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Deputies In LA County Sheriff's 'Jump Out Boys' Clique Suspended

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — An investigation into an alleged secret group in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's gang unit has resulted in the suspension of seven deputies from the department.

KNX 1070's Ed Mertz reports the gang enforcement team known as the "Jump Out Boys" has been under investigation ever since a pamphlet was found that described the group's preference for aggressive policing.

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A report in The Los Angeles Times said the clique admired and honored deputies who shot suspects and members reportedly had their own tattoos and symbols.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore was asked what should the public think about deputies reportedly celebrating shootings.

"The public can be rest assured that the sheriff's department believes that certain behaviors will be just unacceptable, and so nobody is immune from that, and we will do what is necessary to ensure that all our deputy sheriff's are behaving in an appropriate manner," said Whitmore.

A lawsuit filed by deputies Chris Vasquez and Elizario Perez last May alleged excessive force had been used by an aggressive group of third-floor deputies at the Men's Central Jail downtown.

The unidentified deputies are on paid leave.

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