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10 County Jail Personnel Relieved Of Duty Pending Investigation Into Inmate Abuse Allegations

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —   The LA County Sheriff's Department announced Saturday that 10 jail personnel have been relieved of their duties pending an investigation into allegations of inmate abuse.

The Sheriff's Department also said "a number of other" employees were reassigned to other duties pending further investigation.

The personnel relieved of duty include two lieutenants, one sergeant, one senior deputy, four deputies and two custody assistants.

"I expect every member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to perform at the highest standards of professionalism. Immediately upon learning of troubling allegations of possible neglect of an inmate at the Inmate Reception Center, my Department's executives relieved ten jail employees of duty, including supervisors. The investigation into this incident is ongoing and will be thorough. It will not only focus on employee actions, but also on corrective policies and procedures," said Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

The alleged incident began when an inmate was booked in at the Inmate Reception Center (IRC) on June 19. Allegations include the inmate not being provided food and being handcuffed for a lengthy period of time following a force incident during which the inmate was reported to have assaulted a female deputy. The inmate was allegedly restrained for approximately 32 hours; during that time he received medical attention and a cup of water.

On June 27, 2015, the inmate filed a complaint and an investigation was launched. The complaint was brought to the attention of Sheriff McDonnell on Thursday, July 9th and a decision regarding personnel actions was made within 24 hours.

The Sheriff's Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau have been asked to investigate the entire matter. The Office of Inspector General and FBI were also contacted.

All custody personnel assigned to IRC were sent  protocols regarding restraint, checks and feeding of inmates. Additional training has been ordered, according to the Sheriff's Department. Further corrective action is possible.

"I am deeply committed to providing the highest levels of constitutional care to those in our charge and will quickly address and remedy any conduct, policies or practices that do not meet this expectation and high standard," added McDonnell.

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