Jails

Federal Judge Mandates Major Overhaul of San Diego Jails to Ensure Disability Compliance Following Landmark Settlement

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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 … Read more

Legal Battle Ignites Over Orange County Jail’s Alleged Negligence in Handling Inmate with Mental Health Issues

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Orange County, CA – Attorneys representing the father of Joshua Campos revealed concerning details about his treatment in Orange County jail, stating that despite his well-documented mental health issues, he was placed in the general population of the facility. Legal representatives argue that this decision disregarded established protocols for handling inmates with mental health problems, potentially exacerbating his condition and putting him at risk both for his own safety and that of others. Mental health advocates have long criticized such practices, pointing out that proper assessment and placement are crucial for the well-being of individuals … Read more

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Settles Lawsuit Over Detainee’s Suicide Amid Criticism of Jail’s Mental Health Policies

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Jacksonville, Fla. – A legal agreement has been finalized between Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, a corrections officer, and the grieving family of Esther Joy Truax, a woman who committed suicide while detained at the Duval County Pre-trial Detention Facility. The case, settled in December, emerged after multiple suicide attempts by Truax, highlighting ongoing concerns about inmate mental health management in correctional facilities. The lawsuit accused the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) of neglect and indifference towards Truax’s mental health, despite her documented history of suicide attempts and psychiatric struggles. Truax, who was 35 at the time … Read more

Multnomah County Jails in Crisis: Grand Jury Report Reveals Urgent Safety and Staffing Issues Amid Rising Inmate Deaths

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Portland, Oregon – A profound crisis is sweeping through Multnomah County’s jail system, compromising the welfare and safety of the public, according to a newly released corrections grand jury report. Following a series of inmate fatalities that commenced in 2022, the report sheds light on severe shortcomings in the local jails, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms. The inquiry, undertaken by seven grand jurors who inspected the county’s three jails and one prison over recent months, has pinpointed critical issues primarily stemming from staff shortages and outdated facilities. Corrections officers are compelled to work … Read more