Factually! with Adam Conover

Criminal Gangs Run the Sheriff's Department with Jessica Pishko

Nov 20, 2024

Jessica Pishko, a lawyer and journalist, discusses the alarming unchecked power held by sheriff departments in the U.S. She emphasizes how this leads to widespread corruption, highlighting the existence of deputy gangs within the LA County Sheriff's Department. Pishko delves into the historical evolution of sheriffs, the complexities of accountability, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The conversation underscores the urgent need for police reform and grassroots advocacy to combat systemic issues within law enforcement.

01:07:56

Episode guests

Jessica Pishko

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Sheriff departments enjoy unchecked power due to their elected status, leading to widespread corruption and a lack of accountability in local law enforcement.

The presence of actual police gangs within sheriff's departments, particularly in LA, illustrates the systemic violence and intimidation that can arise from such unchecked authority.

Grassroots activism is crucial for reforming sheriff departments, empowering communities to challenge corrupt practices and promote accountability through organized political movements.

Deep dives

The Structure and Duality of Law Enforcement

The law enforcement system in America features a unique and complex structure, primarily involving both police departments and sheriff's departments. Police departments are usually led by appointed chiefs, while sheriff's departments are led by elected officials, creating a duality in accountability and operations. This setup often results in overlapping functions and a lack of standardized governance, leading to confusion regarding authority and responsibility. The historical roots of sheriffs are traced back to colonial times, which contributes to their unique standing and powers in local jurisdictions.

Intro

6min

The Evolution of the Sheriff's Office

18min

Corruption and Accountability in Sheriff's Departments

3min

Deputy Gangs: Law Enforcement's Dark Underbelly

15min

Systemic Issues in Law Enforcement

4min

Power Dynamics and Community Struggles in Law Enforcement

24min

The Ongoing Fight for Justice and Community Support

3min

When it comes to police reform, one of the most glaring and urgent issues is the unchecked power of sheriff departments. Once elected, sheriffs face almost no oversight and are nearly impossible to remove from office. This lack of accountability has led to widespread corruption, with some departments acting as though they’re above the law. Even more disturbing is the existence of actual police gangs, like those found within the LA County Sheriff’s Department, operating with impunity under this broken system. This week, Adam sits down with lawyer and journalist Jessica Pishko, author of The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy, to explore how sheriffs went from being iconic figures in the American imagination to becoming some of the most corrupt and dangerous forces in the country. Find Jessica's book at factuallypod.com/books

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