EXECUTIVE OFFICE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES MEMBERS OF THE BOARD EXECUTIVE OFFICE UDA sous BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Men er oa KENNETH HAHN HALL OF ADMINISTRATION 800 WEST TEMPLE STREET. ROOM 363 SHEA KUEHL LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90012 fee fa) CELIA ZAVALA (213) 974-1411 » wrww.bes lacounty. gov EXECUTIVE OFFICER KATHRIN BARGER August 13, 2019 Via U.S. Mail and Email: Tkmuraka@lasd.org Timothy K. Murakami Undersheriff, Office of the Sheriff County of Los Angeles 211 West Temple Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dear Undersheriff Murakami: Thank you for your August 12, 2019 letter to the individual members of the Board of Supervisors (the "Board"), The Board appreciates the personal notification regarding the serious allegations of potential criminal conduct perpetrated by current and former members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (the “LASD"), as well as other ancillary agencies, such as the Office of Inspector General (the "OIG"). The references in your letter to a variety of potential crimes are very troubling, and the Board takes these allegations against the LASD and other agencies very seriously. The Board also understands that you are only at the initial stages of the investigation and currently are not making any direct or inferred assertions. Moreover, while the Board appreciates that the Sheriff has recognized the importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety by recusing himself from this investigation, the Board believes it is imperative and just as important that the LASD recuse itself from any Portion of this investigation to avoid even the appearance of bias. The Board knows you can appreciate the apparent conflict of interest and the inappropriate message it sends to the community to have the LASD investigate the OIG, given that OIG's sole purpose is to monitor and investigate the LASD. Similar to the sentiment you expressed in your letter, the Board sincerely values its Felationship with the LASD and the respective roles we play in serving the public that counts on us. As a result, the Board believes it is essential that the Federal Bureau ofUndersheriff Murakami August 13, 2019 Page 2 Investigation, the California Attorney General, or another independent third-party investigative agency engage in this investigation to ensure objectivity and impartiality Until then, the Board finds it premature to reassign anyone from their current duties. However, the Board reserves the right to address any personnel matters at a later time when more specific information is provided by the third-party investigative agency. ‘Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please let me know when you are available to discuss this matter further, specifically the engagement of a third-party investigative agency. Your continued dedication and service to the residents of Los Angeles County are greatly appreciated. Celia Zavala Executive Officer