Dec. 16--Los Angeles County supervisors approved an agreement that will give a watchdog over the Sheriff's Department access to more internal records on deputies' use of force and allegations of misconduct.
The agreement between Sheriff Jim McDonnell and Inspector General Max Huntsman will allow Huntsman to see personnel records that are normally kept confidential. But his access will be limited.
The sheriff has already signed the deal. The Board of Supervisors' unanimous vote Tuesday authorizes Huntsman to do so.
Join the conversation on Facebook >>
Deputies have argued against having the records of discipline and internal investigations released while jail reform advocates said the agreement is just a first step toward transparency.
Huntsman and the sheriff negotiated the pact for months, but the issue gained increased currency after controversy exploded around deputies' fatal shooting of an armed man in Lynwood over the weekend.
The agreement will allow Huntsman and his staff to view records from personnel files, but not to make copies of them. And it says that the inspector general should request "only those records and that portion of the record deemed necessary to [his] purpose."
He would not be allowed to share or publish confidential information, including the names of deputies who are investigated or disciplined. State law protects that information from being publicly released under most circumstances. But Huntsman said he will use the confidential information to produce reports on broader trends.
