Dec. 23—A settlement agreement between the California Department of Justice and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office was met with mixed reactions the day after its announcement.
The agreement requires KCSO to enact an extensive list of reforms over the next five years aimed at ensuring the d
A settlement agreement between the California Department of Justice and the Kern County Sheriffâs Office was met with mixed reactions the day after its announcement.
The agreement requires KCSO to enact an extensive list of reforms over the next five years aimed at ensuring the department protects citizensâ constitutional rights and treats individuals with respect and dignity.
After a four-year investigation into the Sheriffâs Office, the state DOJ determined the department had engaged in a pattern of constitutional violations involving improper use of force, unreasonable searches and seizures and inadequate management. The DOJ also alleged KCSO violated state law in its use of deadly force against individuals with disabilities, failure to provide equal employment opportunities and its handling of civilian complaints.