An Los Angeles County supervisor is calling for a comprehensive study of secret deputy cliques in the sheriff's department.
"We'd hoped this would have ceased, but evidently we have to root it out," said Supervisor Hilda Solis told KNX reporter Claudia Peschiutta.
Her own motion notes this problem has been going on for decades and cost the county a lot of money in legal payouts.
Seven East Los Angeles deputies, who've accused some of their colleagues of abuse and retaliation, have legal claims pending against the county.
Former Sheriff Jim McDonnell last year launched an inquiry into gang-like groups in the department.
"It just died. I'm not saying anyone stopped it but we had a transition and election and it just didn't continue. I'm sure the new sheriff is aware of that and if he isn't I'm sure he will be now," Solis said.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva has not responded to KNX's request for comment.
The Board of Supervisors is due to take up Solis' motion at its next meeting.