Los Angeles Sheriff Says He Will Not Enforce Vaccine Mandate For His Department

This is an interesting situation, because the elected Sheriff is the highest constitutional officer in Los Angeles County.  While city/county administrators can attempt to make life miserable for LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva, the dynamic of enforcement is another kettle of fish entirely.

According to CBS local, “In early August, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously ratified an executive order requiring all county employees, regardless of department, to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1, with exemptions only for medical and religious purposes.”

Additionally, a county mandate went into effect midnight Thursday, requiring proof of at least one dose of the vaccine to enter bars, clubs, breweries, and attend events such as concerts, sporting events and theme parks. Proof of full vaccination will take effect Nov. 4, with enforcement mechanisms still not determined.

LA Sheriff Villanueva said, in a Facebook live post on Thursday, he will not enforce the mandate for his department with roughly 18,000 employees. WATCH:

(Los Angeles) […]  “No, I’m not forcing anyone,” he said in response to a question regarding whether he would enforce the mandate for his deputies. The issue has become so politicized. There are entire groups of employees that are willing to be fired and laid off for having to get vaccinated. So, I don’t want to be in a position to lose 5% or 10% of my workforce overnight over a vaccine mandate, while at the same time, I’m barebones with the funding effort. This is like the worst of two worlds right here. So we have to pick and choose.”

The issue of vaccine mandates has proved a divisive one among law enforcement agencies and fire department personnel. Last week, a Los Angeles Times report found that vaccination rates among L.A. police and fire department employees were well behind L.A. County residents. (read more)