COUNTYWIDE : Sheriff Responds to Racism Claims

Responding for the first time to claims of racial discrimination in his department, Ventura County Sheriff John V. Gillespie said his staff has investigated all recent allegations of racism and believes “we are doing the right thing regardless of claims to the contrary.”

In an open letter to department employees, Gillespie said: “Each allegation has been investigated. Some have been based on fact, others have been without substance. Of those found to be factual, discipline or a change in procedure has resulted.”

Sheriff officials said Monday that two deputies have been punished in the past seven months. One deputy received two letters of reprimand for making a racial remark and selling a knife with the Ku Klux Klan insignia to another deputy, officials said. Another deputy who made a racial remark was suspended for 10 days and received a disciplinary transfer, they said.

Department officials declined to provide more details.

Eleven black deputies filed claims two weeks ago against the county, complaining of racist and sexist behavior by colleagues and supervisors. The alleged behavior ranged from derogatory jokes to a death threat.

The claims, which seek damages of more than $7.5 million, also cite discriminatory practices in hiring, promotions, performance evaluations and salaries.

Last week the department appointed a minority affairs officer to head a committee to investigate allegations of discrimination in the department. But three of the 11 black deputies called the move inadequate and said an outside investigator should be hired to look into their allegations.

“I am sustained through these times by a supportive electorate, and by knowing that we are doing the right thing regardless of claims to the contrary,” Gillespie said in the March 27 letter. “I am further immensely bolstered by nearly 1,000 great employees who continue to earn tremendous public support daily.”