A federal judge in San Diego has given the green light to a significant settlement mandating extensive reforms within the Sheriff’s Office regarding jail conditions for individuals with disabilities. This ruling follows a lawsuit filed in 2022, which alleged pervasive violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) across the county’s jails.
The lawsuit highlighted severe shortcomings in the facilities, asserting that none of the jails complied with ADA guidelines. Among the troubling accusations were instances in which deputies failed to provide necessary accommodations for disabled individuals. Notably, a deaf man struggled to receive a sign language interpreter during a mental health crisis, while others with physical disabilities faced injury attempting to navigate non-compliant toilets, showers, and bunk beds.
U.S. District Judge Anthony Battaglia formally approved the settlement on Monday, although both parties reached a preliminary agreement in December after nearly 18 months of discussions. This settlement is part of a broader class-action lawsuit addressing multiple concerns regarding jail conditions.
As outlined in the agreement, the Sheriff’s Office is committed to upgrading essential facilities to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Improvements will include enhancements to showers, toilets, and beds, alongside guaranteeing access to necessary equipment such as wheelchairs and CPAP machines. Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office will provide appropriate assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities.
A release issued last December indicated that several improvements were already in progress—including the establishment of a specialized ADA unit tasked with overseeing the renovation of facilities. This unit is also expected to reform policies to better identify individuals with disabilities and facilitate the provision of required accommodations, such as assistive devices.
Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez expressed appreciation for the effort invested in achieving a mutually agreed-upon resolution. Although the settlement does not equate to a consent decree, the Sheriff’s Office has affirmed its commitment to adhering to all terms established in the agreement.
Two independent specialists will be responsible for monitoring compliance within the jails and will provide reports twice a year. Judge Battaglia will maintain oversight of the case to enforce adherence to the settlement requirements.
Gay Grunfeld, the lead attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed optimism about collaborating with Sheriff Martinez and the ADA unit to achieve compliance with federal and state disability legislation. She asserted that the settlement—once executed fully—would enhance the safety and dignity of all incarcerated individuals, ensuring that those with disabilities are treated with the respect they deserve.
Despite this significant progress, seven other claims within the class-action lawsuit remain unresolved. These unresolved issues include allegations regarding shortages in medical and mental health care, inadequate safety measures, insufficient dental services, and over-incarceration concerns, particularly affecting people of color.
During a recent hearing, attorneys representing the county urged Judge Battaglia to dismiss the majority of the outstanding claims, arguing that the plaintiffs had not adequately demonstrated systemic issues within San Diego jails. In response, the plaintiffs contended that the identified deficiencies are institutional, and the Sheriff’s Office has been aware of them for an extended period.
Judge Battaglia characterized the case as one of considerable scope and indicated that a ruling would be delivered promptly. A favorable decision for the plaintiffs could pave the way for additional settlements in order to avert a lengthy trial.
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