Facing a severe staffing shortage, the Los Angeles County Probation Department has formally requested assistance from local law enforcement agencies, including the Sheriff's Department and various police forces. The request aims to bridge a critical gap in supervising individuals on probation, particularly those deemed high-risk.
Probation Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa initiated the mutual aid request in December 2023, addressing it to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES). The need arose after field officers were reassigned to address staffing deficiencies within the county's juvenile halls, leaving a significant void in adult probation supervision. This reallocation, Rosa explained, compromises public safety due to the reduced oversight of individuals convicted of serious offenses, including sexual assault, domestic violence, and gang-related crimes.
The OES clarified its role as a facilitator in such situations, connecting local entities but lacking the authority to directly approve the request. The Probation Department's proposal outlines the need for 150 peace officers over a year, with the department providing armed liaisons to support compliance checks. Financial incentives are offered to participating agencies, reimbursing them for the time spent on each check, calculated at a minimum of two hours plus the actual time taken.
While the department emphasizes that this is not a complete handover of responsibilities, but rather a request for temporary support, concerns have been raised. Eduardo Mundo, chair of the county Probation Oversight Commission, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the plan, citing the already challenging environment within law enforcement and the existing internal issues within the Probation Department. He highlighted the department's treatment of its own employees and questioned the logic of reassigning field officers only to then seek external help for their original duties.
The staffing crisis within the Probation Department is linked to the reopening of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, a facility grappling with operational and management challenges. Originally intended to accommodate detainees from closed facilities, Los Padrinos has faced its own issues, including staffing shortages and allegations of violence, leading to state-mandated corrective actions. Despite being ordered to close, the facility remains operational due to the lack of alternative housing options for the juveniles.
The department's struggles extend beyond staffing, with past scrutiny over its supervision practices. A 2023 report revealed inadequate monitoring of a convicted gang member who tragically killed two police officers. The report highlighted missed opportunities for intervention, including unanswered calls and unheeded warnings from family members. This case underscores the potential consequences of insufficient supervision, particularly for high-risk individuals, and emphasizes the urgency of addressing the department's ongoing challenges.
