When Police Gangs Rule: The Disturbing Reality of LA’s Sheriff’s Department

In a viral video, award-winning journalist Cerise Castle (@yourmajestcee) discussed the violence and corruption imposed by Los Angeles County police and the inner workings of their gangs. You read that correctly - police gangs - with several active today.

In the interview, Castle said that there are around 18 police gangs active within Los Angeles County. ABC 7 News also confirmed and reported, “According to the special counsel's 70-page report, members of such deputy gangs as the Executioners, the Banditos, the Regulators, the Spartans, the Gladiators, the Cowboys, and the Reapers ‘run’' many of the county's patrol stations, as opposed to the sergeants, lieutenants, and captains ostensibly in charge.”

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has been the subject of public criticism in recent years, with allegations of widespread corruption and abuse of power. According to Rolling Stone, the LASD has been plagued by these secret deputy gangs for decades. The article describes how these gangs, which often use neo-Nazi imagery and symbolism, have engaged in various criminal activities, including excessive use of force, intimidation, and harassment of civilians.

LASD’s Sheriff Alex Villanueva has been accused of condoning and promoting deputy gangs. Villanueva has denied these allegations, but the evidence presented by whistleblowers and news outlets paints a troubling picture of his involvement. Upon investigating and exposing police gang practices, Castle was ridiculed by Villanueva, who “did an hour-long radio show where he just spent an hour bashing me and threatening me.” He also threatened that he would reveal Castle’s home address.

Let’s read that back one more time: A sheriff threatened to dox a citizen.

LASD insiders describe how the department has a long history of covering up misconduct, protecting officers who engage in abusive behavior, and retaliating against those who speak out.

Many of these gangs are based in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods, with a vast history of targeting these communities.

This situation is not solely ascribed to the LASD because police gangs exist throughout the country, but the allegations against LA’s police force are particularly concerning, given the history and magnitude of such corruption. According to Castle, 18-year-old Andres Guardado was killed by two members of a police gang called The Executioners. “The two deputies that shot him are alleged gang members who were trying to get into the gang because that's how you get in. You get in by killing a civilian,” Castle explained.

Sheriff Villanueva has shown little willingness to address these allegations and continues to defend the status quo.

Police serve a duty to uphold the law and protect the rights of all citizens. With the existence of police gangs, the very foundation of a democratic society is vastly compromised.

Addressing police misconduct and abuse of power requires a multifaceted approach with increased transparency, better training and oversight, and a more substantial commitment from law enforcement leaders to hold fellow officers accountable.

It is not in my usual taste to minimize optimism; however, I don’t feel that I’m alone in pondering, realistically, if peace and justice are even within a viable future.

At the rate that society continues with an already dwindling trust in cops, this is, unfortunately, America.