L.A. County adds stricter requirements for sheriff’s deputies in schools

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies who work in schools must undergo training in adolescent mental health and brain development and meet stricter standards for transparency, under a new contract approved this week by the county Board of Supervisors.

The contract, which affects deputies assigned to schools in Los Angeles County, comes in the wake of reports that deputies in Lancaster had disproportionate contacts with Black students, who were more likely to be searched and cited by deputies. Black students accounted for 60% of deputies’ contacts, even though they make up only 20% of the overall student body, the Office of Inspector General found.

The new contract also requires that deputies assigned to schools not administer school discipline, such as detentions, suspensions and expulsions. They also must undergo extensive training in trauma-informed practices, social-emotional development, youth mental health, de-escalation tactics and other measures intended to help students who might be experiencing a crisis.

Related to transparency and accountability, deputies must report data about contacts with students every quarter, and turn over body camera footage with 10 days of a request.

Activities in the Lancaster area, including a group called Cancel the Contract: Antelope Valley, had lobbied for the changes.

“The unanimous support for the motion today is a victory,” said Waunette Cullors, a trustee for Keppel School District, and Beth Cayetano, a high school teacher in the Antelope Valley. “It reflects the urgency of addressing the dangers of armed deputies on our campuses, especially for Black and disabled students, and it demonstrates the effectiveness of our growing advocacy, and momentum for our work to build thriving school communities. It’s a win for our community, teachers, and most importantly, our students.”