LA County Sheiff Promises Jail Reforms

Blamed for failure to stop use of excessive force

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, blamed by an investigative commission for failing to stop excessive force in the nation's largest county jail system, said on Wednesday he would implement many of its suggested reforms but has no plans to step down.

The changes advocated by the Citizens Commission on Jail Violence last week included revamping how use-of-force cases are investigated and disciplined, better oversight and tracking of inmate complaints and the use of video cameras worn by deputies.

"I couldn't have written them better myself," Baca said of the commission's recommendations during a press conference at the Men's Central Jail, held before inmates and members of his command staff.