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Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

Sheriff Tanaka Explains 'Gray' Areas

After reports of misbehavior by deputies at Los Angeles County jails, the Supervisors have created a Citizens Commission on Jail Violence.  Last week former officers said high officials fostered a cultural of brutality . Sheriff Lee Baca's top aide, Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, was quoted as urging deputies to work "in the gray area."

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

After reports of misbehavior by deputies at Los Angeles County jails, the Supervisors have created a Citizens Commission on Jail Violence. Last week former officers said high officials fostered a cultural of brutality. Sheriff Lee Baca's top aide, Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, was quoted as urging deputies to work "in the gray area." That suggested to some that they could break the law while doing their jobs, and Tanaka has responded with a memo distributed throughout the department.

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

  • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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    Robert Faturechi

    ProPublica

  • KCRW placeholder

    Miriam Krinsky

    Los Angeles Citizens Commission on Jail Violence

    News
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