Sheriff Lee Baca through the years

Sheriff Lee Baca waits in Gloria Molina’s outer office after the L.A. County supervisor summoned him for a meeting before his appearance before the entire board.   (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca is prepped by makeup artist Keesha Krebsbach for a Scientology video clip for inclusion in the annual L. Ron Hubbard birthday tribute.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff Lee Baca is quizzed by reporters on a jail melee before a news conference at Leo Politi Elementary School.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff Lee Baca is sworn in as sheriff of Los Angeles County at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and shares a light moment with former sheriff, Peter Pitchess.  (Anacleto Rapping / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff Lee Baca is sworn in as sheriff.  (Anacleto Rapping / Los Angeles Times)

Samira Hussein, left, of Gaithersburg, Md., listens as Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca testifies during a hearing on the radicalization of U.S. Muslims before the House Homeland Security Committee on Capitol Hill.  (Alex Wong / Getty Images)

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca leaves a news conference Tuesday after announcing his retirement at the end of the month.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff Lee Baca rides along Colorado Boulevard during the 125th Rose Parade in Pasadena.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff Lee Baca discusses the FBI arrest of 17 sworn members of the Sheriff’s Department in connection with a federal probe into activities at county jails.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Sheriff Lee Baca, left, looks at booking photos of burglaries suspects.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff Lee Baca tosses firearms into a pile, which were later melted down at TAMCO Steel in Rancho Cucamonga.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Lee Baca is sworn in as sheriff of Los Angeles County in 1998.  (Anacleto Rapping / Los Angeles Times)

Lee Baca is congratulated by friends and supporters after claiming victory in the Los Angeles County sheriff’s race.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Lee Baca poses with a group of supporters for a photo following his announcement that he is a candidate for sheriff.   (Rick Meyer / Los Angeles Times)