Four L.A. County Probation Officers Placed on Leave in Connection with Youth-on-Youth Violence at Downey Detention Facility

Four L.A. County probation officers have been placed on leave following their alleged involvement in incidents of “youth-on-youth violence” at a detention facility in Downey, officials announced on Friday. This disciplinary action comes in the wake of eight officers previously being placed on leave for allowing a group of youths to assault a teenager in December. The involvement of these additional sworn peace officers suggests that incidents of guards being present during youth assaults may be more widespread than initially known.

L.A. County Probation Department Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa stated that the discipline against the four officers was a part of a comprehensive effort to eradicate any staff responsible for perpetuating a culture of violence, drugs, or abuse within County juvenile institutions. While no specific details were provided regarding the incidents, Viera Rosa emphasized his commitment to thoroughly investigate potential wrongdoing, take immediate action, and publicly disclose his actions. The Probation Department has handed over the incidents to the California attorney general’s office for further investigation.

Earlier this month, The Times obtained footage of the December incident, revealing at least six youths assaulting a 17-year-old while guards stood by, laughing, and even shaking hands with one of the assailants. The victim suffered a broken nose, as confirmed by his public defender, Sherrie Albin. The video raises concerns about the possibility of coordinated violence, with one county supervisor referring to the conduct as “organized fights.”