Civilian oversight committee for LA sheriff's department in the works

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- With upheaval in the county jails and many deputies arrested, there was no dissent today from county supervisors on the need for oversight.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to take the first step in forming a civilian oversight commission for the county sheriff's department.

A working group will soon draft out the commission's authority, mission statement and how it should relate to the sheriff and newly appointed inspector general.

"We are effectively overdue for this level of transparency, accountability and appropriate involvement," said Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas.

Yet, two of the five supervisors said a commission of civilians would not have the bite that is needed because of state law restrictions. They say it is better to go with a plan already in place, which calls for the inspector general, Max Huntsman, to do the job and allows him full access to sensitive records at the sheriff's department.

"If you have a watchdog in your family, they are only worth it if they come into your house. [You] keep them in the backyard and the burglars can come in the front door," Huntsman said.

The current sheriff Jim McDonnell said he welcomes the concept of the commission to work in partnership with the inspector general. The structure of the commission is key, supervisors said, especially since many of them have seen previous efforts fail.

A working group has 90 days to figure it out and return to the board of supervisors with a proposed ordinance.