LOS ANGELES — The civilian commission that oversees the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is launching an independent investigation into "deputy gangs" that have operated for decades.
The move represents a major step in efforts to scrutinize deputy cliques that have existed inside the department for decades and been linked to allegations of violence and corruption.
The investigation will be conducted by a team of heavyweight attorneys working pro bono, including at least six former federal prosecutors and two former federal public defenders, Sean Kennedy, chair of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, told The Times.
