L.A. County’s Oversight Bodies Face New Restrictions on Communications
L.A. County’s watchdogs are raising concerns about a new policy that requires them to seek approval from the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors before releasing certain types of communications to the press and public. The policy, enacted on September 11, mandates that oversight officials send press releases, advisories, public statements, social media content, and direct outreach to the Board of Supervisors or their staff for review and approval before release.
The policy aims to “ensure that messaging aligns with County priorities, protects sensitive relationships, and maintains a unified public voice.” However, some oversight officials and civil rights advocates argue that the policy improperly limits their rights to communicate, including with other members of local government. Eric Miller, a member of the Sybil Brand Commission, which conducts inspections and oversight of L.A. County jails, expressed concerns that the policy is an attempt to limit the oversight of the Sheriff’s Department.
Background and Concerns
Michael Kapp, communications manager for the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors, drafted the policy after discovering that there was no existing communications guidance for commissions and oversight bodies. He stated that the goal of the policy is to ensure stronger, more effective communication between oversight bodies, the public, and the Board of Supervisors. However, Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, called the policy “troubling” and argued that it appears to allow the county to dictate the message of oversight bodies.
The policy has sparked concerns among oversight officials, who question the timing of its enactment, coming after a series of negative headlines, scandals, and hefty legal payouts to victims of violence and discrimination by law enforcement. Long-time Los Angeles Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission Chair Robert C. Bonner was recently forced out of his position, and former commission Chair Sean Kennedy resigned in February after a dispute with county lawyers.
Long-time Los Angeles Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission Chair Robert C. Bonner presides over the commission’s meeting at St. Anne’s Family Services in Los Angeles on June 26, 2025. Bonner says he has since been forced out of his position as chair.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Reactions and Implications
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta announced this month that his office is suing L.A. County and the Sheriff’s Department over a “humanitarian crisis” that has contributed to a surge in jail deaths. The lawsuit cites findings from the Sybil Brand Commission, which exposed poor conditions and treatment inside county jails, including vermin and roach infestations, spoiled food, and insufficient mental health treatment for inmates.
Hans Johnson, the Civilian Oversight Commission’s chair, made fiery comments about the policy, calling it “reckless,” “ridiculous and ludicrous.” He stated that the policy “represents one of the most caustic, corrosive and chilling efforts to squelch the voice of this commission, the office of inspector general and the Sybil Brand Commission.” Johnson emphasized that the commission “will not be gagged.”
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