LA County Public Defender, Ricardo D. García has issued the following statement:

“The video exposing probation officers encouraging violence between detained youth is appalling. These actions by officers violate the duty of care owed to our youth and perpetuate a culture of violence rather than rehabilitation. No person should be exposed to this level of indifference and abuse.

Despite a broken beyond repair juvenile justice system, our public defenders zealously defend these youth everyday, crafting supportive release plans, and advocating for safe release into their communities.”