This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

Baca Says He Will Retire At End of January

From City News Service

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca announced today that he will retire as head of the beleaguered Sheriff's Department at the end of January.
  
"I've been proud and honored to serve the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the people of this greatest of counties, Los Angeles County, for the past 48 years," Baca said, his voice occasionally cracking with emotion.

"I can't even imagine anyone working 48 years at anything, but I've done that, which has made this decision in my life probably the most difficult."
  
Baca, 71, was first elected in 1998 and was facing a tough re-election campaign this year for his fifth term, including a challenge from one of his former deputies.
  
He denied that his decision to step down was prompted by the possibility of federal charges against him. Eighteen current and former deputies were recently indicted on a variety of charges, including mistreating jail inmates.
 
"My decision is based on the highest of concern for the future of the sheriff's department," Baca said.
  
He said he was recommending that the Board of Supervisors appoint Assistant Sheriff Terri McDonald to oversee the department once he steps aside.
  
Baca hailed members of the Sheriff's Department for helping bring crime to record lows.
  
"They have conducted themselves with the utmost integrity and professionalism resulting in yet another year of historic crime reductions in nearly half a century. In my opinion, your Sheriff's Department is the greatest law enforcement agency in the world. I want to thank the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for their hard work, dedication and their daily sacrifices to serve the great people of this county. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say we love the people of this county, and we do it every day without exception. And to the people of the county, I extend my deepest gratitude for you allowing me to serve you for the past 48 years."
  
He later added: "I may have run 70,000 miles in my lifetime, but i know I'm 72 years old in May and I don't see myself as the future, I see myself as part of the past.''

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.