Statement by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Budget

“The Board of Supervisors and Chief Executive Office recognize the critical nature of the public safety services the Sheriff’s Department provides to our communities, and their important role as first responders even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“By transferring $82.7 million to the Sheriff’s Department, today’s board motion provides adequate funding that was validated by the Chief Executive Office as sufficient to support public safety operations without interruption, as well as COVID-19 emergency measures.

“The County is experiencing a significant decline in its revenue base, so the work that the Board initiated well before the pandemic to address the growing Sheriff’s Department deficit must be accelerated.

“We must hold the Sheriff’s Department and all County departments accountable for staying within their budget. The Sheriff’s Department has historically resisted efforts to curtail expenditures and address overspending, but the Board and CEO are obligated to fulfill their responsibility as financial stewards of the County.

“In light of the economic fallout of the pandemic, these actions are responsible, necessary and urgent to ensure that the County is able to meet its obligation to serve the millions of residents who are depending on us, now more than ever.”