Press Release

Ricardo Cotwright, a 31-year veteran with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was recently promoted to the rank of Captain by Sheriff Lee Baca and assigned to the Transportation Bureau. In August 2002, Captain Cotwright was transferred to oversee the operations of the Court Services West Bureau.

Captain Cotwright's career with the Sheriff's Department began in February of 1970 when he attended the Sheriff's Training Academy. As a Deputy, he worked the Hall of Justice Jail, Civil Division, Lennox Station, and the Executive Planning Council Staff. In April of 1985, he promoted to Sergeant and worked the Inmate Reception Center and West Hollywood Station. He was promoted to Lieutenant in September of 1990. Since then, he has held positions at various units, such as Men's Central Jail and East Los Angeles Station. From September 1994 until April 1997, Captain Cotwright served as the Acting Chief of Police for the Department of Health Services Safety Police. He then went on to hold positions at Risk Management Bureau and the Recruit Training Bureau, where he served until March of this year, when he became the Acting Captain of Transportation Bureau.

Captain Cotwright earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science at California State University, Los Angeles, in 1977. He received a Master's Degree in Public Administration in June of 1981, then proceeded to earn a Juris Doctorate of Law in June of 1986.

Captain Cotwright was born in Los Angeles, California, and now resides in Culver City with his wife, Leonor Francis. He has two grown children: Antonia Leigh, a fourth-year medical student, and Ricardo, Jr., a sales representative.

In his leisure time, Captain Cotwright enjoys reading, movies, and the theater. He also finds time for weight lifting, jogging, and golf.

SHB-77A-02

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October 2, 2002