The Justice Department has announced a settlement with San Luis Obispo County to address conditions at the county jail that were found to violate federal laws, including the Eighth and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This agreement comes after findings highlighted deficiencies in confinement conditions.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada stated, "Safeguarding civil rights is core to American values," emphasizing that the agreement aims to enhance safety and civil rights for those incarcerated at the facility. The agreement mandates reforms in several areas such as suicide prevention, restrictive housing, use of force, and quality assurance.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Civil Rights Division noted improvements since their investigation began but acknowledged more work is needed for full constitutional compliance. She mentioned that "strong remedial provisions" included in the agreement should lead to improvements in key areas if fully implemented.
Key components of the agreement include measures to protect inmates at risk of suicide, limiting isolation for those with serious mental illness, ensuring staff use of force complies with constitutional standards, and implementing a quality assurance program. A lead expert will be appointed to monitor compliance and provide technical assistance, issuing public reports every six months.
The investigation into San Luis Obispo Jail started in October 2018 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) and ADA. Findings were communicated to the county in August 2021 along with necessary remedial measures.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Barragan led this investigation alongside the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. The division continues its focus on unconstitutional conditions across various correctional facilities nationwide.
Further information about these efforts can be found on the Justice Department's website.