Los Angeles County’s Civilian Oversight Commission has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, seeking a court order to compel the release of records related to allegations of deputy misconduct. The suit, filed on June 15 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, concerns two incidents involving alleged beatings by deputies and a third involving a disputed on-duty shooting.

The commission’s legal action follows repeated efforts to obtain the documents, including the issuance of three subpoenas in February 2025. According to the lawsuit, the sheriff’s department has consistently refused to provide the records in full, citing their confidential nature and the need for redactions.

County officials have argued that the department must first “meet and confer” with Sheriff’s Department unions before releasing the records, a step they say is required by law. This position was initially articulated by the office of county counsel.

However, the Civilian Oversight Commission contends that these arguments no longer hold merit due to recent developments. In a court filing, the commission requested that the judge issue an order to show cause why the Sheriff’s Department should not be compelled to comply with the subpoenas.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the oversight body charged with monitoring law enforcement conduct and the sheriff’s department, which has defended its withholding of the records on legal and confidentiality grounds. The court’s decision on the matter will determine whether the commission gains access to the requested materials, which are seen as crucial for its investigative and oversight responsibilities.