By OW Staff
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has announced the formation of the Office of Constitutional Policing, that is expected to play an important role in eradicating so-called deputy gangs from the Department
The office will work in collaboration with the Undersheriff, the Civilian Oversight Commission and Inspector General in bringing the department into compliance with consent decrees, and in improving policies, procedures and operations.
“This is an incredible department, but like any organization, we can always do better,” Luna said. “The Office of Constitutional Policing will help our Department eradicate deputy gangs; comply with consent decrees; and ensure our policies, procedures, and operations uphold people’s constitutional rights.
“This Office is an important step forward in my promise to bring new leadership and accountability to the Sheriff’s Department,” he added.
Luna has appointed a veteran attorney to head the new office.
“I’m very pleased to appoint Eileen Decker as the director of the Office of Constitutional Policing at the Sheriff’s Department,” Luna said. “Director Decker is one of the top civilian law enforcement professionals in our country, and an accomplished attorney. She will bring invaluable leadership to our office, and help us improve public safety and public trust in the Sheriff’s Department.”
“I’m honored to join the Sheriff’s Department as the director of the Office of Constitutional Policing,” Decker said.
“The employees of this department are talented and courageous, and I have the highest respect for their work to keep our communities safe,” she added. “My career has been dedicated to public safety and public service, and this assignment is the culmination of my life’s work. I want to thank Sheriff Luna for his confidence in me, and I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
From 2015 until 2017, Decker served as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California. As the top federal prosecutor for Los Angeles County and six other Southern California counties, she oversaw the largest U.S. Attorney’s Office outside of the District of Columbia. She was appointed by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate.
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