Sherman Block


Sherman Block was the 29th Sheriff of Los Angeles County, California from January 1982 until his death. He was preceded by Peter Pitchess and succeeded by Lee Baca.

Biography

Block grew up in Chicago. Block was Jewish. He served in the Army for 3 years with service in Europe the Pacific during World War II. He majored in engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. He moved to Los Angeles and joined the Sheriff's Department in 1956, becoming the first deputy in the department to work his way through every rank to the top.
In 1962, while working as a Sheriff's deputy, Block arrested comedian Lenny Bruce for obscenity, namely using the term "schmuck" during a comedy routine.
During his tenure he became the highest paid elected official in the United States.
In the Live Action Video for Kids/Real Wheels video, "There Goes A Police Car", Block appeared at the end of the video to tell the viewers that police officers and deputy sheriffs are always there to provide safety for their communities. He also encouraged the viewers to visit a police or sheriff's station and practice using the 911 system only in emergencies.
He died during his campaign for re-election, which he was expected to win. He still obtained about one third of the vote, as Lee Baca's opponents wanted the County Supervisors to appoint his successor. Block's death broke the tradition of the incumbent Sheriff selecting his successor.
The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute was created in 1988. This is a program designed to simulate personal growth and leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors.
California Law Enforcement Officers who hold the rank of Sergeant are the individuals who get to attend this program.
His cousin is movie producer Berle Adams.