Report 2021-113 Recommendation 26 Responses

Report 2021-113: Batterer Intervention Programs: State Guidance and Oversight Are Needed to Effectively Reduce Domestic Violence (Release Date: October 2022)

Recommendation #26 To: Los Angeles County Probation Department

To ensure that offenders are held accountable for complying with the conditions of their probation, Los Angeles Probation should, by April 2023, formalize and implement comprehensive policies and procedures for domestic violence case management that clearly describe the department's expectations for probation staff's compliance with state law.

1-Year Agency Response

In April 2023, the Los Angeles County Probation Department published formalized Domestic Violence policies and procedures (Directives 1491, 1492, and 1494) for caseload management. The policies clearly describe the department's expectations from probation staff, in compliance with state law.

After recent review of our policies, we recognized some inconsistencies in the language therefore, we will need to amend or current policies.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Partially Implemented

Los Angeles Probation has made significant progress toward implementing our recommendation. During our review of its policies, procedures, and program standards, we found inconsistencies regarding whether it allows offenders to have unexcused absences from the program. However, state law does not allow for unexcused absences. In speaking with Los Angeles Probation about our specific concerns, it recognized the need to revise portions of its policies and standards to ensure that probation officers and programs comply with state law. We look forward to reviewing Los Angeles Probation's progress toward implementing this recommendation during its next response.

All Recommendations in 2021-113

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.