LA Supervisors Adopt Higher Standards and Increased Training for Sheriff’s Deputies in Schools

Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies will need training in adolescent mental health and development before they can work inside local schools. They’ll also be held to higher transparency standards and will be barred from administering student discipline, including detentions, suspensions or expulsions.

The new requirements are part of a contract approved by the Board of Supervisors. The changes were advocated by Cancel the Contract: Antelope Valley and other advocates in the Lancaster area. 

An investigation by the Office of Inspector General found disproportionate contact between deputies in Lancaster and students of color. Black students account for 60% of contacts, despite comprising just 20% of the student body, according to the OIG.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the changes.