EspañolSheriff’s Department Reportedly Gets $4 Billion Amid Horrid Conditions At Jails Across Los Angeles County
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (June 27, 2023) – Los Angeles County supervisors approved a $43.4 billion budged on Monday hoping it will help fix failing jails and juvenile halls.
The budget measures come as Los Angeles County jails set to face one of its deadliest years on record. Budget officials held a moment of silence in recognition of two teenagers who died in county custody in recent weeks.
Some board members called conditions at the jail “unconscionable.” According to Supervisor Kathryn Barger, “We are not providing quality care in our jails for those individuals that are of greatest need.”
Supervisors allocated $52.3 million in order to improve mental health services at the jails. Another $29.9 million was appropriated to move people with severe mental health conditions out of county jails.
Juvenile halls across LA have also been plagued by controversy. There have been dozens of videos posted to social media showing brutal beatings and inattentive deputies.
Liability for Inmate Mistreatment At LA Jails
Jails are supposed to be places of rehabilitation. But far too often they are where people go to be neglected and mistreated. As reported by the Prison Policy Initiative, “Prisons have been, and continue to be, dangerous places, exposing incarcerated people to unbearable physical and mental conditions.” Jails across Los Angeles County have a particularly bad reputation. There are a number of factors that can lead to poor inmate treatment.
- Privatization: It is common for jails to outsource numerous parts of their operations to for profit companies. These companies are incentivized to make money as opposed to providing inmates with the best care.
- Staff Shortages: Jails tend to have high turnover rates leaving many chronically understaffed. This can increase the odds that correctional officers will not be able to intervene in the event of fights or medical emergencies.
- Improper Training: Correctional officers must be well trained. But this does not always happen. Poorly trained officers are less likely to follow rules and procedures for keeping inmates safe.
Jails must do everything in their power to provide inmates with a reasonably safe environment. They also have a right to receive reasonably adequate care. Failing to give inmates adequate care is a deprivation of their constitutional rights. In particular, when a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. For example, a jail may fail to properly treat an inmate going through an opioid overdose. There are many steps that should be taken after any in custody incident.
- All jail records related to the incident should be reviewed.
- The inmate’s medical record should be understood.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be consulted.
A large number of inmate deaths and injuries are preventable. They are often the result of a general indifference to the plight of people at the very bottom rungs of our society. The family of any person that dies in custody may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. It is important to speak with an experienced civil rights attorney as early as possible. They can examine the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Civil Rights Violations In Los Angeles County Jails
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to all of the families of those who have lost someone in a Los Angeles County jail. It is our sincere hope that the new budget will help remedy some of the systemic issues plaguing these jails. But there still needs to be increased oversight to ensure that LA County jails are upholding the constitutional rights of inmates.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed while staying in a Los Angeles County jail? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. 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.
