The Los Angeles County Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence (CCJV) has recently launched a public website (http://ccjv.lacounty.gov), hired an Executive Director, brought a General Counsel on board, and approved a timeline that provides for a process to include public hearings and the issuance of a public report later this year.

In addition to the Commission’s Executive Director and General Counsel, a team of 15 pro-bono lawyers from several local law firms have agreed to serve as Deputy General Counsel, in a model similar to that of the Christopher Commission, and will be heading investigatory teams. Complete background information on the CCJV Commissioners and staff is available on the Commission website at http://ccjv.lacounty.gov.

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This past week, Commissioners and staff have begun visits to County jail facilities, which will continue into March. Additionally, and at the direction of the full Commission, a sub-committee is creating a process for community engagement and public outreach. Anyone interested in attending or learning more about the Commission’s upcoming meetings or these community forum events can “subscribe” to the Commission’s website for updates.

“Our mandate is not simply to review allegations of inappropriate use of force by Deputies in our jails, but also to restore public confidence in the integrity and constitutional operation of our jails. Community engagement, education and outreach is an integral part of that endeavor,” said Commission Chair Lourdes Baird.

“The Commissioners are committed to an open and accessible process that includes a vehicle for informing and engaging community members who are deeply concerned about allegations of violence in our jails. We recognize that public perceptions matter and are vitally important for the Commission to hear and consider as our work continues in the months ahead,” said Miriam Krinsky, the Commission’s Executive Director.