Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Citizen Commission: Chaos Reigns Inside LA County Jails

The Los Angeles Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence held its final public meeting today before it issues its findings to the LA County Board of Supervisors next month. The Commission has been tasked with responding to rising concerns regarding allegations of inappropriate use of force inside LA County jails. Last week, the Commission heard from Sheriff Lee Baca and Undersheriff Paul Tanaka who both denied knowing the extent of deputy-inflicted inmate abuse. During the day’s hearing, leaders from the Sheriff’s union testified that morale among deputies at LA County jails was at an all-time low and that inmates had begun to take advantage of new, ACLU-inspired regulations. Pacifica KPFK’s Ernesto Arce has more from Los Angeles.