Malibu Council Approves Letter Of Support For LA Sheriff Policies

MALIBU, CA — The Malibu City Council has signaled approval to send a letter to the Los Angeles County Sheriff on its use of force policy. The idea for the letter was part of a proposal introduced June 8 in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.

Although the agenda item for the July 13 meeting mentioned Floyd and nationwide protests "decrying the excessive use of force by law enforcement, particularly against African Americans," the actual discussion of the proposed letter during Monday's city council meeting did not address specific areas of reform or critique the department's use of force policies.

Councilman Skylar Peak said the letter should encourage proper use of force training, adding that "we never want to see an incident" like Floyd's death in Malibu.

"I think we should just say we really want [the sheriff's department] to make a commitment to this community that it's one of the priorities," he suggested.

During the meeting, Mikke Pierson — who during the meeting became Malibu's appointed mayor — recounted a conversation with a law enforcement professional who was venting about reports of cops who "killed people where it didn't seem necessary."

"He's upset, it demeans his profession, which he truly believes is about serving the public," Pierson said. "It was powerful to listen to; I didn't say a word, he needed to get it out. He talked about seeing it in the past in Los Angeles Sheriff's Department as well."

Pierson later expressed appreciation for the sheriff's department "finding a balance between taking really good care of our community and yet helping us where we really need their help."

Council member Karen Farrer (who preceded Peirson in the largely ceremonial role as mayor) said she supports "common sense restraint in the use of force."

"I think that's something that's already happening," she continued. "I don't think this is an item on the agenda in response to any deep concern we all have over something we've seen in our area."

The council did not discuss a timeline for sending of the letter.

Last month, the sheriff's department announced that — after years of delays — it would roll out a body-worn camera program for its deputies by the end of this year. The department continues to face public outcry and questions over the death of Andres Guardado, an 18-year-old security guard shot in the back five times by a sheriff's deputy in Gardena on June 18.