Agenda #: 7.2
Meeting Date: October 15, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: ATTORNEY GENERAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH LOS ANGELES
COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT.
STRATEGIC
GOAL: Open, Engaged & Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction as deemed appropriate.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
It is our understanding that Attorney General Rob Bonta is in negotiations with LA County and the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) that could severely limit LASD’s ability to enforce penal code and vehicle code violations throughout Los Angeles County. At the October 1, 2024 City Council meeting, Council Member Low requested that the City Council consider sending a letter to the Attorney General requesting that Diamond Bar, as a City that contracts with LASD for law enforcement services, have an opportunity to participate and be made aware of any settlement discussions as those negotiations may affect law enforcement services in Diamond Bar. It was the consensus of the Council to place an item on the agenda for further discussion and consideration.
California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) recently sent correspondence to Attorney General Bonta expressing concerns over the negotiations and the potential to impact public safety throughout Los Angeles County through disparate application of laws between jurisdictions, and offering the opportunity to meet and further discuss the concerns (Attachment 1). While we do not know the specifics of the negotiations, it seems appropriate that the Attorney General should consider input from the 42 cities that contract with LASD for law enforcement services, including Diamond Bar, before any final decisions are made. The contract cities have a significant vested interest in the operations of the LASD throughout LA County and consideration should be given to how any changes may impact public safety in those cities.
Staff will continue to coordinate with CCCA on this matter and provide updates as they may become available. A draft letter has been prepared for consideration should the Council desire to also send correspondence to Attorney General Bonta on this matter (Attachment 2).
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 7.2.a CCCA Letter to AG Bonta - LASD PC VC Negotiations
2. 7.2.b AG Bonta Diamond Bar 10-15-2024