February 6, 2013

Seven Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies have been notified that the department intends to fire them for being members of a secret law enforcement clique that celebrated shootings and branded its members with matching tattoos, officials said.

The Times reported last year about the existence of the clique, dubbed the Jump Out Boys and the discovery of a pamphlet that described the group’s creed, which appeared to promote aggressive policing and portray officer shootings in a positive light.

The seven worked on an elite gang enforcement team.

The Sheriff’s Department has a long history of secret cliques with membership in the groups having reached the highest ranks of the department. In recent years, sheriff’s officials have sought to crack down on the groups, fearing that they tarnished the department’s image and encouraged unethical conduct.

In the case of the Jump Out Boys, sheriff’s investigators did not uncover any criminal behavior. But sources said the group clashed with the department policies.

Their tattoos, for instance, depicted an oversize skull with a wide, toothy grimace and glowing red eyes. A bandanna is wrapped around the skull. A bony hand clasps a revolver. Smoke would be tattooed over the gun's barrel for members who were involved in at least one shooting, officials said.

One member, who spoke to The Times and requested anonymity, said the group only promoted hard work and bravery. He dismissed concerns over the group’s tattoo, noting that deputies throughout the department get matching tattoos. He said there was nothing sinister about their creed or conduct. He read The Times several passages from the pamphlet, which he said, supported proactive policing.

“We are alpha dogs who think and act like the wolf, but never become the wolf,” one passage stated, comparing criminals to wolves. Another passage stated, “we are not afraid to get our hands dirty without any disgrace, dishonor or hesitation.”

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/02/sheriff-fires-gang-un...