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Opinion: Sheriff Jim McDonnell’s honeymoon is over

Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell in January.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
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To the editor: Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell has promoted two officers with lengthy histories of poor or unethical conduct to high-ranking positions. What do these appointments reflect about McDonnell and the hopes of many people that he could clean up the department? (“Two L.A. sheriff’s officials promoted to high ranks despite histories of serious discipline,” May 1)

Well, let’s start with some big-time disappointment and the question of whether McDonnell is fit to command. Next, we have to consider whether the community, the district attorney, judges and investigative agencies will have any confidence in reports and testimony by these promoted officers. And what about the confidence of the officers who will serve under them?

I respectfully suggest that the Los Angeles County grand jury explore how the sheriff made his decisions and determine whether or not he was subjected to any outside influence. In any case, McDonnell’s honeymoon is over.

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Ralph Steele, Ojai

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To the editor: The sheriff’s promotion of two deputies with serious disciplinary records will only further erode trust in the department.

These deputies were not disciplined for petty infractions; one caused a man to become paralyzed (and cost the county $4.25 million), and the other falsified official records. The actions of these deputies go to the core values of fairness, integrity and restraint we should expect from law enforcement.

The deputies should not be promoted. They should be fired.

Betsy Handler, Pacific Palisades

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