The Los Angeles Post

Sup. Barger Seeks More Transparency to Ensure Public Safety in Placement of Sexually Violent Predators

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY — During today’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Kathryn Barger read in a motion asking the District Attorney and Sheriff to begin notifying the Board any time the California Department of State Hospitals makes a recommendation to the Superior Court to send a person committed as a sexually violent predator to outpatient treatment in the community. The motion also asks that the District Attorney and Sheriff notify the Supervisor representing the district where the placement is being considered by the Court.

“I remain steadfast in my commitment to protect and advocate for the residents in my district,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “The proposed placement of Mr. Grassmier in a residential, family-oriented neighborhood in La Crescenta has highlighted the need for adequate notice and the opportunity to encourage community input in proposed placement decisions. It is essential that these placements are made with the appropriate input and collaboration of all stakeholders involved to ensure everyone has their voice heard.”

This motion, which will be voted on by the Board of Supervisors at its next meeting on June 22, will result in official and timely notification before a sexually violent predator is released into any Los Angeles County community.

Currently, the Welfare and Institutions code (sections 6609.1(a)(1) and 6609.2) provides for the notification of the Sheriff or Chief of Police (or both), the District Attorney, or the County’s designated counsel. Furthermore, the code stipulates that the Sheriff or Chief of Police may notify any person designated as an appropriate recipient of the notice. This motion, authored by Supervisor Barger, would codify that the Board of Supervisors, including the Supervisor whose district is affected, will receive appropriate notification. If passed, this effort will support proactive community engagement and will enable the community to provide essential feedback on any proposed placement.