It’s my understanding the board of supervisors recently voted to restrict and/or eliminate the use of pepper spray in juvenile detention facilities. Too bad they can’t vote to restrict the use of violence by juvenile detainees against staff, which is currently a daily event.
It’s no small wonder probation officers have to be bribed to show up to work as call-ins and refusals to work have reached crisis levels but are being concealed by the probation department leadership and the BOS.
Related: LA County Board demands elimination of pepper spray at juvenile halls
There was an issue for sure of some staff members overusing OC spray, poor documentation of the use of force incidents, and a lack of a clear policy for its use. That is a leadership issue that was never addressed, and it falls squarely on the BOS and their appointed department head. The knee-jerk reaction of removing OC spray in its entirety is going to result in more force, not less, and will involve more serious injuries than the discomfort of OC spray. It will also encourage the most violent of detainees to green-light assaults on staff and further exacerbate the exodus of probation department employees.
There is no substitute for competent leadership, sound use-of-force policies that are enforced, and relevant training for line staff.
Alex Villanueva was the 33rd Sheriff of Los Angeles County
4 Comments
So what is the alternative for probation officers to use in place of the pepper spray? Also, I wonder what was the basis for the board’s decision to phase it out?
Right now we need support from the community about pepper spray and what protection is there for staff. My camp has the young adults that were transferred from the state prison that the Governor closed. We have 11 and the BOS ordered our chieft to transfer more in three weeks. The state has said we are NOT secure and our facility is not setup for that population. Even the County appointed committee recommended a different site and all but one board member (Barger) agreed. All but two of the transfers are there for murder. Their victims didn’t die so there charge was attempted murder. The perimeter fence is not secure. The no climb equipment is not up. The project takes about three years but they are being moved in now. How are employees going to be kept SAFE???
I am a believer in restorative Justice practices. I don’t believe that the solution to curtailing violent behavior is with more violence. The problem I have with pepper spray is it it’s overuse and misuse. The real issue are the systems that have been put in place that aren’t really meant to rehabilitate. Also, as previously stated the misplacement of individuals who belong in different facilities….again…the systems.
There needs to be strict policies on how and when it can be used. Leaving staff vulnerable to attacks aren’t in the best interest of anyone.