Antonovich Spearheads Citizens' Commission on Jail Violence

The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the establishment of a citizens' commission on jail violence Tuesday in response to recent reports of deputies abusing inmates housed in County-run jails.

The Board also approved a series of recommendations for embattled Sheriff Lee Baca to implement, including reducing the time new deputies must serve in jails before they can go out on patrol. Rookies typically serve between three and five years before getting assigned to patrol.

, who represents San Marino on the County Board of Supervisors, spearheaded efforts to establish the commission and appointed retired federal Judge Dickran Tevrizian to it. 

In a public statement, Antonovich expressed his confidence that Tevrizian's appointment will benefit the commission greatly.

“Through his unique experience and keen judgment, Judge Tevrizian has demonstrated his solid credibility and integrity as a jurist and as a public servant,” Antonovich said. “He will be a valuable asset to this commission.”

Tevrizian is a Pasadena resident who served on the Los Angeles Municipal Court from 1972 to 1978, and the California Superior Court in Los Angeles from 1978 to 1982. Former President Ronald Reagan appointed Tevrizian to the United States District Court for the Central California District in 1985. Tevrizian retired in 2007. 

The county jail system came under intense scrutiny earlier this month, when a recently sworn-in deputy quit abruptly, claiming a supervisor forced him to beat a mentally ill inmate at Twin Towers jail. Baca has promised to look into the incident, along with several others.

Do you think a citizens' commission will help curb abuses at the county jail? Tell us in the comments.