Since the last time we’ve spoken with Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, two state bills were introduced that would change the way the department operates.

One bill would impose a stricter standard for use of deadly force by an officer. Another bill would require that investigations into serious use-of-force by an officer, such as a police shooting, be disclosed. We get the Sheriff’s thoughts on these two bills, as well as other topics, including:

• The L.A. Times’ lawsuit that accuses the department of flouting open records laws
• Decreases in crime rates
• The movement to give the Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission subpoena power
• The state of mental and medical care in prisons, including the calls for mental health workers and better treatment of mentally ill inmates, and the resulting ramp up in hiring
• Women’s jails practices that could contribute to sexual abuse and the deputy charged with sexually assault six female inmates
• April child abuse awareness month

Have a question for Sheriff Jim McDonnell? Call us at 866-893-5722.

Guest:

Jim McDonnell, Sheriff, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; he tweets @LACoSheriff