I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an unacceptable experience I had with…read moredeputies from the Lakewood/Bellflower Sheriff's Station. The incident involved an Asian deputy (identified as Deputy Lang) and a white male deputy (described as approximately 5'7", 200 lbs, with blonde hair and sunglasses).
While Deputy Lang conducted himself in a smart, professional, and courteous manner, the conduct of his partner--the blonde male deputy riding in the passenger seat--was entirely unacceptable and fell severely short of the standards expected of the department.
My specific grievances regarding the passenger deputy include:
Refusal to Identify: When requested, the deputy refused to provide his name and badge number, which is a direct violation of standard department policy regarding public accountability.
Negligent Demeanor: The deputy was not wearing his seatbelt either before or after our interaction, demonstrating a blatant disregard for basic safety laws and vehicle codes that he is sworn to enforce.
Dismissal of a Serious Threat: I attempted to report a life-threatening situation, to which the deputy dismissively stated that he "did not have time" and told me not to "waste his time."
As a tax-paying resident, I expect a basic standard of quality, urgency, and professionalism from public safety officers--especially when life-threatening matters are being reported. The lazy and dismissive attitude displayed by this individual is a liability to the community and a disservice to the professional standards demonstrated by his partner, Deputy Lang.
I request that Internal Affairs investigate this matter, identify the passenger deputy assigned to Deputy Lang during this shift, and take appropriate disciplinary action. I look forward to a response detailing how this matter will be addressed.
