Despite a 94% jump in homicides and the Super Bowl invasion this weekend, Los Angeles County this week sought to dump 4,000 sheriff office workers for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, a move drawing local and national fire.
The county board of supervisors on Tuesday approved a preliminary plan to punish department workers for violating a vaccination mandate.
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Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who has been in office for four years, immediately slammed the decision and said in a statement shared with Secrets that those who aren’t vaccinated are required to undergo weekly testing.
“The Board of Supervisors followed through on their threat and voted 4-0 to form a suicide pact and start the process to fire 4,000 deputies for not being vaccinated. Showing deliberate indifference to the obvious impact on public safety, the board hid behind an alleged threat to public safety they couldn’t back up with data,” he said.
Villanueva said that the board acted hypocritically in its vote.
Board of Supervisors Vote to Terminate Approximately 4000 #LASD Personnel During a Time When Murders Have Increased Over 94% and A Hiring Freeze in the Department pic.twitter.com/BNrQCejufj
— Alex Villanueva (@LACoSheriff) February 9, 2022
“The board, who ignored the comments made by thousands of their constituents today during their meeting, is now seeking to fire the very same personnel who were forced to work in person, exposing themselves to the COVID-19 virus when there was no vaccine, while the supervisors and most of the workforce were telecommuting from the comfort and safety of their own homes,” he said.
And, he added, they appeared to choose politics over safety. “This is nothing more than another politically motivated stunt by the board, which has no bearing on public health, but will definitely harm public safety,” he said.
In Washington, where the National Sheriffs’ Association is hosting its winter convention, Executive Director Jonathan Thompson told Secrets that officials in Los Angeles County, which includes Los Angeles City, are playing with fire.
“This decision is going to risk the safety of every L.A. County citizen. We hope the board will reconsider this decision immediately and choose instead to support law enforcement during the current troubles. The sheriff, the men and women of LACSD, and the people of L.A. County deserve and need protection and safety more than ever!” he said.
He also warned that growing crime requires more crime fighters.
“During a record jump on crime, now is not the time to employ ultimatums to those we need the most,” said Thompson, adding, “The men and women of the LACSD put their lives on the line every day for the citizens of LACSD. Whether support, jails, court security, or patrol personnel, they have made immeasurable sacrifices for their communities.”
