Custody Support Services



Custody Support Services (CSS) is dedicated to providing administrative support to the nation's largest county jail in a manner that exemplifies our Department's Core Values. This unit is a vital resource for Custody Services Division - General Population and Specialized Programs. The unit also provides assistance to our patrol division station jails, our Risk Management Bureau and any other unit that requests our assistance. Custody Support Services is comprised of personnel from different ranks, job classifications, and experience. The unit is comprised of five teams. The teams work tirelessly to accomplish the mission of the unit and all members of each team work cohesively to complete assigned tasks.

The CSS Operations and Records Request Team is responsible for the day to day operations of Custody Support Services, as well as responding to all Discovery, legal, and California Public Records Act (PRA) requests within the custody divisions. The team is also responsible for processing Custody Identification Cards, tracking of vehicles within Custody Headquarters Division, maintaining and operating the Custody Division EOC, and liaisons with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The Operations and Records Request Team also completes Special Projects as directed.

The CSS Data and Force Analysis Team is responsible for collecting data from various Department and outside resources, which is used to analyze and determine custody-related trends within the Division. The data collected is often reported to Department, State and Federal authorities and includes, but is not limited to, use of force tracking, Average Daily Inmate Population (ADIP), Average Length of Stay (ALOS), booking and release counts, jail profile survey, annual reports, Sheriff's Critical Issues Forum (SCIF) presentations, and AB109 statistics. The Data and Force Analysis Team is often tasked with complex projects which requires them to work diligently to ensure requested information is provided within short time constraints.

The CSS Inspections Team is responsible for ensuring that all LASD custody facilities are in compliance with Department and division policy, as well as state and federal statutes. The team is the communication link between the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), as well as the Department of Public Health and other agencies. The team conducts annual command inspections of all custody facilities as well as 22 station jails, including Avalon Station on Catalina Island. The Inspections Team coordinates all State inspections, performs efficiency inspections of all custody and station facilities, and monitors department compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

The CSS Policy and Incident Review Team identifies and manages liability issues within both Custody Divisions. Team members document and review a variety of custody-related events and incidents. These include, but are not limited to, comprehensive reviews of in-custody deaths with an emphasis on policy and training, and reviews of critical inmate incidents such as inmate escapes, disturbances and riots. The Policy and Incident Review team is also responsible for writing and processing all Custody Division Manual additions and revisions, Custody Division Directives, and Informational Bulletins. This team also processes responses to Grand Jury and Department of Justice requests.

The CSS Research, Planning, and Development Team conducts research and makes proposals for long-term projects that can enhance the efficiency and operation of both Custody Services Divisions. These projects range from evaluating new products intended for inmate use or consumption to developing and reviewing safety equipment proposed for custody staff. The Research, Planning, and Development Team is responsible for examining pretrial services, legislative analysis, jail population management, Community-Based Alternatives to Custody (CBAC) and risk-based release practices.

CSS team members are highly respected within, and outside of, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Many team members go on to achieve recognition and advancement throughout their careers. From our professional staff to the unit commander, CSS personnel are relied upon to provide accurate and timely reports, complete in-depth and methodical research, and conduct fair and thorough inspections. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Custody Support Services; leaders, defined!