LASD Sheriff Lee Baca Announces Resignation

This morning, LA Sheriff Lee Baca announced that he is resigning his position and dropping out of his bid for re-election. That is good news for the residents of LA County.

http://www.dailynews.com/opinion/20140107/sheriff-lee-bacas-resignation-is-good-news-but-his-mess-remains-opinion

Currently, Baca (71) is embroiled in a massive scandal involving his department's running of the LA County Jail. Eighteen of his deputies, past and present have been indicted federally for corruption. In addition, there are allegations that members of the LASD tried to interfere with the investigation even to the point of harassing a female FBI agent involved in the case.

Being retired from law enforcement, I take police corruption issues seriously. That is especially true in California because traditionally, we have come to regard California police as being, on the average, more professional and cleaner than in other parts of the country. That Baca allowed a situation to grow in the LASD for the past 16 years does not speak well of him. It must also be pointed out that in the last several years, hiring standards have been reduced. As a result, we have gotten more bad apples.

In addition, Baca drew fire for his VIP handing of celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan who had the occasion to spend some time in the LA County jail.

Finally, BACA has done an extreme disservice for his engagement with questionable leaders of the Southern California Muslim community. He has refused to acknowledge that there is any radical thought or speech coming out of local mosques no matter how often it has been pointed out to him. He has even gone so far as to attend events in which he and others have tried to convince the public that Sharia law is compatible with US law. (I can personally testify to that.)

It is good news that Baca will not be in his office for another term. He will not be missed.