The Legal Affairs Unit of the Los Santos County Sheriff's Office (LSCSO) serves as an internal department that handles all legal matters concerning the department and its employees. This unit typically has responsibilities including managing civil litigation, overseeing legal compliance, and providing legal guidance to officers and department staff. Here’s a breakdown of the key duties:

Litigation and Claims Management: The unit manages all civil litigation and legal claims brought against the department, whether related to misconduct allegations, use-of-force incidents, or employment disputes. They work with outside counsel and the county’s legal representatives to defend the department in court and coordinate settlements when necessary.

Policy and Legal Compliance: The Legal Affairs Unit ensures that the department’s practices comply with local, state, and federal laws. They review and recommend policy changes, assist with the interpretation of new laws, and monitor compliance with mandated standards.

Training and Advising: Legal Affairs may conduct training sessions for deputies and staff, covering legal updates, constitutional rights, proper use of force, search and seizure, and other legally sensitive topics. This helps officers understand the legal implications of their actions and protects the department from liability.

Internal Investigations Support: In some cases, the unit might support internal investigations, especially those involving complex legal issues. They advise on procedural fairness, disciplinary actions, and other internal matters requiring legal oversight.

Risk Management and Loss Prevention: To minimize the department’s exposure to lawsuits and liabilities, the Legal Affairs Unit works on risk management strategies. This can include analyzing previous cases, implementing new protocols, and promoting best practices across the department.