The Los Angeles County Sheriff's chief of staff has resigned following the revelation of his emails containing racists messages and mockery towards Muslims and women. The offensive emails were forwarded to people when he worked at the Burbank police department.
Jim McDonnell issued a statement on Sunday, confirming Tom Angel's decision to step down from his position, ABC News reported. McDonell described the emails "deeply troubling" and added he was not planning to immediately give him disciplinary actions.
The said controversial emails were forwarded from 2012 to 2013, while Angel was still in Burbank Police Department as a second-in-command.
One of the emails was about Mexican and black people, booking in prison cells. It says "I took my biology exam last Friday. I was asked to name two things commonly found in cells. Apparently 'Blacks' and 'Mexicans' were NOT the correct answers."
Another email, says, "towels for hats" for why "Muslim terrorists are so quick to commit suicide." It also stated, "You can't wash off the smell of donkey."
Following the issue, McDonnell said the incident reminds them and other law enforcement agencies that there are still a lot of work in order to make changes, KPCC reported. "I intend to turn this situation into a learning opportunity for all LASD personnel," McDonnell wrote. Angel said he was sorry if he offended anyone and never intended for the emails to become public.
The emails were released in the public in a Los Angeles Times report last week, in which the former chief of staff received criticisms, according to CBS News. McDonnell said he plans to turn the controversy into a lesson for all LASD personnel. He said he would introduce random audits of department email accounts.
The department will also examine its training and existing policies for "ensuring accountability and enhancing cultural and ethnic sensitivity and professionalism" among their personnel.
