EspañolLawsuit By The American Civil Liberties Union Prompts Release of La County Jail Surveillance Footage Showing Violent Use-Of-Force On Inmates
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (November 11, 2023) – Recently unsealed surveillance footage from Los Angeles County jails shows violent use-of-force by correctional officers towards inmates.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the footage was unsealed as part of a lawsuit brought on by the American Civil Liberties Union against the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.
The surveillance footage shows a number of disturbing incidents. One incident shows deputies applying a WRAP on an inmate. It functions similar to a straightjacket.
Other footage shows an inmate bleeding profusely after being struck in the head. A representative for the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department said that there have been fewer use-of-force incidents under the new sheriff.
Liability For Los Angeles County Inmate Abuse
Violence against inmates is an all too common occurrence at jails across Los Angeles County and the United States. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “19% of State prison inmates, 10% of Federal inmates, and 16% of those in local jails or on active probation told interviewers they had been physically or sexually abused before their current sentence.” There are a number of ways that inmates are commonly mistreated during their incarceration.
- Prison guards may strike suspects that are already restrained.
- Prison guards may place inmates in solitary confinement for prolonged periods.
- Prison guards may place inmates in illegal prone positions or choke-holds.
- Prison guards may fail to get inmates the medical care that they need.
All inmates have a constitutional right to live in a reasonably safe environment and be free from excessive use-of-force under the color of law. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of law, deprives someone of their rights afforded under the Constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
Abuse is much more likely to take place at jails that have little to no oversight. Overcrowding is also another major contributing factor. Correctional officers are supposed to report the abuse that they witness, but in far too many situations this never takes place. Any person that is injured due to the excessive force of law enforcement may have legal recourse through a constitutional claim.
Getting Legal Help After Abuse By Los Angeles County Prison Guards
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been abused by Los Angeles County correctional officers. There needs to be some accountability for what has taken place. State officials need to do their part and implement greater oversight at jails across Los Angeles County.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the excessive force of prison guards? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
