Supervisors Fire L.A. Probation Chief

Los Angeles County Probation Department Chief Adolfo Gonzales was ousted by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday in a unanimous vote. The decision comes on the heels of multiple controversies and scandals, including the violent restraint of a juvenile that was captured on video in 2020. It was later revealed that Gonzales overrode an internal disciplinary board’s recommendation to fire one of the officers involved.

The Probation Oversight Commission, which had previously called for Gonzales’ resignation, applauded the board’s move.

“We appreciate this necessary step toward our efforts to bring stability for all stakeholders of the L.A. County Probation Department and to achieve real reform for the youth and adults impacted and served by the Department,” the commission said.  

This is only the beginning, according to supervisors. They have vowed larger structural reforms to address what Supervisor Hilda Solis called a “serious culture issue and lack of leadership within the department.”

Gonzales’ ouster leaves another controversial figure, Chief Deputy Karen Fletcher, in charge of the department temporarily. Her resignation was also called for by the Probation Oversight Commission last month.