EspañolSurveillance Footage Shows Probation Officers Idly Stand By As Teen Is Assaulted At Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall In Downey
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (April 14, 2024) – A newly released video first obtained by the Los Angeles Times shows a series of youth detainees attacking another 17-year-old detainee, all while numerous probation officers stand by.
The incident took place on December 22, 2023 at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles. The 17-year-old detainee was attacked by multiple people in what was potentially a coordinated assault.
The victim was knocked to the ground on at least two occasions. There were at least five probation officers in the room during the attack. However, none of those officers intervened to stop the fight.
Sources told the LA Times that the officers involved were disciplined for allowing a detainee to be beaten and failing to intervene.
It was later revealed that the victim suffered a broken nose in the attack. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Assaults At Los Angeles County Jails
Jails and juvenile halls are supposed to be places of rehabilitation. But the truth of the matter is that they can still be incredibly dangerous. According to Mother Jones, “19% of all male inmates in US prisons say they’ve been physically assaulted by other inmates. 21% say they’ve been assaulted by prison staff.” There are a number of steps that both jails and youth detention centers should take in order to prevent inmates from being assaulted.
- All jail staff should receive comprehensive training on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
- All jails should understand the factors that contribute to victimization and predation.
- All jails should adequately monitor inmates as well as jail staff.
- All jails should make sure that they are adequately staffed to ensure that staff can respond to incidents and provide supervision.
Depending on the facts of any case, a jail or youth detention facility could be liable if an inmate is harmed during their stay. Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes attacks by other inmates. If jail officials are deliberately indifferent to a known risk of harm and knowingly fail to take action to prevent it, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of violence in a detention center.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records related to any assault should be preserved.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
Attacks at county jails are rarely isolated instances. They often involve an escalating series of events between one or more inmates. Jails are supposed to be proactive and take reasonable steps to prevent violence. But far too often this does not happen. Any person who is injured in a detention center may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Assaults At Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the assault at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents down the road.
Have you or someone that you love been injured at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to assist you in any way that we can. We care deeply that all detainees are aware of their rights and that detention centers are held accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to help you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
