LA County Jails To Need Billion Dollar Renovation

Recent charges of inmate abuse and mistreatment could cost Los Angeles County $1.4 billion.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the County Board of Supervisors could be asked to approve the replacement of the downtown Men’s Central Jail and the addition of space to the LASD Pitchess Jail.

Law enforcement officials in LA County agree that out-of-date Men’s Central facility makes it challenging for guards to adequately supervise inmates.  The plan also proposes adding approximately 400 beds to the Pitchess Detention Center, which could help offset additional capacity being seen due to California’s recently approved prison realignment program.

Proponents of the expenditure, such as LA County Sheriff Lee Baca, say that annual operating costs would be reduced after the modernization and point out that construction costs are “historically low” due to the current state of the economy.  Opponents of the plan, such as Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, say that it should be up to the public, not elected officials, to decide whether to spend $1.4 billion in taxpayer money to fund the project.

Yaroslavsky said he believes looking at less costly alternatives, such releasing less-violent prisoners to home detention, or approving partial replacement/ renovation for the jails, should also be explored.

Supervisor Gloria Molina told The Times that although she’s wary as to the expense, that any and all construction plans should be “tied to jail management reforms”.   Among the ideas she’s proposed include having deputies outfitted with individual cameras while working within detention facilities.

 

---