LAX police chief secures endorsement of CA Controller Betty Yee

LAX police chief Cecil Rhambo continues to secure key endorsements in his bid to unseat Sheriff Alex Villanueva next June.  Yee’s support adds to the growing list of the state’s democrats in supporting Rhambo over Villanueva, who are both democrats.

“I am pleased to endorse Chief Cecil Rhambo because I know he will work to attain lasting reform and restore integrity to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.  Chief Rhambo understands this is critical to earning the trust and confidence of the diverse communities of Los Angeles County — delivering justice-oriented change within the department to provide justice-centered service to all the people of Los Angeles County. Please join me in supporting Chief Cecil Rhambo for Los Angeles County Sheriff.”

Rhambo has pledged to weed out deputy gangs in the Sheriff’s department, which has become a point of contention for the current Sheriff.

“To fix a problem, step one is to acknowledge it. Step two is to enact changes in policy at the legislative levels that address it. Step three is to literally change the culture starting at the training academy, then in field operations school and at the following training classes: Field Training Officer, Sergeant Supervisor school, and Lieutenant Middle Management School. Sheriff Alex Villanueva has failed on all fronts. As Sheriff, I’ll end deputy gangs once and for all, change the culture of the Sheriff’s Department and enhance the level of trust in the community, who will in turn begin to show greater support for the Sheriff’s department. That’s why I support officer decertification for officers who are convicted of criminal and terminable misconduct, including being a part of a deputy gang. It’s also why I support the reforms instituted in AB 958, which would provide a comprehensive definition for law enforcement gangs, require law enforcement agencies to have a policy prohibiting them, and make participation in a gang grounds for termination and possible criminal prosecution as well as prohibit future employment in other law enforcement agencies.”

For more information please visit www.RhamboForSheriff.com.