His term as sheriff is likely to be marked by the ongoing FBI investigation, as well as efforts to steer the department in a more positive direction.
Scott will hold the office of L.A. County Sheriff for 10 months, before the election of a new Sheriff will take place. He is then expected to return to his post in Orange County.