Introduction to the Incident
Los Angeles County on Monday agreed to pay $2.7 million to a teenager who was attacked by at least six other young people at a juvenile detention center in so-called “gladiator fights” that were allegedly facilitated by probation officers.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The boy’s beating in 2023 at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall was captured on surveillance video that also showed several officials standing idly by and some of them shaking hands with the participants in the beating. A state grand jury in March charged 30 correctional officers for their role in allowing and sometimes encouraging nearly 70 fights to take place between July and December 2023. The officers face charges including child endangerment and abuse, conspiracy, and battery.
Scope of the Problem
More than 140 victims between the ages of 12 and 18 were involved, according to authorities. Attorney General Rob Bonta said after the charges were announced that it seemed the attacks were planned. “They often wanted them to happen at the beginning of the day, in a certain time, in a certain place. A space and a time was created for the fights, and the plan was for the fights to happen,” he said.
Investigation and Response
The investigation began after the Los Angeles Times first obtained and published video footage that shows a then-16-year-old being attacked by at least six other young people, who came at him one by one as officers stand by watching. The video was first made public during a court hearing during which a public defender for the boy, now 17, argued to a judge that he was not safe at Los Padrinos and should be released ahead of his trial.
His attorney, Jamal Tooson, said the settlement was a “first step” in recognizing the “egregious” conduct of the LA County Probation Department.
Ongoing Issues and Plans for Reform
A judge today approved plans to draw down the number of youth detainees being held at the troubled Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey. “Our priority needs to be not just protecting my client but all children in similar circumstances under the care and watch of the probation department,” Tooson said. “There were lawsuits prior to this. I personally represent several individuals who’ve been harmed at the same facility after this.” According to a correction action plan written by the department, staff failed to review CCTV footage of the facility, delayed taking the teen to the hospital, and waited too long to notify his parents.
Steps Towards Accountability
To address these issues, the department will ensure CCTV monitors are “staffed routinely” and conduct random footage audits, and develop a protocol for making sure young people in custody are given medical care and their parents are informed appropriately. A judge ruled in April that the LA County Probation Department could not continue housing juveniles at Los Padrinos and approved a plan in May to move more than 100 youths out of the facility. California’s state board overseeing local correctional facilities has previously ordered Los Padrinos to be shut down.
Cultural Problems Within the System
Tooson believes there is a pervasive “culture problem” extending throughout the probation department’s facilities that cannot be addressed by the correction action plan. He has filed at least 19 lawsuits in federal court alleging issues from physical violence allowed by officials to sexual assault by staff members in LA County’s youth detention centers, he said. “Until we actively start changing the mindset and behavior of those who are put into a caretaking responsibility of these youth, I think we’re going to find ourselves in the same situation,” he said.
Conclusion
The settlement and the ongoing legal battles highlight the deep-seated issues within the Los Angeles County juvenile detention system. The need for systemic change and accountability is pressing, to ensure the safety and well-being of the youths in custody. It is crucial for the authorities to take concrete steps towards reform, addressing the cultural problems that have led to such egregious conduct.
FAQs
- Q: How much will Los Angeles County pay to the teenager attacked in the juvenile detention center?
A: Los Angeles County will pay $2.7 million to the teenager. - Q: What is the nature of the charges against the correctional officers?
A: The officers face charges including child endangerment and abuse, conspiracy, and battery for their role in allowing and sometimes encouraging nearly 70 fights. - Q: How many victims were involved in the incidents at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall?
A: More than 140 victims between the ages of 12 and 18 were involved. - Q: What steps is the department taking to address the issues highlighted by the incident?
A: The department plans to ensure CCTV monitors are staffed routinely, conduct random footage audits, and develop a protocol for providing medical care and notifying parents. - Q: What is the current status of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall?
A: A judge has approved a plan to move more than 100 youths out of the facility, and California’s state board has ordered it to be shut down.
