Judge Inspects Conditions at Jail
- Share via
A federal court judge spent three hours Wednesday inspecting conditions at the downtown Men’s Central Jail, which some observers say is so antiquated and overcrowded that it’s putting inmates at risk.
U.S. District Court Judge Dean D. Pregerson had been asked by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California to inspect the jail, at which the group alleges overcrowding contributed to a series of riots this year.
The ACLU has asked Pregerson to help the county devise a plan to reduce overcrowding and increase the number of deputies assigned to the jail, which houses about 5,500 inmates.
Sheriff’s officials say they’ve already taken significant steps to improve conditions and do not think the jail is overcrowded.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
