State Attorney General’s Office Sues Over ‘Inhumane’ Conditions at LA County Jails

The state Attorney General’s Office sued Los Angeles County and the sheriff’s department Monday alleging persistent unconstitutional and inhumane conditions inside the jail system, including lack of access to health care, rat and roach infestations and feces smeared on walls.

“We need comprehensive reform now, and that’s what this lawsuit is about,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said during a downtown Los Angeles news conference announcing the suit.

The legal action is the result of an investigation that began in 2021, and Bonta said the probe uncovered continued issues such as increasing inmate deaths despite a drop in the jail population, overcrowded facilities, inadequate or delayed access to medical and dental care, limited access to basic hygiene supplies such as soap, subpar plumbing and inadequate air conditioning.

“While the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff (Robert) Luna have made a number of reforms to patrol operations during the course of our investigation, they have remained obstinate on the issue of improving the unsafe and unconstitutional conditions at county jails,” Bonta said. “We’re going to court because we have no other choice — we will not let Los Angeles County continue to ignore its responsibility to the health, safety, and well-being of the individuals under its care.

“Los Angeles operates the largest jail system in the United States — and one of the most problematic. When we’re talking about feces smeared on the walls and medical care denied to those in need, we’re talking about a disrespect for the basic dignity of our fellow humans and a violation of their most fundamental constitutional rights. We’re confident the court will agree.”

The sheriff’s department on Monday issued a lengthy statement insisting that progress has been made in improving jail conditions and in meeting requirements of four existing federal settlement agreements relating to the jails.

“The complaint filed is based on outdated information and lacks support from any substantiated pattern or practice of unlawful conduct,” according to the department. “Further, many of the provisions have already been completed or are being addressed by existing department practices or ongoing federal settlement agreements.

“… The department has invested approximately $309 million in custody facility upgrades and operational improvements. These investments have supported a range of enhancements, including the hiring of additional custody professional staff, distribution of thermal undergarments, body worn cameras, expansion of scent detection K-9’s, closed circuit television systems, network infrastructure upgrades, water boiler replacement project, food programs, plumbing upgrades, cell and shower suicide prevention projects and the increase of custody-based programming and telehealth programs.”

Sheriff Robert Luna said the department has fully cooperated with the state investigation into the jail system.

“Despite ongoing challenges, including a rising inmate population and an aging Men’s Central Jail, our staff have remained committed to providing constitutional, humane care to those in our custody,” Luna said. “We are not waiting for mandates, we are proactively advancing reforms to build a safer, more accountable custody environment. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and confident in our ability to continue delivering meaningful change for our community.”