| Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety | |
|---|---|
 Patch of the Los Angeles County Police, featuring the pre-2004 L.A. County seal. | |
 | |
 Flag of Los Angeles County from 1967 to 2004. | |
| Common name | Los Angeles County Police |
| Abbreviation | LACP |
| Motto | "Dedicated to the Community We Serve" |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1998 |
| Dissolved | 2010 |
| Employees | 668(2010)[1] |
| Annual budget | $114,565,000 (2010)[1] |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Los Angeles County, California, US |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Police Officers | 579 |
| Unsworn members | 180 |
| Website | |
| Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety (no longer valid) | |
The Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety (LACOPS), less formally known as the Los Angeles County Police, was a security police agency for the County of Los Angeles. It was formed in 1998 by consolidating three Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies: the Department of Parks and Recreation Park Police, which was formed in 1969 as Los Angeles County Park Patrol, and the Department of Health Services and Internal Services Department’s Safety Police. OPS was the fourth-largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County, which employed 579 sworn peace officers and 140 civilian personnel, and utilized over 800 contract security guards.[2] The agency had an annual budget of $100 million in 2009.[citation needed] OPS was initially a division of the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources but was placed under the umbrella of the newly created Public Safety branch of the Chief Executive Office in 2007.
The County Police was separate from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, similar uniforms and patrol areas have led to confusion over the identification of County Police personnel with sheriff's personnel on several occasions. They also had no connection with the City of Los Angeles General Services Police, despite their agency title of Office of Public Safety.
YouTube Encyclopedic
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SURVIVING AN ACTIVE SHOOTER - LA County Sheriff
Transcription
[Music] "A morning that began like any other turned tragic today, when an employee opened fire on his Supervisor and fellow co-workers..." "Students, parents, teachers are asking 'why' today, after a bloody rampage plunged this campus into tragedy...." "Details are just coming in, but we're being told that a heavily armed gunman opened fire this evening at the mall food court behind me." "There's no official word on any casualties yet, but one eyewitness reported seeing at least six people shot...." Active Shooter A gunman or gunmen killing or attempting to kill people in a confined, populated area.... [Dramatic music] "You gotta get some sleep. You're looking like a vampire...." "You sleep.... ....you ain’t got no babies at home keeping you up...." [muffled shouting] "What the hell?…." "Ah....it's them again...." "We’ve tried, I’m sorry.... ....we’re gonna have to let you go." [Gunshot] Active Shooter killings are a tragic, unpredictable reality.... ....and one that's becoming more common. [Gunshots] Since 2006.... ....the U.S. has averaged an active shooter event... ....with 4 or more deaths every 2.9 months. Even though the number of Active Shooter events has been increasing.... ....your odds of being involved in one are still very slim. But just like fire drills and earthquake preparedness, making a plan in advance can make all the difference. "Yeah, but lizards live in tanks, so it’s probably fine...." "Shhh!!" If you do find yourself in the middle of a senseless attack, the 'why' doesn't matter. "Hey!" "Hey, buddy!" [Gunshot] "Hang on, something’s happening." What matters is surviving. On average, 20 mass shootings take place in the U.S. every year. Killers usually choose their victims at random. They look for easy targets. So the harder you are to see, or to hit, the safer you are.... [Gunshots, screams] "Oh my God!!" [Gunshots, screaming] When an attack starts, if you can find a way out of the location, do so. Get Out If you stay calm and think clearly, even in the middle of a life-and-death event, you improve your chances of making it out. Visualize your movements in advance. "What are we gonna do?" "Look at me, look at me! I can get us out. Stay behind me, and stay down." "OK!" Use COVER.... ....something that will stop a bullet... ...and CONCEALMENT.... ...something that at least keeps you out of sight. "Attention, South L.A. units..... Code 3 response needed regarding a 245 GSV, 417.... This’ll be at the Town Centre Shopping Mall. Suspect is wearing a facemask, possible body armor." Use any available means to get out, including emergency exits or windows. Most restaurants and retail locations will also have exits in the back, through kitchens or stock rooms. [Gunshots, screams] Even in the best cases, police are minutes, not seconds, away. [Gunshots, screaming] You must take action to protect yourself. [Gunshots, emergency alarm sounds] "OK. Everyone stay calm.... it's probably just a drill." [Gunshots, ricochet, screaming] "No! No, NO! Go back, go back!" [Gunshot, flesh tearing] "Oh my God! Oh my God!" "Come here! Come here!!" [Screaming, emergency alarm sound] If you can help others... ...without putting yourself in unnecessary danger, do so. "It's gonna be OK." "What’s your name?" "Uh...Lori...." "Lori?..." "It's gonna be OK" If you can’t move safely to an exit, get to a room or a confined area you can lock down. Then secure the location. [Emergency alarm sound] Secure your location. "Oh my God!" "There's somebody shooting!" "Everybody stay calm. Remember how we train." "Everybody get into this corner, away from the windows." "Get the emergency bag from my desk. Help her!" Drywall won't stop a bullet, but there are steps to take to stay safe. Lock, or barricade the doors, turn off the lights, move away from the windows, and silence your cell phone. "The other door doesn't lock." "Move desks, or anything....just block it!" A modern emergency bag can include a first aid kit, gloves, emergency plans for the building, and casualty cards to alert first responders to any wounded victims. [Emergency alarm, students whispering] Most Active Shooter situations are over in 10-15 minutes.... "Attention Lakewood units. Code 3 is needed...." "...re: 245 GSV, 417." "It's going to be at Alexandria College." "Multiple victims down...." Law enforcements first responsibility when entering an active shooter situation, is to stop the suspect, not to render aid to the victims. Medical teams will enter the scene as soon as the suspect is no longer a threat or is confirmed in another location. Silence any cell phones, and remain quiet. Do not alert the shooter to your presence. [Cell phone text message alert sound] [Door handle rattles, footsteps] [audible gasps from hidden students] [Emergency alarm sound] "Gun, gun, gun!" [Gunshot, student screams] "Sheriff's Department! Is there anyone inside?" "Red card.." "Just hang tight. We’ll be back to get you." Defend yourself. [Gunshots] If you cannot escape the location, and you can't shelter in place, you may have to defend yourself as a last resort. [Gunshot] Almost anything can be turned into a improvised weapon. Look for something that can disrupt the shooter's ability to see, breathe, or control their weapon. [Gunshot] [Approaching footsteps] [Yelling, screams] "Get down! Get down on the ground!" "Let me see your hands! Put your hands out!" "Let me see your hands!" When law enforcement arrives, they are going to be in a heightened state of readiness and awareness, looking for any aggressive movements. So keep your hands visible, and follow any commands you are given. "It’s him, he’s the shooter!" [Running footsteps] "Woah, hey, let me see your hands!" "Come over here." "What happened?" "I…a shooter! I just saw one shooter." Especially in developing situations, engaging law enforcement... running toward them, reaching for them.... even to thank them.... could put people at risk. "Go ahead...over here." Surviving an Active Shooter. "Is anybody injured?" "I've got two right here!" "Two up front!" For more information.... "Thank you! Seriously...." ...visit ActiveShooter.LASD.org [Music fades out] [End]
History
OPS originated from the consolidation of various County departments' security forces. These Security Officers attained peace officer powers in the early 1970s, and were gradually retitled into Safety Police Officers. In the 1990s, the Department of Health Services Safety Police, Parks & Recreation Department Park Police, and Internal Services Department Safety Police were merged into the Office of Public Safety; which was unofficially known as the County Police.
There were calls for OPS to be merged with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) in 1992 and 1997,[2] but the attempts have been repeatedly rebuffed by its officers, the Board of Supervisors, or LASD for various reasons. The primary reason cited was the inability of the Executive/Command Staff to perform the Administrative functions necessary to effectively manage a modern law enforcement entity of this size. On August 8, 2007, the California State Supreme Court denied hearing the appeal of a discrimination lawsuit brought by County police officers.[3] The officers prevailed at trial, convincing a jury that the predominantly minority force had been denied appropriate pay and benefits due to racial discrimination, but the jury's decision was then reversed by the Appellate Court.[4] The high court's refusal to hear a final appeal appeared to make a merger with LASD more likely, as they restarted their take-over study just days after the decision was handed down (September 20, 2007).[5] Supervisor Knabe commented to local media the force should be disbanded for costing the County so much money. The merger study reports submitted to the Board of Supervisors served as a basis for what became a final decision about the proposed work place reduction. The Board of Supervisors set aside sufficient funding to complete work place reduction on September 22, 2009.[6] On December 15, 2009, the Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 to eliminate OPS.[2][7] The Sheriff's Department took over OPS responsibilities.[8]
After the Board of Supervisors voted to eliminate the OPS and turn its responsibilities over to LASD, all OPS employees were either hired by the LASD or placed on paid administrative leave by June 30, 2010, which was the target date set by the Board of Supervisors for its Human Resources to have placed the adversely affected employees in alternate jobs. Because few displaced OPS employees had actually been offered alternate employment by the target date, the Board of Supervisors extended the sunset period to September 30, 2010. Those deemed unqualified for alternate employment by that date were laid off. The former responsibilities of OPS are now handled by the newly formed LASD County Services Bureau and Parks Bureau.
Leadership
The last Acting Police Chief was Steven S. Lieberman, a twenty-four-year veteran of the department. Since the creation of the agency, it has previously been led by former LAPD Interim Chief Bayan Lewis and former LAPD Deputy Chief Margaret York. There were interim chiefs in between the terms of Lewis and York; John White and William Nash. William Nash was almost immediately demoted by Margaret York. LASD Commander William Rogner was approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 15, 2009, to run the agency until it was eliminated.[9]
Uniforms
County Police officers wore the uniform traditional to county law enforcement agencies in California. This included olive green pants and a tan uniform shirt. Shoulder patches, name plates, and badges completed the uniform. Some special units such as WMD, or boat units wore modified uniforms, mostly green BDU's or some version of a uniform polo shirt. Historically, the earliest uniformed county security officers wore the same dark green uniforms that Sheriff's Deputies wore until the late 40s, but with unique "Los Angeles County Guard" patches and a bear-top shield badge instead of a star. From the 1950s to the adoption of the department-wide tan-and-green uniform, security officers wore differing uniforms with patches depending on the county department they worked for. Department of Health Services officers wore all-tan uniforms, Mechanical Department officers were issued tan shirts and brown pants, and Park Patrol officers had tan-and-green uniforms, similar to the Sheriff's Department.
The badge was the standard Los Angeles County design, being a shield, surmounted by a bear, of gold-colored metal with silver-colored ribbons. The seal of the county of Los Angeles was superimposed on the center of the badge, with the words "County of Los Angeles" on a ribbon just under the bear. A ribbon indicating the name of the agency "Office of Public Safety" appeared just above the seal of the county. The title of the position of the person authorized to wear the official badge was inscribed on a ribbon placed just below the seal of the county and the serial number of the badge appeared at the bottom of the badge below the title of the position. Badges of predecessor Safety Police and departmental security agencies were of the same design, but of all gold-colored metal without silver ribbons, and with the specific department name and position listed.
Equipment
Officers were issued the Glock 22 .40cal pistol, although some officers in special units carried the smaller Glock 23, or the larger Glock 21. 45ACP pistol. They retired their aging stock of Beretta 92F and 92FS's in 2006 which were initially issued in 1988. Officers were authorized to carry firearms off duty and were issued a flat-badge for identifying themselves as peace officers when not in uniform. While on patrol, officers had rapid access in most vehicles to an array of weapons including tasers, AR-15's, Mossberg 590 shotguns, less-lethal (bean bag) shotguns, and 40mm launchers.
Transportation
Most patrol assignments drove Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor police cars equipped with, as with the majority of police vehicles, touch screen computers, emergency lights & sirens, back-seat partitions, and push bumpers. The department changed their vehicle graphics in 2007 to increase their recognition with the public. GMC Yukons, Chevrolet Tahoes, and ATV's were common within the department as well.
Structure
The OPS maintained four bureaus:
- Administrative Services Bureau
- Contracts & Monitoring
- Fiscal Services
- Fleet Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Facilities Services Bureau
- DPSS Offices (Department of Public Social Services)
- Dispatch Center and Communications
- Parks Services Bureau
- Belvedere Station (East Los Angeles)
- South Station (South Los Angeles)
- Whittier Narrows Station (South El Monte)
- Quartz Hill Substation (Quartz Hills)
- Castaic Station (Castaic Lake)
- Bonelli Station (Bonelli Regional Park)
- Health Services Bureau
OPS did not have its own custody facilities and as a result, booked people arrested at one of several L.A. County Sheriff's stations throughout the county. Almost all county police stations were part of a larger structure belonging to a county department that contracts for their services.
OPS fielded several specialized units, including SPU (Special Problems Unit), DPU (Dignitary Protection Unit, Labor Relations, Internal Affairs, Background Investigations, Canine, Boat, TRF (Tactical Response Force), WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction), and a reserve Mounted Unit. The WMD trained and prepared for the inevitable chaos at county medical facilities in the event of a terrorist attack. TRF officers trained and prepared for civil disturbances and crowd control. Both were part-time, on-call units which depend on officers in other full-time assignments to fill their ranks.
Requirements to become an OPS Officer
County police recruits were to have been 20 years and six months old at the time of hire. They had to possess a high school diploma or GED, a California driver's license, and pass all phases of the selection process, consisting of: a written exam, an oral interview, a background investigation (including a polygraph exam), and medical and psychological exams.
County police officers and public safety dispatchers were required to have and maintain a valid POST Certificate, which substantiates that their character, education, training, and experience are up to California State standards.[10][11]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Assessor" (PDF). County of Los Angeles Annual Report 2009-2010. Public Affairs, Chief Executive Office. p. 80. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
- ^ a b c "County to merge public safety units | Los Angeles Wave - Community News, Sports & Entertainment | Northeast Eition". Los Angeles Wave. 17 December 2009. Archived from the original on 9 July 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/disposition.cfm?dist=0&doc_id=1884538&doc_no=S152860 Denial of Certiorari
- ^ http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/b169427.pdf Trial Court Findings and Appeal
- ^ http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/supdocs/52598.pdf Board Letter
- ^ http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/supdocs/51338.pdf OPS - Sheriff Merger Funding
- ^ http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/sop/cms1_140802.pdf Board Vote (item 14)
- ^ http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/sop/cms1_151266.pdf Board Order (item 46)
- ^ http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/transcripts/12-15-09%20Board%20Meeting%20Transcript%20%28C%29.pdf Board Meeting Transcript of 12/15/09
- ^ Peace Officer Standards and Training (Peace Officer Certificates)
- ^ (Public Safety Dispatchers)
This page was last edited on 29 November 2023, at 16:13