"The policy says "press releases, advisories, public statements, social media content, and any direct outreach to the BOS or their staff" must be "reviewed, approved and coordinated" before being released publicly or sent to other county officials."
"The policy says the change "ensures that messaging aligns with County priorities, protects sensitive relationships, and maintains a unified public voice.""
"Eric Miller, a member of the Sybil Brand Commission, which conducts inspections and oversight of L.A. County jails, said the policy is the latest example of the county "attempting to limit the oversight of the Sheriff's Department.""
"Michael Kapp, communications manager for the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors, said in an email that he personally drafted the policy shortly after he started in his position in July and discovered there "was no existing communications guidance whatsoever for commissions and oversight bodies.""
L.A. County enacted a communications policy on Sept. 11 that requires oversight commissions and similar bodies to submit many public communications to the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors for review and approval. The policy covers press releases, advisories, public statements, social media content, and any direct outreach to the Board or their staff, and aims to align messaging with county priorities and protect sensitive relationships. Oversight officials and civil rights advocates warn the policy may limit independent oversight of the Sheriff’s Department and impede public communication about jail conditions. The communications manager said the guidance was drafted after finding no prior communications guidance for oversight bodies.
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