This lawsuit charges that the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) violated California's Right to Know Act, also known as SB 1421, which gives the public the right to access certain records relating to police misconduct and serious uses of force.
We filed this suit on behalf of three individuals — Demetra Johnson, Vinny Eng, and Zachary Wade — all of whom had family members killed by LASD deputies. They've not received vital records on the deaths of their loved ones and on the deputies who pulled the triggers.
Under the law, law enforcement agencies must answer a request for records within 10 days. The agency can ask for an extension of an additional 14 days, but by then must produce the records or explain why they are not making them available. LASD has provided no records.
The lawsuit asks that the LASD be forced to follow the law and provide all records that are lawfully requested.
