News Summary
Merrick Bobb, a prominent figure in advocating for police oversight in Los Angeles, has died at 79. Known for his dedication to civilian accountability in policing, Bobb’s influential career impacted law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles and Seattle. Despite facing health challenges, he remained committed to reform initiatives until his passing. His funeral is set for September 5, and donations are encouraged for humanitarian causes like Doctors Without Borders.
Los Angeles – Merrick Bobb, a leading advocate for police oversight in Los Angeles, has passed away at the age of 79. Bobb died on Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, with his declining health noted in recent years. His children, Matthew and Jonathan, confirmed the news of his death.
Bobb, a long-time resident of Los Feliz for over 40 years, leaves behind four grandchildren. Known for his intellect, he was fluent in several languages and had a distinguished career focused on law enforcement oversight, advocating for civilian accountability in policing.
Recognized as one of the pioneers in this field, Bobb’s work spanned several major law enforcement agencies, including those in Los Angeles and Seattle. Despite being paralyzed due to Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune condition he contracted in 2003, Bobb remained dedicated to advocating for reforms in police policies and practices.
Early Influences and Career
Bobb’s commitment to justice was shaped by the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which instilled in him a belief in equity and inclusivity. His interest in law began while he was a student at the University of California, Berkeley, in the 1970s. A notable incident with an Oakland police officer while driving served as a catalyst for his future endeavors in police oversight.
From 1993, he served as special counsel to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for two decades. In this role, he provided semiannual reports, addressing various issues within law enforcement and advocating for critical reforms within the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. However, Bobb’s oversight faced scrutiny, resulting in his dismissal in 2014 with the establishment of the Office of Inspector General.
Impact on Law Enforcement
During the later part of his career, Bobb was appointed as the independent monitor of the Seattle Police Department from 2012 to 2020. His role came under a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, focusing on police reforms. Nevertheless, Bobb resigned in protest against the department’s excessive use of force against demonstrators.
In 2001, Bobb founded the Police Assessment Resource Center, which emphasized evidence-based policing practices. He also served as deputy general counsel for the Christopher Commission, tasked with evaluating excessive use of force by the LAPD following the Rodney King incident.
Education and Legal Career
Bobb graduated from Dartmouth College in 1968 and earned his law degree from UC Berkeley in 1971. Over his career, he worked at various private law firms from 1973 until 1996, gaining recognition as one of the top 50 lawyers in Los Angeles in 1996.
His sons described him as a compassionate individual who fostered personal connections with everyone he encountered. Bobb’s dedication to justice and reform served as an inspiration to many in the field of law enforcement oversight.
Funeral Services
In memory of Merrick Bobb, his funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on September 5 at Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to Doctors Without Borders, reflecting Bobb’s enduring commitment to humanitarian causes.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Merrick Bobb Death
- Wikipedia: Merrick Bobb
- Seattle Times: New Monitor for Seattle Police
- Google Search: Merrick Bobb Seattle police
- Washington Post: Police Monitor Seattle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Merrick Bobb
- Daily News: End LA County Contracts with Merrick Bobb
- Google News: Merrick Bobb

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