![Rosario "Tony" Coleman](https://ppoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/RosarioColeman-231x300.jpg)
PPOA Second Vice President
Custody Assistant, LASD
tcoleman@ppoa.com
What’s in a name? In the case of Custody Assistant — what can they do or what can they not do? It depends on whom you ask, when you ask and what you ask.
Many will tell you, “We do not assist!” That is a fact. The position is direct contact and hands-on when needed, with the expectation to respond, react and report, and is subject to discipline if there is a failure to take action in any of the aforementioned scenarios.
I was once asked by an attorney if we were disciplined differently than deputies. I replied no, and explained that depending on the findings in the matter, the discipline could be more. He seemed surprised.
The bottom line is, we have far surpassed any initial concept of the position. The Department changed the policy on C/As and inmate contact in 2002. I had been on for four years at that point, hearing the echoing statement, “We’re not supposed to have inmate contact.”
Was there ever a meet and confer on the matter? Did the Department approach PPOA? It was a change in our working conditions, which is part of our MOU. The same can be said for equipping the position with handcuffs and OC spray. That was before my time as a delegate or Board member; however, the questions can be asked: Why was it necessary, and who made that decision? And now how relevant is the title “Custody Assistant”?
We are sworn in as Correctional Officers. Our certificates state Correctional Officers. Even the term “jailer” is more definitive and universally recognized, not just a “nickname” as one Captain referred to it during a recent presentation. It is time to address this and have an honest discussion about C/As overall.
Jumping to body-worn cameras; this is another item likely being added within Custody. With the advent of more work, more responsibility and more data collection, this tool may present more problems than solutions.
PPOA has had two meetings with the Department regarding body-worn cameras within Custody. We will continue to meet and confer on this topic and will continue to fight against any of its adverse impacts to your working conditions.
Thankfully, a positive note to report: Academy Class #112 graduated on July 18 with 24 recruits, the most in recent classes. Hopefully the size of the class is not a blip but an upward trend. We need the bodies.
Class #112 was also the final class of Drill Instructor Sharon Garay. In her tenure, she has had a hand in the leadership and development of over 1,000 C/As across more than 34 classes. Her care, tutelage and dedication over the years, not to mention her personality and being one of the “good ones,” will be missed. You do not replace individuals like that; you lean on their legacy and try to maintain the standard they set.
Thank you, Officer Garay, for your service. It is immensely appreciated.
![](https://ppoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Rosario-Tony-Coleman-whats-in-a-name-Drill-Instructor-Sharon-Garay.jpg)