The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) is grappling with a severe mental health crisis, marked by at least 13 suicides among current and recently retired employees since 2023. The crisis is exacerbated by deputies being required to work mandatory double or triple shifts, which has pushed many to their limits.
Retired LASD Captain Mike Bornman has attributed the crisis to a combination of poor leadership, lack of support, and severe understaffing. He believes these factors are driving deputies to the brink, creating a toxic work environment that affects their mental well-being.
The department is aware of the issue and has outlined steps to support mental health among its staff. These measures include providing 24/7 psychological services and implementing a pilot wellness program aimed at offering additional support to deputies…