POLICY PRIORITIES
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
PUBLIC SAFETY / BACKGROUNDS
Karla plans to address this issue by following the positive approach instituted by the California Highway Patrol. Facing an unprecedented staffing crisis, CHP used contract services for background investigations into candidates which was more efficient and cut cost, resulting in CHP meeting their hiring goals. By transitioning to outsourcing the background investigations, LASD could move those deputies to positions where a badge and gun is needed. With the Summer 2028 Olympics fast approaching, hiring needs to be ramped up.
RESERVE PROGRAM / SOLVING CRIMES
- Los Angeles County is an expensive place to live, work and conduct business. It is understandable why it would make no sense for people to want to give up their precious time for free as a Reserve Deputy. Karla will explore making the Reserve Program an hourly paid program to be able to recruit part-time reservists who are currently Police Officers and Police Investigators elsewhere or retired personnel, to work for the department. Allowing reserve deputies to conduct follow up investigations on matters that currently LASD does not have the personnel to investigate, would allow LASD to solve more crimes and bring justice to victims of crime.
CONTRACTS / STAFFING
Since sworn personnel often work double shifts (16 hours a day) for day-to-day operations, Karla will review and abort from any contracts LASD cannot fulfill due to personnel shortages. LASD should not be in contracts in bad faith with cities equipped with their own police departments, who have sports arenas, when LASD knows LASD is having trouble covering patrol shifts in contract cities and non-incorporated areas of LA County. LASD needs to focus on first prioritizing the basic services to the unincorporated areas and contract cities who rely on LASD for police services.
FRIVOLOUS LAWSUITS / TRANSPARENCY
Los Angeles County must strengthen its legal posture by hiring attorneys with a demonstrated record in defeating frivolous claims. The longstanding practice of quietly settling meritless government claims / lawsuits will come to an end. LASD will safeguard taxpayer dollars by vigorously working with the County Board of Supervisor's and County Counsel in defending against baseless actions and, when appropriate, pursuing countersuits against individuals who attempt to exploit a system that has too often rewarded payouts over truth.
As county resources grow increasingly strained, the public deserves full transparency. Every dollar spent on unnecessary settlements or outside contract counsel is a dollar diverted from essential public-safety services and vital community programs. Under new leadership, LASD will champion accountability, protect public funds, and ensure that disputes are resolved in courtrooms—where juries can hear the facts and render a fair decision—rather than through avoidable settlements.
JAILS
LASD is in dire need of a new, centralized jail with the most up to date technology available, to reduce assaults in the jails and ensure inmates are living in humane conditions. Los Angeles County has not built a new jail since 1995 and its current jails are aging, resulting in lawsuits. Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States and as a result, violent criminals awaiting trial will always need to be housed in county jail. This need will never change regardless of the “Care First, Jails Last” approach. Given that most violent criminals spend years before going to trial, it is imperative the county invests in its jails to protect inmates and employees.
Let’s Build a Safer Los Angeles Together
Support Karla Carranza’s vision for a Sheriff’s Department that leads with integrity, compassion, and transparency. Whether you can volunteer your time, host an event, or contact local businesses you shop at to post a campaign flyer, your contribution makes a safer future possible for everyone.